My Past Week

Monday: School, School School
On Monday I handed in all (4) of my final papers at the University of Melbourne. It was tough, but it's done. Why do I always seem to have all of my papers due on the same day and on the first day of exams?

Tuesday: Packing and Goodbye
I packed, packed, and did some more packing as I prepared to say farewell to my Melbournian friends. Of course, we went out for Thai food on my final night there. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Wednesday: Goodbye Melbourne, Hello Sydney
I finished my packing and headed out of Melbourne. Beth, Lisa, and Devin saw me off and to be honest, it was quite emotional. As I sat in the airport shuttle, I took in my final views of Melbourne (at least for a while). After sitting in the airport for 3 hours, I finally caught my flight to Sydney. Upon arriving in Sydney, I found myself waiting to hear "New York, New York." With it's big buildings and bright lights, and men in pinstripe suits, Sydney looks a lot like New York and quite different from Melbourne! (To be frank, I think I like the laid-back vibe of Melbourne more). I walked around the city, finding the Sydney Tower.

Thursday: Walkin Around Sydney
My dad arrived and to keep him from getting jet lagged, we began walking around the city. I found a souvenir shop that was closing and everything was 50-70% off! Can you believe it! Of course, I already purchased most of my souvenirs. We then continued to Circular Quay (pronounced: "key") where we found the Sydney Opera House. It was so unreal! We then walked to the Botanical Gardens to get a view of the Opera House from the proper side. After walking around Circular Quay, we caught a ferry to Manly Beach, a beautiful surfer beach. In Sydney, the ferry system operates much like public transport.

Friday: Blue Mountains
I went to Blue Mountains, aptly named because as the temperature falls, a blue mist covers the mountain. We did another wildlife tour (if I see another Kangaroo, I might die). While at the Blue Mountains, we saw the Three Sisters (pictures to come). We also took the world's steepest railway down (and trust me, it was STEEP!) and then took a skyrail up (also scary but worth it).

Saturday: Hunter Valley Wine Tour
I went on a wine tour which was really fun. I made the mistake of not having breakfast but don't worry, I survived. I particularly enjoyed Oakvale Winery. It had a very nice sample of light wines and we got to sample nice cheeses (I loved the feta marinated in olive oil). My favorite wines were: 2009 Gold Rock Semillon, 2009 Oakvale Reserve Block 37 Verdelho, and the 2009 Vivo Pink. If you ever have the chance to go on one, you should definitely check out a wine tour.

Sunday: Remember the Sabbath Day
And now, I relax. I'm going to try to visit Hillsong Church tonight.

Next week: Sydney has been chosen as one of 6 cities to host World Cup Screenings. All week, there is a World Cup festival at Darling Harbour. The only problem is that most of the games occur at 4:30 AM Australian time. But Jess Heng (from Melbourne) has decided to come up to Sydney to attend the festivities. Can't wait! Let's go Socceroos! (and the US of course!)