A Better Summary of the Past Few Days

Sydney is amazing!

It's much more temperate than normal, a little colder, but that's made wandering the city quite a pleasure. I can't tell you how many miles we've walked exploring this town, but I'd venture to say several.

We've been to Darling Harbor to see the Sydney Opera House and the Bridge (Which looks like a giant coat hanger). We've walked the length of Bondi Beach (not as large as you'd think it is). We've seen some jellyfish. The lifeguards told us that they would sting like fire if we stepped on them. They littered the beach, but apparently they weren't that bad. It didn't stop a lot of people in the water from swimming, so I don't think it'll stop us when we take a beach day. Jenny and I both picked up swim suits, so hopefully we'll see some warmer weather in the next couple weeks. If not... i can't complian, it's still gorgeous!

Downtown is so vast! You see so much, it's like New York city or something. There are tons of shops, and eateries. Yesterday we went to church at a mission church in Newtown (one of Sydney's suburbs). The church had a great painting of the revelation story on it's ceiling. From looking at it, you'd think it a very traditional church. However, we were greeted by a senior pastor in bluejeans and the sermon was delivered by one of the associate pastors wearing a Homer Simpson t-shirt. :-) It was absolutely great! The sermon was hitting, the worship was heart felt, and I was actually brought to tears when some homeless folks from the community walked in, and nobody even turned a head. There was a man who looked like santa claus who pushed a shopping cart full of bags. As I watched him sit down and make himself at home in this small missionary church, I felt amazed that this little place in this dingy suburb was doing such powerful work. If you're curious about it, here's a link: http://www.newtownmission.org.au/

After church, we went to brunch at a cafe called "Bills". The name doesn't reflect the place at all. It was a posh little diner, and we ate WELL. It was fantastic food. The food here is a mixed variety for me. I am such a picky eater anyway, but generally I've liked what I've had. Except for vegemite... that tasted like sour poo.

We also saw a giant catholic Cathedral in downtown Sydney. We've ridden trains, taxis, and busses. I think when I get home, I can safely say that I've seen this city though and through.

The first hostel on our list wasn't too bad. It was off a street which isn't crowded, and very quiet. I brought earplugs in case anyone snores like I've heard at church camps and functions in the past... but for the past few nights I've not needed them. We checked out of the first hostel this morning, and we'll be making our way to the next. We'll see how the others pan out. If they are all about the same quality, I'll be happy with the arrangements. My only complaint is how messy our roomies were at this place. I felt like I was in a college dorm room, which isn't a strech since I'd imagine most of the people who stay in hostels are college aged. Still, for 4 other college aged people... they were very quiet and respectful. (The bathrooms did smell funny...)

If you read my packing list blog, I'd say that it's not a good one for long term travel. I regret being so overly prepared. I have enough stuff to last me, the problem is I have to lug it all around. I am SO glad I went with 2 smaller bags, but I wish that I had just checked one bag and not fooled with my carryon. I might sing a different tune if my luggage had been lost, but 2 suitcases is a bit of a pain. I also didn't leave a ton of room for souvineers. I may ship some home, but if you are one of the 10,000 people who asked me to bring something "cool" back from sydney, I hope you find postcards cool. :-) Souvineers are also very expensive... so between cost and room I can't bring everyone back a dingo or aboriginee. :-)

Lastly before I head off, i wanted to talk about stereotypes. I saw the movie "Australia" with Jenny last night. I think a lot of people think Sydney is one giant Paul Hogan experience. The tilted hat, bronzed, grungy type fellow from Australia does exist. If I were to compare him to America, I'd say he is the cowboy. Most Aussies I've met are not very country. I saw on Aussie news an interview with a politician who said that 93% of Aussies are city goers and about 7% are the country folk who embody the stereotype that is so well internationally known.

Still, i may get a "cowboy" hat before I go... :-) Yeehaw, mate.