12 Photos to Inspire Your Visit to
Sydney, Australia
G’day from Sydney, Australia!
After spending the last 3 months leading road trips around the USA with Topdeck Travel, I was itching to go abroad again. I certainly was looking forward to exploring someplace new places myself. My first stop: Australia.
As the pilot announced our descent on the plane, I felt the usual tingle of excitement that precedes an adventure. I was even more excited after coming off such a long stint in the States. (I realize 3 months by nearly anyone’s standards is not long… But I’m currently living this wonderfully, sporadic and crazy lifestyle! Living out of my suitcase allows me to travel as often and as freely as I’d like.)
Australian Culture Vs. USA Culture
In the last two years, I’ve made many Australia friends through travel. (Always so many Aussies abroad!!) So I thought I knew pretty much everything about Australian culture already. Breakfast is called brekky. McDonalds is called Maccas. (Even officially on receipts there! I couldn’t believe it!) Vegemite goes best when paired lightly with butter. The beaches in Australia are far better than anywhere else. And the Australians will be the first to tell you, the coffee in America is absolute crap compared to “down under.”
Right off the plane, I exchanged some cash at the airport and WOW. Feels great to be in a country where your dollar goes much further. $500 USD cash roughly got me over $700 AUD.
Another perk about Australian currency, it is easy to quickly use. It’s bright, easily distinguishable colors are quicker to spot when rifling through your wallet than the bland single colored, singled sized USD.
Exploring Sydney
So I hopped on the train that took me into the city. Slightly jet lagged and a little disoriented from the long flight, I eagerly peered out the window. There it was- the Sydney Opera House! I always feel a deep contentedness, topped with a rush excitement when I see an iconic traveler’s landmark for the first time.
I can’t help but smile, appreciating all the other travellers who have come and stood before an infamous site. My story now mixing with their own. Whether it’s the Pyramids of Egypt, the Colosseum in Rome, the Venice canals or my newest sighting, the Opera House, a sense of wonder washes over me.
How fortunate I feel to stand here, where so many have before. I am now a tiny little piece of the collective story, whether it’s an ancient or more recent part of human history.
One of millions, who have taken a journey across the land or sea, in search of something- adventure, a change of routine or part of themselves and have arrived here. I hope they took a moment as well to pause, reflect and smile that while we might all have very different stories, we share this same brief moment of arriving at the end of journey.
Wandering around Sydney, basking in the sun and having (several) cooling refreshments at the Opera Bar…what a great first day! And we captured some pictures that I think sum up the beauty of a city right on the coast with gardens in full bloom.
From the Opera House, to the Royal Botanical Gardens and the cute cafes, here’s my day around Sydney in pictures!
More on Australia? Keep reading:
- VISITING THE MAGICAL NOOSA HEADS FAIRY POOLS
- WHY I’M VISITING AUSTRALIA NOW- DESPITE THE BUSHFIRES!
- GREAT OCEAN ROAD: YOUR ULTIMATE 2 DAY ITINERARY
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