Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
CMB- Well, we are in Kyoto now and I'm taking a break from all the sightseeing to try to catch everyone up on the latest from our travels. Ended up heading to Sydney last Monday, March 24 and was only there for 2 days as Makely and I were both anxious to get to Japan. Even though we were only there a couple of days, I got to see plenty of Sydney which is a great city. Of course, we went to see the major sights like the Opera House and the Harbor bridge but then took a ferry across Sydney harbor to check out the Taronga zoo and beach over there. Great views of Sydney from the ferry and saw about 100 million jellyfish churn up in the wake of the boat - Do NOT swim in Sydney unless there is an anti-jellyfish netting that they use at the beaches for sharks and jellies. Found a great hike along the bay to relax for an afternoon. There were about 3,000 spiders along the trail as they are everywhere in Australia. Stopped in a park to chill and climb on the monkey bars and give the swings a go. Makely and I had a "who can jump further from the swing?" competition where I almost dislocated my shoulder trying to get out of the kid's sized swing the first time
. Eventually found our way back to the Opera House and bridge and ended up hangin for a few beers and pizza at the Australian Hotel (somewhat famous). This of course turned into about 6 or 7 beers each and onto King's Cross to shutdown the night. King's Cross was so awful we ended up heading back to the hotel. Maybe just a Monday night but I mean really bad. Next day, we changed our flight to go to Tokyo that night instead of the next day...some drama here as the first few tries to change our flight seemed like we would be charged $300 each when we were told this would be free throughout the trip, Eventually talked to our savior agent in Melbourne (Thanks Sarah-Jane!!) who took care of us for free. Get back to the the hotel/hostel (do not stay there!) and found out they refused to give our money back for that night. We were fair about it as well trying to get credit at the attached bar/restaurant instead of cash back.....but it was an absolute NO! Needless to say we were pissed at the owners - the hotel manager was a pretty cool guy who agreed with us and was looking for a new job. Makely told him to convey to management to fuck themselves as we settled down in the bar over a beer on the house (Makely here.... I also told them to shove their complimentary beer up their ass, but then renig'd once realizing i was now a poor backpacker!!!). Took off for Bondi beach to kill the rest of the day - great beach area and famous surf spot. Perfect day for it as well... I probably bought the worst frisbee known to man for $5 and headed down to the clothing optional beach... very niiiice (Borat voice). Attempted some frisbee in the 50 mph wind but since the frisbee was made from tissue paper, this didn't last too long. Kicked back and relaxed soaking up the sun. Eventually got sucked into watching a Brazilian chick argue with everyone she met. Was pretty classic-the latino fire was definitely true to form. Back to the hotel and Makely and I headed to the airport to go to Tokyo giddy as school girls.
