Sydney Day 1

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I'm beyond excited to have started my east coast trip. I've got the next month planned, from Sydney to Fraser Island (nd I'm planning on doing to rest of the east coast at a later date).

I started off with a flight from Melbourne to Sydney. I was introduced to Sydney with the baptism of fire that was Mardis Gras, battling the crowds in an array of rainbows, feathers and glitter. I also met up with Katie, a friend from uni, and it was really lovely to see a familiar face. What a fun way to start my week in Sydney! This all gave me a good feeling about the city.

(P.s. I had realised recently I had gotten a bit sick with a swollen gland, so I am keeping drugged up on what they gave me at the pharmacy and hoping it wouldn't turn into anything worse- oh the joys of travelling!)

I really had no plans this day so it was nice just to do some solo exploring and what I do best- getting lost. I wandered out and found the town hall and the Queen Victoria Building. I also popped into Chemist Warehouse as I needed toothpaste!
I then turned to Google maps to find Darling Harbour, as I knew this wasn't too far from me. It was actually such a lovely area, and I spent some time wandering around and taking some photos. On one side of the Harbour there was a Greek Festival on so I couldn't help but enjoy the music for a bit.
Right next to this, I stumbled upon a small garden called the Chinese Garden of Friendship. It had a pond outside with those giant orange fish in. Entry to the garden was only $8 so I paid to go in, as I love a garden inside a city. It was definitely worth it as it was beautiful, with lots of different pavilions and plants surrounding a large pond. I spent some time taking some photos, including these which I'm really proud of cos they are selfies!
(last one not a selfie cos I'm not in it lol)

After the gardens, it was pretty hot and I was also getting hungry. I went to Coles to get some food for the next couple of days, and a salad for lunch. It's always a bit of a struggle for me cooking in hostel kitchens, as you never have enough fridge space and you can't rely on having more than one hob or saucepan. So I tend to go with my classic pesto and tomato pasta! I took it all back to the hostel, ate, and had a freshen up before heading back out.

This time I walked directly north, and found Hyde Park. I sat here in the shade for a little while, and my friend Katie happened to call me again so she joined me on my mini journey! We kept going north to head for the State Library of New South Wales. It was just closing so we didn't get much time there, but it was beautiful and I'm glad I got to see it!
After our short visit to the library, I was in search for a McDonald's as I had a free sundae to redeem (gotta get the free stuff where you can as a backpacker). This just happened to be the Maccas right by the Harbour bridge and Opera House! I wasn't expecting to see these today so it was a lovely surprise. It's always very surreal seeing famous landmarks in real life; the first thing I said about the opera house was "it's much more shiny in person!"
I of course had to take this opportunity to do a quick Photoshoot. I was also surprised to see that they were right next to each other.
Thank you Katie's panorama camera!

We spent a bit of time here soaking in the feeling of being in the movie Finding Nemo, then headed back. 
I had a chill evening, making dinner, facetiming family and going to bed. I had a fantastic first full day and it was great to be solo travelling again!

Currently getting up for day 2 which is a big one; I'm hiking the Blue Mountains today!

Shepp x

Comments

  1. JMR1 March 2020 at 13:34

    Gotta go to Bondi! And there is a lovely coastal walk round to Coogee ... and the Art Gallery is fab as well!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Travels of Shepp1 March 2020 at 14:16

    Yes I definitely want to to do the Bondi/Coogee walk at some point! Thanks for the recommendations JMR! ��

    ReplyDelete

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