Day 3

Waking up this morning feeling slightly more rested was a relief to the entire group. With another busy day planned we were all eager to get out and explore more of Sydney. As the day progressed, I soon began to realize that the jet-lag has not completely worn off. First on the agenda today was to visit the Sydney Olympic Park, home of the 2000 Olympic Games. The place was absolutely enormous and you can tell that a ton of money on time went into this project. Sad thing about it now is it is only used ever now and again for local sporting events. The Aquatics Center that once held the fastest swimmers and best divers in the world now is the home of elderly water aerobics and the feeble attempts of children learning how to swim. It's sad to see something that was built for so many to enjoy now look like a desolate ghost town.

Sydney Olympic Park

Torch used in the 2000 games

Manly Beach

From the ghost town, we trained and bused our way back to the harbour where we jumped on a ferry that took us to a place called "Manly Beach". This is not quite like Muscle Beach in Venice although some of the people could have fit right in there. After setting foot in the Australian sand (absolutely nothing different than Florida just sounds cooler) we all went our separate ways for dinner. Luckily tonight on our return trip we didn't get lost. Sydney is a sight to see during the day, but once the sun dips down behind the horizon the city lights up like no other and the views are spectacular. We were lucky enough to see them from the ferry bringing us home through the harbour and it's a sight I won't forget. Tomorrow (here) is New Years Eve so we are off to get some rest. Big night and big plans ahead of us for tomorrow! Happy New Years (a bit early back in the states) to all!

What a view

Finally Here!

There is nothing better than any type of bed after being stuck on an airplane for 20 hours. Expecting to get here and take a nice nap to catch up on some much needed sleep, I had tunnel vision on the walk to our accommodations. When we arrived to the University of Sydney, our home for the next week or so, the first thing we were told was that we had two hours to shower and meet in the courtyard. Well, there went my nap. As much as I wanted to skip a shower and nap, I did everyone in Australia a favor and opted out of the nap.  

Sydney Opera House

We wasted no time setting out to explore the beautiful and bustling city of Sydney. The first thing that we saw, of course for every tourist that comes to this part of Australia was the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. They are just as picturesque in person as they are in photos everyone has seen. However, you can't truly get a grasp on their enormity in a picture.




After what seemed like an eternity, we finally were able to get some much needed rest only to wake up to another day filled with the sights, sounds, excitement and all that Sydney had to offer to 17 Americans. The walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge took a bit of time but the view from atop on of the bridge's supporting towers was spectacular. For 360 degrees all you could see was the sparkling water, hundreds of boats going here and there, and the awesome skyline of Sydney.  After lunch the students and professors parted ways and it was almost every man/woman for themselves to make it across the city back to the university.  Myself and three others, of course got lost after riding a bus around for a bit and being typical tourist asking for directions. After an hour of more painful walking we found what we were looking for, A BAR. It seemed to be the best place to go to gather our thoughts, and drinks. Turns out, we were only just a few blocks away from the university. It is the little things like this in life that makes the fond memories that we all have and will have.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

It has been two busy days with lots of walking and too much to take in but I'm doing my best to capture every bit of it I can. It's time to get some rest because the way this trip has gone so far it looks like we won't be slowing down.

Sydney skyline from the Royal Botanical Gardens

December 25th

Merry Christmas to all! It's been a nice relaxing few weeks at home with family and friends. I am still slowly but surely getting everything packed since we leave for the Outback tomorrow at 6 in the evening from Atlanta. From there we fly to LA.  We have about a 3 hour layover before we make the 16 hour trek from LA to Sydney! Plenty of time to sleep, watch movies, and work on some assignments.

Pre-Departure

After months of planning and preparation, the final meeting for this epic trip to Australia and New Zealand has taken place. The only thing standing between us and the kangaroos, the fireworks over the Sydney Harbor for New Years, and the beautiful sites of New Zealand is........3 weeks of Christmas vacation and 19 hours on airplanes.