Even though it was rainy and overcast, Sydney was beautiful from the air. Lots of trees and green everwhere, red roofs on most buildings. Took the train from the airport. Very efficient. I knew it would happen, but I felt ancient when I walked into the hostel and the lobby was packed with 18-25 year olds. It really hit me hard. Luckily when I got to my dorm, three girls from Ireland, UK, and Venezuela had just checked in also and they were so nice. We were all newbies together. We all took a city walking tour the next day and covered about 7 miles. Saw St. Andrews Cathedral, Chinatown, the Opera House, The Rocks, Darling Harbor, Queen Victoria Building, Circular Quay, Botanic Gardens, the bridge, and so much more. The Botanic Gardens were so lovely although there were really big bats hanging from the Magnolia trees. Not the little black things that dart about Long Beach at night sometimes. These were the size of cats with big wings! They just hung there staring at us, looking rather bored. Went to Manley Beach with a group of kids one day. Took the ferry and it was a beautiful day to see the harbor. We all got supremely burnt! They had loud speakers at the lifeguard towers that regularly warned swimmers and surfers to stay in their designated areas. If you get a second warning, you're fined $110! I don't know how you actually get your ticket but I suspect that they swim out and fine you in the water. The food is fabulous in Sydney. Anything you could possibly want, you can find. It's not cheap though. In fact everything is crazy expensive! I'm living off of free hostel breakfasts, fruit, rice cakes, and meat pies. Speaking of meat pies...I kept seeing everyone eating these things. I thought "what's the big deal with the meat pies, they can't be that good" but then I tried one! Pure heaven! Flaky crusts, meat, veggies, cheese, anything you want to put in them, the variety is huge. And they come in little brown paper bags. So at lunchtime, you see lots of people darting into shops and emerging with brown paper bags full of meat pies. I'm hooked. Plus they're pretty cheap! Like I said, the prices are mindblowing: $17US for a pack of cigarettes (if I did smoke, this price would make me quit fast), $4.75 for a small coffee, $2.90 for a can of Coke, $3.20 for a bottle of water, $7.75 for a McDonalds Big Mac Combo (small size).

Stuff I've noticed: Lots of people smoke here (there appears to be a big push to get people to quit). Lots of very smartly dressed good-looking people here. Lots of trendy, really expensive stores. Most of the backpackers are from Ireland (almost all girls looking to live here), UK, Scandinavia, and Germany. Very few Americans.

True Facts: It's impossible to get a bottom bunk in a hostel because long-term backpackers always take them. No matter how much SPF 100 sunscreen I slop on, I'm still going to get burnt. The sun is intense and bright (reminds me of FL) and very unforgiving!

Lessons Learned the Hard Way: Silk sleep sacks do not keep bed bugs out as advertised. Pants with built-in bug repellant make one itch in annoying places. When filling travel bottles, always label, or you will accidentally apply night cream instead of sunscreen with disasterous results. Don't use the stirrups on bike pedals unless (1) you have used them before and are used to them (2) you have enough short term memory to remember that your feet are trapped in them when you stop! (I'm ok! Just a bit of road rash. Luckily I landed on a patch of grass!)

Stuff Lost: Camera Case, Travel Towell, 8 lbs. (Walking between 8-12 miles a day!) Carry On...