Day 3 - Sydney

This morning, after a night of exploring our medieval never-ending dorms, we visited Sydney's Olympic Park where the 2000 Olympics were held. The olympic location is Sydney is pretty awesome compared to other places because all the different venues are located within one park, rather than spread out like it was in Atlanta. It sort of reminded me of a ghost town but there were no events being held. Cricket matches and concerts are held in some of the venues there now. The one busy part was the aquatics center. Since it is summertime here in Australia, there were a ton of people at the aquatics center. It has 3 large pools including 2 lap pools and a play/wave pool.

ANZ stadium at Olympic park

This cool sculpture of poles with all the donor names

The aquatics center at Olympic park

This kid is awesome. At the train station on the way

back from Olympic park.

After we left Olympic park and I was able to satisfy myself with a quick fix of McDonald's, we boarded a ferry to Manly Island from the Circular Quay (pronounced key). It was about a 25 min ferry ride across Sydney harbor to a beach type community in Sydney. It was awesome until we witnessed 3 people  being carried out by a rip current. Thankfully, 3 or 4 locals rushed their rescue. I feel like you can't go anywhere in the water here without being subject to a rip current, box jellyfish, or shark. We decided to stay at Manly for some drinks at this awesome bar called "Shore Thing". After spending about $20.00AUD on beer, we all decided not to order food. Beer and food is so expensive here. As we boarded the ferry back to the Circular Quay, I had my second helping of McDonald's for the day. One would think I would desire non-american food, but budget calls.

Views on the ferry ride to Manly Beach

Manly beach

 Concourse at Manly Beach

 Manly Beach

 Ferry ride back from Manly Beach.

Night time view of the Sydney Opera House while 

we were riding on the Ferry from Manly Beach.

Tomorrow we are going to the Sydney aquarium and have the rest of the day off in preparation for our New Years night out on the town. Should be interesting. Until next time.