As the plane came into land at Sydney airport I couldn't prevent the smile that rapidly appeared across my face. So many happy thoughts rushed through my mind; clean surfaces, clean toilets, curry as an option rather than compulsory, no leery men, orderly queueing systems, I was so overwhelmed. I couldn't wait to get off the plane having been sandwiched between two fat, old Indian women who smelled a bit and every now and again tended to produce questionable bodily noises; I literally sprinted off the plane!

As I left the arrivals area I was greeted by a McDonalds and a Krispy Kreme outlet, surprisingly I resited having had endured two inflight meals of curry and naan; I was too excited to eat - I wanted to get into the 27 degree heat and sunshine outside!

After spending three lovely weeks in Parramatta, with my amazing Aussie relatives, I moved to Sydney CBD for a further two weeks to become a proper tourist/backpacker!

The two weeks were jam packed with so many things to see and do...

I christened the beginning of my stay with a glass of celebratory Rose at the Opera Bar. With the Opera House and Harbour Bridge in view, I watched the hot sun slowly sink behind the Bridge.
The next few days consisted of walks around the City to Darling Harbour, Kings Cross and Wooloomooloo as well as visits to various museums, art galleries and shops. I also had time to fit in some sunbathing and swimming at Manly and Bondi. Later on in the week I jumped on a ferry across the Harbour to Taronga Zoo and Sydney's Luna Park as well Watson's Bay for some famous Fish and Chips from Doyle's!

And it doesn't stop there...

I took a day trip to Katoomba, up in the Blue Mountains, where I saw the Three Sisters rock formation. The next day I headed to Olympic Park and took a guided audio tour around it - it really is amazing and that's without the Olympics even being there! The site consists of so many venues all of which are still in use today, there are also lots of sculptures around that represent the games, athletes and even the volunteers that participated - China and London have a hell of a lot to live up to.
I climbed the Harbour Bridge (again - I am now a master according to my certificate)! The weather wasn't too good for the climb but it was still a great experience, even the second time! I also went up Sydney Tower (the highest point in Sydney) and the views were brilliant. On my last day, I managed to track down a Lindt Chocolate Cafe - yes, it was amazing! I had a bowlful of vanilla ice-cream drizzled in a lot of hot Lindt chocolate fudge sauce, it was gorgeous! And so, my two weeks in Sydney were closed as nicely as they were opened - off to Alice Springs next!