I'm going to group the last few days together out of lack of time, and desire to write about this before I forget everything!
We arrived in Sydney on Monday the 31st at around noon, after mercifully smooth flights and a quick wait in Nadi, Fiji. Simon's Uncle picked us up in a wicked transformer of a convertible, and we headed back to his place. He and his wife live in Glebe, which is an area of Sydney West of downtown and is home to Sydney University. (Jer, if you're reading this, I can't tell you how many times I've lamented the fact that we weren't here at the same time as you!)
We became pretty aware of how stifling the heat was right away, and despite best efforts to warn me about how much more intense the sun is here as a result of lower ozone levels, I burned my shoulders in the first few hours. Suffice it to say I'm now wearing SPF 30 and a hat quite proudly.
View of the harbour bridge from the seawall.
The afternoon we arrived we were taken to an area of Glebe that is home to a relatively new sea wall. Simon and I were surprised that, in contrast to Vancouver, there aren't really many seawalls or walks along the bays. Simon's Uncle explained a lot about the flora and fauna, how it differs from anywhere else, and how it manages to stay alive despite relatively long periods of draught. We returned home to go for a swim, yes, there is a wonderful oasis in the backyard where we're staying, it's really lovely and altogether essential in this weather!
View of the fish market (blue building) and the downtown financial centre from the seawall.
The next day we were left to wander on our own, so we explored Glebe Point Road, Glebe's high street. It's neat to see the influence the UK has had on Oz, or maybe it's also the lack of American influence that's striking as well. I'm surprised to hear as much anti-American sentiment from people as I have been, especially when they find out I'm Canadian. One woman who was helping me out acted really different when she realized I wasn't American, but then went on to ask if we were part of the States.
I am not into stereotyping and don't believe this is true for everyone, but people do seem distinctly more pleasant after we say where we're from. I don't mind being mistaken for American, I have a lot of love for the American friends I have and recognize the difference between the people and the government's policies, but I also would appreciate not being mistakenly identified right off the bat. Plus, as Canadians I feel we have the most to be upset about given how great an influence the USA is to us, and yet for the most part I feel we all get along just fine. So yes, this sentiment I've experienced here is something I need to investigate the causes of further.
Anyway, we took it easy wandering Glebe Point Road, we saw the beginnings of Sydney U but didn't make it onto campus, we ventured through a rather underwhelming mall, and I took a moment to get my nails done which is something I've had it in my mind to do for weeks now. It felt nice to finally be relaxed after the moving and traveling stress.
Kelly and her gang! A painting on the side of a building in Glebe. Had to post it for my Kels!
Simon at an intersection on Glebe Pt Rd. Don't know if you can see it but the financial district is in the background.
See, I made it too! I'm actually in Oz, and not taking the picture for once! Out for a drink on Glebe Pt Rd.
We headed back to the house in the early evening for dinner, and watched a really neat documentary following three young aboriginal boys on the quest to make it to the AFL (Aussie Rules League). It was an interesting introduction both to the sport and to the dynamic of the aboriginal people here in Australia. One thing I can say for sure is that there are many similarities between Australia and Canada, more than I had originally anticipated, in everything from shops to policies to the types of things making the local news media.
Today we went on a really exciting walk to the Fish Market and Darling Harbour, but I may have to keep you in suspense for a while since we're off for dinner now. Will post again soon!
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