The Traveling Martens

Stop #5: Australia

It was a 3,500 mile and 7 hour flight to Australia, crossing the equator and Indonesia on the way. Flying across the continent was pretty, with the vast red deserts of Australia's outback underneath the plane. We got here last night, and we are so excited to be in Sydney!!! Our hotel is near the city center, within walking distance of the harbour, the bridge, and the opera house. It was dark by the time we checked in, so we did a quick change and headed to the restaurants and bars lining Darling Harbour. It was packed with people eating, dancing and having fun. We went to a bar with a long, wide front facing the water, and most of the front was open air. It is late summer/early fall here right now, so the weather is perfect- 70's during the day and 60's at night.

Today we walked to the Sydney harbour bridge and to the opera house next to it. The opera house really is as impressive to see as it looks, with the soaring white structure sitting out in the water as sailboats float by. Sydney's downtown is beautiful, the city has done a great job in keeping the historic buildings in the Rocks area looking good, while building newer skyscrapers nearby. There are great parks downtown and more palm trees everywhere. Good thing we have several more days here, as there is lots to do!

Thanks for the comments on the website, keep them coming!

posted by Mel and Stacy Marten @ 2:55 AM