Hi All

So I think you all didn't get my 'round robin' about what I got up to in Sydney so this is going to be a quick up date and hopefully I will get some photos down loaded soon which will help explain alot.

So arrived in Sydney over two weeks ago now (23/01) and I have been up to loads apart from topping up the tan!

The hostel was good and provided more than I could of asked for. Clean, comfortable bed and great location. I spent my first day walking all over the city ending up at the Opera House and Harbour Bridge which are quite spectacualar and you can't really believe that you are really there.

The rest of the week I took the ferry to Darling Harbour and visited the Aquarium, walked around Hyde Park and the Botanical Gardens, visited China town, experieced the local 'knock off' markets (great bargins to be had) and generally walked around soaking up the atmospher, taking in the sites and cliking away with my camera. Then Friday was Australia Day and I met up with some friends who are living now in Aus and had a great day, there was loads going on all over the city and it seemed that the rest of Australia came to Sydney too!! But anyway it was a fun day with a Tall Ships race to the Harbour Bridge, stages all over the city with live music, food stalls, vintage cars, people juming out of planes etc and finishing with a spectacular fire works display.

So by Saturday I was ready for a rest and took the ferry over to Manly Beach which I really liked. Of course the fact that there was a regional Life Guard compition might have helped a bit!! I also took a walk south following the shoreline and came across some out of the way little beaches away from the touists, beatiful. Sunday a day of rest (again) and descided to make my way over to the Rocks,a part of Sydney which has a fantastic market on the weekend and has lots of great cafes and restaurants too. I also went over that way to book my Bridge Climb, thanks to some friends back in England (H & D). So then a treat, lunch at David Jones Food court (its like Harrods). Again another treat from friends back in the UK (H & D), the noodle bar I was instucted to go to. All I can say is WOW! Then a little afternoon nap in Hyde park was required.

Monday, well this was my day to climb Sydney Harbour Bridge at 19.35. For me it was a truley amazing experience and a chance of a life time, truely orsam! And yes I have the photos to prove it but you will have to wait until I get back to see them.

Tuesday, check out day from the hostel (30/01) and met up with friends (same people from Aus day) for the cinema in the evening. I definately recommend 'Holiday' abit of a girly chick but one for the dvd collection. We then went back to stay at one of the girls appartments at Bondi beach for the night. So the next day I explored Bondi and the nearby beaches, Tamarama and Bronte beach which are alot less cowded than Bondi its self and which I actually prefered. But I hope to put pictures up soon.

So that was Sydney, Blue Mountains was my next stop and will send another post card soon.

Rachael.