Sydney

I arrived in Sydney last night.  Feel like it has been ages since I have been to a city.  I have left behind yet another cyclone in my wake.. I am lucky I made it out of the Top End.  The roads are flooded, schools closed, and the airport is shut!  I could have missed being here if I hadn't driven through that big puddle on the road.  Whew!  It is heading toward Vas now.. no problem.  He only has to go a block to work.

Australia is really being hit hard this year!  But, Sydney is doing just fine!

Being in a city is terrific: the first thing I did was head for the Sushi Bar.  I found one where you sit and the little conveyor belt brings you a variety of choices.  I love these places: you don't eat too much like at an 'all you can eat', but it is fresh and you know exactly what you are getting.  Very cool.

I am right in the heart of the city, at the Metro Hotel on Pitt.  It is close to everything.  The rooms are small, like off Broadway in NY, but all good.  Better than the hostel I was at last year with Wendy.  We ended up staying with three young German fellas who came in at all hours, drunk and noisy, wanting to have a chat. When they all finally arrived and got settled in... someone set off the fire alarm and we were all back out on the street: at 4am.  Not doing that again: it is worth the extra $100 a night.

Anyway.. this morning I had breakfast at Darling Harbour.  It is so great to be able to eat at a restaurant that doesn't serve pizza, deep fried chicken or hamburgers!  I had poached eggs and stir fried vegetables.. it was amazing!!  Then I went to the Maritime Museum and learned all about sharks.  Then walked across the harbour to the aquarium and learned all about sharks... and saw big ones, little ones.. petrified ones..

I checked out the Welcoming Wall.  It is a whole wall that has the names of people that arrived as immigrants to Australia.  I looked for Pergat, but didn't find it.  Wonder if they changed the spelling.

Then I got on a little ferry and toured the harbour, getting off at 'The Rocks" between the bridge where Opera yelled "I LOVE Australia!!" just a month or so ago.. and the Opera House.  Then I walked and walked and walked.. there is a ton of stuff to see around here.  Weird birds, crazy trees.. all good.

I tried to shop for an outfit to wear tomorrow.. but that hasn't worked out so far.  I have black pants.. need a shirt though.

I have to remember that is why I am here.  Not to learn about sharks but to get a job.

This cute little guy is made of LEGO! 

And I will do that..
Tomorrow.