Adventures and Friends

I've made my first real friends here. Friends in a sense that we hang out, have fun, laugh and then make plans to hang out again the next day! We've been out to dinner a few times and have together explored the confusing and unorganized bus system here in Sydney. It is surprising that a city with so much to offer and so spread out, has only a system of buses. Getting to and from places can take multiple buses and unclear directions. It's been a fun adventure and we've been learning more and more with each excursion. Most recently we explored the harbor down by the Sydney Opera House. It made it seem real to actually be in Sydney. We walked around the corner and BAM! the Opera House was right there waiting for us. It was unreal how real it was. I almost felt like I was standing in a post card. It was the picture perfect day one always sees on advertisements.

It's quite amazing actually, how quickly we got used to the sight of such an impressive sight. As we walked in and out of the city and along the harbor it just appeared, showing its Swedish bricks everywhere we went. And the bridge! Oh my the bridge is also just like a picture!

We found there are these painted Rhinoceroses all over Sydney. They are part of some art piece though I've not really sure of their significance. The makers clearly knew I would be around as they all say not to ride on them, which is obviously my first instinct. Kissing will have to suffice until they quit being hard asses.

I love the lifestyle of much of Sydney. There is a laid back vibe that only coastal cities can give off. The cafes/bars/shops are each unique and interesting. Offering many different experiences right next to each other.

Lastly, we took a stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens. These are the oldest gardens and scientific institution in Australia. They have an outstanding collection of plants (focusing on native Australian plants and those from the South Pacific). Outside of the garden there are parklands with tons of grassy areas, fields and trees. It is a wonderful place to spend the day, read a book, hang out with friends, have a picnic or all of the above. We enjoyed the gardens and spent a couple hours hanging out by the water in the shade of some of the largest trees I have ever seen.