Courts77

AUS/USA 2009 Nov. 11-16

Sydney and Ballina, Australia


Man, I love to travel! It’s the freedom of leaving your desk, the allure of the unknown and the chance to see new places and meet new people. Each trip is always different than the last and the more you travel the easier it becomes.  It’s the little things you learn along the way; the rituals of packing, you’re frame of mind, how to handle security lines, using the best transport depending on the situations, how to get upgraded…all very essential details of travel, if you want to have an enjoyable, non-stressing trip.

My journey this time started in Sydney where I joined my husband and some friends visiting from the US.  It’s been a while since I’ve visited Sydney for anything other than work.  I once lived in Bronte, a beachside suburb near Bondi, for a few months back in 2000.  It’s still the same beautiful place only all the older homes are being replaced with swanky new ones. I just hope it’s not the case with the locals, too.

We had three days and I wanted to enjoy every minute, so we dined in Darling Harbour and Cockle Bay as well as The Rocks and even did the touristy Sky Tower (not the best food, but the most beautiful view from above of the entire city – a great place to go and point out all the places you’ve visited). See my restaurant reviews below!

My most favourite thing to do in Sydney is to run the cliff walk from Bondi to Bronte and jump in for a swim and play in the rock pools.  There is something so special about this part of the world.  It’s the azure blue of the ocean crashing against the brown and sand coloured rock faces, the fitness of half naked tan joggers passing by, the sexy Aussie lifeguards looking after the beach, the café’s nestled into coves in Tamarama along the way and it’s the real estate that looks out upon all this that get’s you really thinking about your dream house.

As I ran along with my iPod on shuffle I was in heaven! The added bonus this time was the eclectic Sculptures of the Sea installed through out the walk…including a gigantic straw sticking out of the ocean, a pair of eyes in the cliff face and a metal horse perched on a cliff face. I just happen to be there at the right time to catch this special time of year…along with the hundreds of other people – not making running very easy, but still worth it!

After watching several episods of Bondi Rescue with all the cute Bondi Beach lifeguards we felt it was necessary to get our photo with the boys, why not! They are just as cute in person.

We also visited the Sydney Aquarium filled with beautiful tropical fish, dugongs and lots of sharks. It was nice to walk around and take photos. Oh, and we even saw a platypus, too.

Our last night in Sydney we decided to treat ourselves to a room with a view and The Four Seasons in The Rocks offered a spectacular view overlooking the ferry terminal of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House.  I could sit there watching that view all day – so much happening in the harbour between sailboats, cruises and ferries coming and going.

As I left the hotel for the airport I looked across the street at the train station knowing it was only a $15 ticket to the airport and then at a taxi rank just meters away. I visualised myself trying to carry my bags on the train trying to change platforms struggling and decided the taxi might be the more expensive option, but non-stressing…and they always say time is money….off I went in the cab!

But, this was only the beginning of my journey. After 3 days I left my hubby and flew up to Ballina and met my best friend, hang for a few days and then fly home to see our families in the US for Thanksgiving.  She has two girls under the age of two and so we teamed up to handle the 14 hour flight to LA.  

The girls were great, but didn’t allow us much sleep and once we arrived in LA I think we were both pretty tired.  Thank goodness her Mom was there to help her back to Florida and I flew off to Las Vegas to meet up with my brother to start a whole new adventure in the US.

I love coming home! And, it’s Thanksgiving…even better!

Continued….

My Travel Tips:

-  Bring your running shoes – what a great way to get around and see more of where you’re visiting by going for a jog.

-  Even if the train is cheaper, it might not be faster.  Taxi’s might be a better, non stressing option if you are tyring to get somewhere like the airport fast.

-  Always call your airline the night before you fly and check on your status, your requested seat allocation and if the flight is on schedule or if there has been any changes.

Recommended Sydney Restaurants:

Bondi Iceburgs, Bondi Beach - a pub style meal with out table cloths or table service with the most spectacular view of Bondi Beach. Sit out on the balcony and enjoy watching surfers tearing up the waves, joggers passing by and swimmers enjoying the ocean pool.

Amoroma, The Rocks - A quaint and yummy Italian meal in the perfect position near Sydney Harbour in the historical Rocks area.

The Meat & Wine Co., Darling Harbour - Lovely outdoor dinning or indoor modern interior offering a view of Darling Harbour with some of the best steaks in Sydney, including Kangaroo!

Young Alfred, The Rocks - Located close to the ferry terminal and train station it's super easy to find offering gourmet pizza's and fine dinning. Almost as easy or as fancy as you want it to be.

Sydney Tower Restaurants - With a view to die for does it really matter what the food tastes like? Well, perhaps. But it's really not the main reason you eat here.  With a few different styles of restaurants to choose from you can eat buffet or a la carte. Great romantic spot!

www.ExplorerGirls.com / Courtney Crow