still sitting in sydney

It’s amazing what a day makes (and a new place to stay). After hunkering down in a dirty dark backpackers for a night (as most other places were full for the night), I moved to a new “hotel” which is light and well-located. Sunday, the 75th anniversary of the Harbour Bridge was pretty cloudy, but this morning, the sun came out and the world looks brighter. I have been enjoying my walks downtown, out to the water, and through the city buildings! So, I’ve arranged to stay an extra day here and take in a few more things before heading out of town. I even got a better deal on a rental car that I can pick up two blocks from my hotel!

The Bridge was the highlight of entertainment in the city. There were heaps of people at The Rocks where I found myself yesterday afternoon. The picture gives an idea of what kind of crowds I waded through. To my family: the bright yellow anniversary hats in the photo remind me of those goofy neon pink Seattle Mariner’s hats we wore around!

Only a sprinkling of rain came down while the celebrations rolled through. I’m sure the clouds prevented some otherwise miserable sunburn. I am slowly, and safely, accumulating some color after being nearly entirely covered for 4.5 months on The Ice!

Last evening, I met up with Tom for dinner. I appreciated seeing a familiar face from McMurdo and talking to someone who I’d not met more than 2-3 times. We went to a lovely Spanish place, ordered tapas, caught up on past and future travels. I think it was just what I needed to settle into the city and country of Australia.