Sydney

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I spent one week in Sydney, and unfortunately most of it was in the rain. The great thing about Sydney for me was that I had many different links to friends, as well as friends of friends.

Elle was a friend in Chicago, who moved to Sydney four years ago. Elle took me on a great afternoon of sight-seeing on my first afternoon (ha!). We stopped at the famous Sydney Opera house bar to overlook the Harbor bridge and Opera house, and catch up and discuss our plans and guess what....we never left that perfect patio all afternoon! So...a couple of bottles of wine later, I had to meet my new room-mates for the first time. What an impression!! It went kinda like this... "Hello, I'm the American girl who's going to be living with you for a while. Hope you like me! Oh...and, sorry I'm drunk for this first impression." I blame Elle for this! 😊

So, I stayed with the three dudes in their "flat" (apartment), who were friends of my friend, Andy, in Chicago. I was lucky to accidentally land in the "Rodeo Drive" of Sydney so to speak. They were near the beach in an upscale neighborhood with plenty of cafes, boutiques, and even a pilates studio which I quickly became part of. But what was even better is that the guys were guys were a riot, as well as sweet and wonderful. They are all different characters, fun and funny, and I enjoyed being around them "heaps". (meaning "lots" in American English 😊

In addition, one of my best friends...Becky Schramm's sister, Erika, lives in Sydney with her husband, Nigel and their daughter. It was great having Erika as a link to home and my closest pals. They had me over for dinner, we toured a few areas together (Manly and North Head), I got to meet her absolutely adorable 2-1/2 year old, Kali. Later Erika and I toured markets, enjoyed meals out (both fancy in a revolving tower overlooking the city and casual in the Rocks neighborhood cafes) and we even went to a comedy type show at the Sydney Opera house together. So, I think it was great fun for both Erika and I to spend some girl time together and get to know each other better, since I am so close with the rest of her family! I can now say I truly love the whole Schramm Fam!!

As for the city, it has many cool facets. Neighborhoods are edgy, beach culture is great, Opera House is gorgeous, huge botanical gardens, lots to offer, including the hustle bustle of a big city to give it energy and bit of a hectic nature that any real city should have. But after the week of rain, I simply searching out the sunshine as I decide where to go next...

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Photos

My Roommates!!
Timmy (whoops...Tommy! Never did get that straight :) and Simon

Third Roomie, George and Me
In front of the Bison on the living room wall...is that really a Bison??

Erika and Kali
in front of a "sight" (North Head) on a windy walk

Opera House
from the ferry on way to see Ericka

Harbor Bridge and Opera House
from ferry...notice the beautiful weather... :(

Comments

[Kathryn]

Amazing!
Everywhere you go looks so incredible, I can't wait to see where you end up next! Wish I could just jump in those pics and hang out with you for a few days! The scenery, activities, friends, wine, cultures - it is truly magical what you are experiencing! So happy for you!

[Mandi]

How awesome!f
How awesome is all this?!?! I truely wish I would of booked a flight to come join you....for a short time. (I do remember talking about it over xmas, when we got together) I'm glad your having such a wonderful time, even if the weather's not the best. Can't wait to see where you're off to next! Take care and have fun!!! :o) Love ya! Mandi