Terrigal, The Entrance & a Weekend in Sydney

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February 25th 2006

Published: February 28th 2006

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Sarah Tom

Opera House & Bridge

The traditional Sydney shot... right from the middle of the harbour!

Although school is very busy for both of us with a lot of new things to get used to, we're trying to keep at least one day on the weekend just for ourselves. We've been trying to get out and see the local area a bit and sample all it has to offer.

A few weekends ago, we headed up to Terrigal Beach - the main tourist beach in the area. We watched some cricket being played in the oval nearby and were fascinated by the pelicans just waiting for the fishermen to arrive with their catch. Wow are they big!

The next weekend we headed north up the coast about 30 minutes to The Entrance. What a nice spot! The Entrance beach is 8km long - and wow, that's a lot of sand! We played in the water a little and almost got swept out to sea as the tide was going out. We were playing in the actual "entrance" - a small canal where the sea meets the lake. In such a narrow spot, the current from the tide going out was incredible! We also saw the daily pelican feeding - a mad rush of huge pelicans

Avoca Beach

From the lookout above the most 'touristy' beach in the area.

all wanting their bit of fish.

This past weekend, we went to Sydney where we had the opportunity to meet with fellow exchange teachers from across the province. It was a great chance to share experiences and realize that we're not alone with all the change and differences that we're experiencing.

Friday was the official conference with all the dry details of teaching in New South Wales, union details etc. While Sarah was tied up with the conference, Tom headed out on his own to read with the birds in Hyde Park. He made a few new friends by feeding the Ibis birds chocolate-chip cookies!

Saturday brought the chance to tour the harbour for 6 hours! We boarded the small ferry at 9am and were taken up through some of the most beautiful little bays west of the central business district. All we need is $10million or so to purchase a place on the water 😉 The houses were incredible - and there were so many of them, we really wonder what all these people do to be able to afford such a home!

The ferry turned round and took us back under the harbour bridge

You're Being Watched!

Pelicans along Avoca Beach

and by the opera house to explore the shoreline east of the main part of the city as well. We docked at a small park where we had a lovely catered lunch and enjoyed a short walk along the beach.

There were exchange teachers from Ontario, BC and Alberta as well as the UK and Scotland. Some returning exchange teachers also joined in the cruise, so there was a chance to hear about their years in Canada!

Back to school for another week of hard work - but off to Port Macquarie on Friday for another exchange function. A chance to meet up with some of the folks we met this weekend!

Soon we'll have to schedule in some down-time for ourselves!

Additional photos below

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