It's time to say goodbye to Sydney

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Right firstly I must apologise for the lack of blog writing during my week in Sydney- what can I say it has been a hectic week filled with so many awesome experiences. So it took a couple of days to settle into the whole hostel setup, and I must admit I found it quite hard the first night at WestEnd Backpackers as I didn't know anyone but I soon found and made some friends that I will stay in touch with!!
The first couple of days I spent exploring Sydney by foot, so there isn't really much to tell apart from finding this fantastic Irish pub that served Steak and Chips for 6 dollars- which works out at around 3 pounds, now that is a bargain!! So on thursday I decided to do some sightseeing and booked a double ticket for the aquarium and Sydney tower, for around 20 pounds I was able to see some of the sea life found in Australia and also climb the tallest building in Sydney CBD where you can literally see for miles- both supplied great photos and were thoroughly enjoyable. Friday I spent relaxing with friends that I had made from the hostel and in the early evening I decided to venture down to Sydney harbour to book a Bridge Climb- where I arrived at the booking office and found out there was 5 minutes to go before the next tour set off- so I decided to book on and made it just in time for the last daytime tour. WOW, that is all I can say- you literally climb up one side of Sydney Harbour Bridge to the very summit below where the flags fly, cross over above the traffic and descend on the other side of the bridge. I really must recommend it if anyone visit's Sydney, the views are simply spectacular and the harbour is beautiful just before sunset!! So that was a real high for me, anyway on Saturday I checked out of the first hostel, said goodbye to some friends I had made, and checked into Wake Up Hostel- a brand spanking new development which was very pleasant and clean. Sunday was a sad day as it was the last day in Sydney, I spent the mornign at Hillsong which was such a great experience, and in the afternoon I spent time walking around Sydney Opera House and taking some snaps of the harbour. That concluded my time in Sydney where I had so much good fun, and was ready to move onto my next destination- Brisbane. I had a very short flight this morning, 30 minutes in fact- and when we touched down I was greeted by Mick who took me back home for some lunch, before catching up with Clair, who I hadn't seen for around 14 years and relaxing by the pool in the afternoon!! So here I am after day one in Brisbane, ready for bed and raring to see more of Australia... I hope everyone is well back in England and not getting too depressed about the weather... until next time x

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Comments

[Daddy B]

Great to live the experience with you son!
Thanks for the blog update, which gives us a great feel for what a brilliant week you had, which I know where not without it's challenges. So pleased that the are real highlights and great memories, looking forward to seeing the photo's, actually ANY photo's on the Blog! Mick is a such a great mate, and needless to say having been at Mick and Fi's place I know you will have a brilliant time. You obviously chose well re the time you had and what you acheived, spectacular seeing you had difficulty getting at your hard earnt cash, no thanks to your Bank! I fear for Uncle Clive's next blog entry, as I imagine the slate grey skies of Bolton are still with him, albeit the skies around the Molineux are shining a little brighter after a weekend that we both felt was more half full than half empty. Paul and Ali were with us on Saturday, all three girls are good and send their love. We walked on the common in warm sunshine, which felt good for Newbury. Folk back at Glendale are asking how are you, most have your Blog so that is great that they can follow your progress, all send their love. It was great to chat this morning, thanks for calling....looking forward to when your mobie is active again and we can text. One to two changes in the house since you left, Sarah is now the IKEA chief flat pack construction engineer and has filled your shoes admirably, no doubt you will take the credit for her apprenticeship!!! You will be releived that there appears to be some sunlight at the long tunnel called AppleCare and the iPod saga, hope mine is still functional and looking forward to getting my hands on your replacement. Anyway, another long day drawing to an end, looking forward to some chill time at home, take care an be assured of our love.....Daddy B

[Janet]

Have you been to Australia Zoo?
Great to catch up with your latest exploits, Matt. It sounds all pretty normal to me - strange hostels, last minute rushes, cash machines not working, lovely weather, beautiful scenery, yummy food, pretty girls!?!?!?! Have you been to Australia Zoo yet? It was one of the highlights for Helen and Sam when they were in Brisbane. Yesterday Spring put in an appearance, so it's not too horrid here.............may change tomorrow though! We hope you continue to have a marvellous time. I miss the hair ruffles! :-) Love Jan and Roger

[Auntie Lisa]

Hi Matty, Thanks for your latest blog!
It was great to catch up on all your news! It sounds as if you are really enjoying yourself, it should be alittle more relaxing in Brisbane! Joel and Pete have just arrived back from Glendale footy, and it sounds as if they missed you playing! Life is manic here I am now in my third week of teaching practice and its going ok though lots of hard work. Joel has just recovered from a heavy cold and it feels as if we have been back from half term for about 2 weeks instead of only 2 days! Does claire remember the climbing frame that she donated to you when she left for OZ 14 years ago? I can't believe its that long. Well its lovely to chat with you, we must try and set up skype so that we can speak to you in person! Love to you, and hope you finally manage to sort out your bank stuff and your mobile phone. We have all been praying for you that it will be sorted out quickly. Lots of hugs and love Lisa, Pete, Joel and Duncan xxxxx