.........................................................................Spent 8 great days in Sydney, the jewel of the Pacific for sure. Such a beautiful city and harbor. The Opera House is definitely one of the greatest buildings, I spent many nights on the steps in front of it watching the end of the Australian Open on the big screen they had set up there. Tons of Chileans there rooting on their Fernando, or Fena as they call him. I met a real cool guy from Chili named Nicholas in my room, and we ended up hanging out all the time. Celebrated Australia Day on Friday, lots of free concerts in the many city parks, and they had shut down a whole street just for a hot rod show, very cool. No Bar-B-Q's that I could see however? Checked out Bondi beach and swam in this real cool saltwater pool right next to the bay, with the big waves crashing over the side into the pool, very cool. Also spent two days out at Manly beach just relaxing in checking out the great views! Taught Nicholas how to play gin rummy over a bottle on wine a couple nights, I worked him but he is improving. Also checked out the zoo and aquarium, both very good, I got to learn about all the animals that could very well kill me over the next couple weeks! Crikey! Sydney is definitely a metropolis on the lines of NY or London, the sidewalks are always packed with all the young business people in their Armani suits and high heels, very serious. Melbourne was also busy but much more layed back people, more bohemian styles and artists. But Sydney is more beautiful, I just loved being down there on the quay and people watching and checking out the different views of the Opera House and Bridge.
