Today we did very touristy things in fabulous weather.
A relatively early but leisurely start at 7am – down for breakfast at 8.30 for some lovely $3 toast and yoghurt. Franziska decided to try Vegemite and I enjoyed taking pictures of her reaction. I can’t exactly say she was a fan. It is always fun watching foreigners dislike it so much!
Off to the Bridge Climb (buying toothbrushes on the way)– we were in the very first group of the day which was great because we didn’t have to wait for anybody. The whole thing takes around three and a half hours, which is daunting until you realise that about an hour and a half of that is getting the equipment on and off (including a very attractive one piece grey suit). Ah, beautiful safety regulations (I don’t miss Asia’s version of this at all).
Right now is when I start raving about the weather. We were so ridiculously lucky. Yes, it was cold (around 7 degrees with wind chill) but there was barely a cloud in the sky, the sun was shining, the clarity was great and in the end not one of us used our fleece jackets we’d been given. It was the absolute best climb weather you could have asked for.
The climb itself was beautiful. Yes, I’ve done this before but I certainly have not tired of the sight of the Opera House or the view of the harbour. It wasn’t even spoilt by a bunch of overweight Americans at the front of the pack walking slowly and asking way too many pointless questions.
We finished the Bridge Climb around 1pm – Franzi certainly enjoyed it, she wouldn’t stop smiling or thanking me :) Next, off the Opera House on the other side of the harbour.
After booking a tour and planning the rest of the afternoon we had a bit of time for lunch. This was sublime. I sat drinking sparkling wine, eating braised lamb shoulder Penne, enjoying the Spring—like weather whist looking at the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Perfection.
The Opera House tour next. Somehow Julie and I had been lucky when we took the tour in 2008 – there were only a few of us. No such luck today, this group was big. We all had our own headsets so it somehow it didn’t matter so much. The tour was very historical and we learnt lots about concrete – I just really enjoyed seeing inside the Opera and Concert Hall. I didn’t realise that they show a different opera every night (or even twice in one day) so are continually dismantling and reassembling sets. Hard work.
After our Opera House tour we headed over to the boat dock – last time I was here Julie and I took a boat that was half sightseeing, half speeding. This time Franziska and I just went for half an hour of speeding, tricks, spins, the lot. Wow at this boat ride. There was such a strong wind force in our faces that we could barely keep our eyes open. Lots of fun though, and a lovely view of the harbour with the setting sun poking through the clouds. And we got wet. And by wet I mean soaked. Wet + wind = iceblock. But a happy iceblock.
Then back to the hotel for a much needed hot steamy shower and a YHA kangaroo burger for dinner. The meat was reeeeaaaallly tough and neither of us particularly enjoyed it. A bad first impression of what Kangaroo can taste like – take two tomorrow!
It was only around 7pm at this point, so Franzi and I headed back to George St. We had noticed some shops open late the night before and thought we might find some more… no such luck. We decided to go see a movie (Bridesmaids) at 9.30pm and threw in a visit to the top of the Sydney Tower to pass the time. The tower was really quiet and empty (I think they were about to close) – the night views over Sydney were still impressive though.
The movie ended up being very funny and much enjoyed… I spent a while explaining to Franzi what a chick flick was and why this meant I wouldn’t see it with the boyfriend. And then a walk back to the hostel at midnight (we hadn’t thought this part out so much)!
To summarise today – I had planned this week thinking it was all for Franziska, after all I have seen everything before. However, I really love this city and actually had a fabulous day myself. Looking forward to tomorrow!
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