All smiles in Sydney

Here I am in sunny Sydney, Australia and I am loving every minute of it! The city itself is a cross between Boston, Beunos Aires and San Diego... a strange mix, yes, but indeed true. Yesterday I freely walked around, no map in hand just a point in the right direction and off I was to see some of what Sydney has to offer.

I first lunched al fresco with Ben's friends Ian and Ali. A nice first introduction and I look forward to dinner and drinks with these Brits tonight. I was then off to the harbor for a little ferry ride. I saw the Sydney opera house but opted not to do a tour. I stumbled on the Chinese gardens which were okay, but nothing to really blog about. However worthy of making it in here would be the stupid Americans (we really do stand out)that PAID to dress up in traditional Chinese gear and have their photo taken amidst the garden. Please think back to when you were 8 years old and went to Disney or six flags and dressed in old western gear for a picture... same thing. Only this was a couple on what I assume was their honeymoon. They looked ridiculous, but it made the trip to the gardens worth the 6 dollar entry fee for the laugh alone. Along those same lines, there was a couple in traditional Irish clothing taking pictures... what are these people thinking?! Whatever they were thinking- glad they did... laughing at other people's expense can be fun at times and okay...this was one of those times!

I then wanted to visit the Aquarium which supposedly is one of the best in the world. I will begin by saying I love aquariums and will go to one whenever possible. On my way over I walked straight into the Imax theater which was featuring a documentary- the Deep Blue in 3D!!! It was narrated by Johnny Depp and some famous chick, but who cares... mmmm Johnny Depp. I have to tell you I was the most impressed and excited person in that theater! Wow has 3D imagery come so far... I was "oooing and aaahing" the whole time... the only one mind you. But I must give props to the little girl two rows ahead of me she actually tried to touch some of the images above and in front of her (I so wanted to too!). The old couple beside me laughed at my excitement, i guess it was a moment of laughing at another's expense to them, hey I had it coming. Don't let that fool you though, in no way did I let them burst my bubble... I was totally impressed by the 3D movie... fish were coming straight for me, jelly fish were bubbling all around me and Johnny Depp was all over me! No.. but that would have made it REALLY cool. What a perfect way to get psyched for the aquarium! I was off...

The really cool thing about the aquarium was the walkway where sharks swim over you. The Baltimore Aquarium only has the wall tanks, this had you in a tube, very cool. But I have to say that was really the only highlight. I was disappointed. I would rate this aquarium #3 on my list with Baltimore #1, NY a close second and Washington DC coming dead last- even below the Petco in Union Square!

I have done more in one day than my whole time in Brazil. It feels great to move around again and to be in a city where I don't fear my life. Don't get me wrong I had a blast in Brazil, but it was a very different experience. Tomorrow I am off to travel up the East Coast of Australia. That's right kids, THE GI is going backpacking- staying in hostils and all! I am headed to Byron Bay, Fraser island, Hervey, Airley, A 3 day SAILING TRIP in Whitsunday, Cairns, Cape tribulation, a horseback ride in the rainforest and a Kayak trip around the reef in Cairns. I am then off to Melbourne for a week- but might travel around down there. I have jam packed my itinerary and I am super excited!!!! I should have some great stories... so check in often!
I am also thinking about doing a cruise around some of the french Polynesian islands... wanted to go to Fiji but they are having some political issues right now...