NSW, AUS - Birds!

We were startled this morning by crazy birds flying into the window! Fortunately for us, we had the windows closed or they would have flown right onto the kitchen table. At one point, we had three of them hanging around and pecking at the windows.

After a bit of research, we learned these cockatoos are "common pests" around here. They can be relatively destructive, too. That seemed about right considering the amount they were pecking and clawing at the windows.

This certainly was a moment that reminded us just how far from home we truly are.

 

NSW, AUS - Costal Walk

Today we walked from Coogee up to Bondi.

This has easily taken the #1 spot of all the activities we've done. 

Basically, we bussed down to Coogee, and walked (mostly) along the coast up to The Icebergs. The views were breathtaking, and we had a great time climbing around on the sandstone. We really took our time walking and admiring. Start to finish, it was about a 3 hour tour. 

At one point, the path was closed due to the storms in early June 2016. We were disappointed to leave our costal path, but the detour turned out fascinating. It took us through the center of a cemetery. It was like none I had ever seen. Each resting place actually looked like a bed; the photo doesn't do it justice. 

 
It was a quick and interesting detour.

Then, we were back to more of the same- walking, climbing and admiring. And, we loved every bit of it! We spent a good bit of time watching the surfers trying to catch a wave, too. 

Our costal walk ended at Bondi Beach when we reached The Icebergs. 

It's a 50 meter, ocean-fed pool. There was no way I could pass on hopping in this one, even if it was 17C! The plunge in was freezing, enough to make Ryan reconsider his choice. But, he made it through 100m before calling it good. I swam another 300m through the waves crashing over the side. It was a great way to complete the costal walk. 

We finished our journey with a meal upstairs at The Icebergs. The food was okay, but the view was incredible! 

NSW, AUS - Taronga

Taronga was awesome!

It feels like it's own island. The path begins at the top of a very tall "hill", and gently loops down through all the animals. We loved the organization - African Safari loop, Australiam creatures, the Reptile exhibit, and a few more. 

The hands-down best was the Australian loop, specifically the koalas and kangaroos. This area was seemingly disappointing at first because I was heart-set on holding a koala. Apparently, they no longer allow that in NSW. However, it is possible in Queensland and Victoria (which has been noted for next time). The kangaroos were the redeeming part! They were basically free roaming along with wallabies and emus. If we had taken one single step off the path, we could have pet them. 

Aside from the obvious animal attractions, Taronga was hosting art for Vivid Lights. There was beautiful animal art all over the place! We weren't terribly impressed by our Vivid experience in the gardens, but I truly would love to see these animals lit up at night. 

 

The zoo was elaborate. It took us a solid four hours to make our was through. We were happy to have set aside the day to go. It was well worth the time (and money) spent. 

P.S. The nicest lady took our photo. Of course, there's a deck that over looks the city. They do plan well around here. 

NSW, AUS - The Bridge

Highlights:

The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

This was amazing! Over the course of 3 hours, we climbed 134 meters up the south arch onto the peak. We walked right across the top and came down the south arch. Our climb guide served as a wonderful tour guide of the city. We paused briefly for many informational points about the bridge construction itself to general life in Sydney. 

We learned the bridge was constructed over the course of 9 years. The plans were drawn up so construction could begin on both shores, and eventually, the arches would meet in the middle. The south arch would always be slightly ahead of the north so any corrections that were needed would be solved by the time they reached the same point on the north side. There are 6 million bolts holding the bridge together. In order to get hot bolts to the right spot on the bridge, a "cooker" would warm up the bolt on the ground, and literally toss it through the air to the "catcher" standing with a bucket onto of the bridge. These workers were on top of the bridge completely unharnessed! Even crazier, over the nine years of construction, only 16 people died. Further, only two of those people actually died for, working the construction of the bridge itself. 

Olivia pointed out various landmarks like the surrounding bay, the Blue Mountains in the distance and the nearby Navy bases.  Other random places were pointed out as well: the Prime Minester's house on the bay, the hotel celebrities frequent and the oldest residential building. 

We stopped for a few photos on the way up, the most picturesque shot is overlooking the heart of Sydney. It was an absolutely stunning view! 

After the climb, we grabbed some dinner and hung around Sydney to see Vivid Lights. Many of the big buildings were lit up- the Opera House and bridge had lights, too. 

We walked through the Botanical Gardens, which came highly recommended. In my opinion, the installment below was the best of that walk. In general, we weren't very impressed with the show.

NSW, AUS - Opera House

Highlights:

As we were seeking an adapter that actually worked, we stumbled in this very old and fancy mall. We explored, but didn't purchase anything.

After finding the adapter, we went in search of food and found the an adorable little art gallery. 

Our favorite pieces were those that looked like peacock feathers and dot art. 

After breakfast, we headed to the Sydney Opera House. 

The inside was beautiful, and the construction process was very interesting. Turns out it was the American on the judging panel that chose this design from the discard pile. The tour was a bit underwhelming, but it was very cool to get inside and look around this iconic structure. 

Last bit, unfortunately unpictured, was dinner at Daniel San. It was delicious! I give it the true #1 experience of the day. We shared two dishes: Korean Fried Chicken and Tokyo Fried Rice. Both were excellent, and we managed to eat with chopsticks only. 

NSW, AUS - We made it!

After 28 hours of travel, we arrived.

Our journey began out of Detroit, stopped in Dallas briefly, and hopped over to LAX. Then the long flight was upon us. It was scheduled to be about 14 hours in the air, but with a couple delays turned out to be closer to 17 before we landed in Sydney, Australia! 

Finally, we made it to the big city! 

A couple more quick rides - train to Circular Quay, and a ferry over to Manly - our journey finished. 

Oceanside. 

We stopped for delicious drinks (smoothie for me!) at Ground Zero. Then dropped our bags at the apartment before finding some actual food. 

Success! 

Ready. Set..

One week until we're in the air! 

Bags have been tested twice. 

Money is exchanged. 

Visas purchased. 

Everything on our checklist is done! 

Only 5 more days until school is out for summer, and we're on our way to Australia!