the greatest place on earth

I found my new favourite place in the world. I didn't think I could love a city more than I loved Chicago, but as soon as I saw the Sydney Harbor I was hooked. Yall, this place is absolutely gorgeous! 

Obviously, there is the Sydney Harbor, but this city offers so much more than just the pretty view! Monday, Abby and I rented bikes and spent all day riding around the city and seeing all of the sights. We rode our bikes over the harbor bridge (!!!!!!!) and then by the Prime Minister and Governor General's house. These are the two authority figures right under the Queen, and they only had 2 security guards outside their house! We were shocked. It just proves that the "no worries" attitude is everywhere. Then we rode our bikes by Luna Park which might be the sketchiest looking theme park I've ever seen. You enter through a giant clown's mouth. I'm not real sure why some people find that appealing. We rode back over the bridge, and to a warf for lunch. They are about to expand their downtown, but they haven't started constructing any buildings yet, so right now there is just a concrete slab that follows the water so we were able to ride along that. Then we went to Darling Harbor which was so adorable. Tons of restaurants and cafes lining the water. We rode our bikes through China Town, and then all through the botanic gardens which were absolutely beautiful. 

It had the perfect lookout so that you can see the Sydney Opera House and the Harbor Bridge. I think this was my favourite part of the ride. It was all so green and there were people being active, and sitting on the grass having picnics. Then we rode over to the Sydney Opera House. We went inside, but got kicked out after a few minutes because the lady didn't realize the door was unlocked. oops. but at least we can save we've been inside...for free.

After we returned our bikes, I enjoyed two of my favorite things: 

Ice cream and the view. 

After our 6 hour bike ride, we went to our conference, and then Abby and I went back to Darling Harbor for dinner. It had a great atmosphere. Live music and people sitting all along the harbor. 

Tuesday we went to Olympic Park and spent a few hours exploring out there. It was so neat and made me want to go to every city that has hosted the olympics to see what they have done. We spent some more time in the Habor, went out to Manley Beach, then to our conference and to a pub afterwards.

It was an excellent trip that was entirely too short. I know for a fact that Sydney has not seen the last of me. I don't know if I'll have time to go back there this year, but at some point in my life I will go back. 

so until we meet again..Sydney, I love you.