August 20, 2012

August 20, 2012

It is a brisk cool morning in Sydney. After spending so much time in Australia’s tropical north, we forgot that it is winter here. We walked toward the historic “Rocks” area of downtown Sydney. On the way we see the streets being prepared for a parade. I tell Aimee it was nice of them to throw a parade for us. She bursts my bubble telling me it is to honor the returning Olympians from London. We take a few pictures of Sydney’s icon, the Opera House, and then watch the parade. It is relaxed and fun. The Olympians stop for photographs, autographs and chats on the way. One lets me touch his gold medal. That is probably the closest I will ever get to one.

Afterwards we stop at the nearby Visitor Center to pick up a map and then walk to Sydney’s other icon, the Harbor Bridge. We walk across the pedestrian portion taking pictures of the harbor. It is easily one of the most beautiful in the world.

Passing a sidewalk café, we spot two Rainbow Lorikeets sitting on a table.  They are brilliant multicolored birds.  We saw one in a zoo lobby outside Cairns and were astounded by their colors.  Who knew they fly around wild here.  One of the Lorikeets repeatedly bent down into a cup of water for a drink.  She must have done this before because she was smart enough to then pull out a sugar packet, and rip it open to satisfy her sweet tooth (or beak).

After a full day of walking we head back to our hotel and have dinner at a pizza joint around the corner on Darling Harbour’s King Street Wharf. It is happy hour and the beers are “cheap”. So far every Australian brew we have tasted has been excellent.