Three hours on an airoplane and I was in a different world...
The east coast of Australia. I should comment, that leaving the Red Centre took at least an hour and a half of the flight...
So, after nearly four months of being in isolation with nature, or in smaller cities, I found arriving in Sydney quite a shock... the landscape was green, the city was big, the sky was grey... it could have been London....only its about 23 hours flight away from London...
Arriving in Sydney brought the joy of seeing a most beloved friend. I dont think I have appreciated this joy before...and it only took four months of being away from all, and everyone I know!
The first evening was spent in the Harbour, enjoyng the sights of the Opera House and the bridge, which i sadly did not endeavour to climb, although I heard that harnesses were involved!
The second day, I raced off to see the Blue Mountains. On a sunny day, the mountains appear blue because of the way the light refracts off the oils the eucalyptus trees give off... on this thursday however, the sky was grey, again, and so there was no blue in sight. For most of the morning, the mist covered most of the view, but wiht some positive thinking, by the afternoon, the mist began to lift, and we were able to see some of the mountains magnificance!
We took a cable car down the mountain, and as we went below the mist, we were able to see the apparently famous three sisters formation, the orphan, and some others whose names I've forgotten. Like Ayers rock, these formations all have aboriginal stories connected to them. We then took the steepest train in the world I think back up the mountain, and that is an experience not to be missed.. though I have to say, with no side and no seat belt, I did think i would fall out of the carriage!
We also went to an animal sanctuary, where I got to touch a koala, and see a wombat which was very exciting because I dont think I've ever even seen a picture of one!
The day finished with a ferry ride back into the harbour, so i got to see sydney harbour from the sea.
Friday was spent at the zoo, which prides itself of being the zoo with the best view in the world... and it is a fab view over sydney harbour.
Saturday, the sabbath, was spent with a family in Bondi.. where we all got wet by the rain which pelted down from friday afternoon til I left today... people think that coming from England I should be used to it, but Im not!!! That was some rain! At least I didnt feel too bad about having a shower!
Sunday was the jewish festival of purim, and amidst the festivities of the day, I was able to while away a few hours on the famous Bondi Beach with my friend... and the sun even came out to play with us for a bit!!
So, did I escape the bugs?? Predominantly yes, although I did have to share my room with a cockroach last night... but thank Gd not my bed... and I didn't squeal!
And today, monday, I am here, in melbourne... so more from me top side of this tour that Im doing tomorrow along the Great Ocean Rd,... Im off to pack.....again
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