As I began my second week in Sydney, I found myself eager to continue to explore the city. I spent this week exploring new places like Hyde Park, shopping near Bondi, Bronte Beach, and Sydney Harbor.
Hyde Park
After our first class on Monday, Stella and I took the bus to Hyde Park. We had lunch across the street at the Canopy. We then proceeded to explore the park. The park was so vibrant and filled with greenery, birds, and people. As we walked through the park we came across a Memorial/ Museum honoring Australian soldiers lost in battle. In the basement of the Memorial there was a war museum holding artifacts from WWI and WWII. It was interesting to experience the Australian perspective from this point in history. Once leaving the museum, we continued to wander through the park until we came across a beautiful cathedral. It looked like a castle from the outside and had elaborate stained glass windows and high arching ceilings. Once we finished exploring the cathedral, we found a tree in the park to sit under and relax.
The Beaches
On Wednesday we went to Bondi Beach after class. Stella and I enjoyed the sunny, warm weather for nearly two hours when a wind storm began. We fled the beach while being pelted by sand and looked for a way to spend the rest of our afternoon. We ended up exploring the shops near the beach and got matching pearl bracelets to commemorate our time in Australia. We then got frozen yogurt from Yochi and made our way back to the apartment.
On Saturday, we spent the day at Bronte Beach. As we rode up to the beach on the bus, I found myself in awe of how incredible the beach was. There were massive cliffs with shiny black rocks that the ocean beat against. The waves were huge and the water was so clear I could see my feet. We spent the day relaxing, on the beach and occasionally taking a dip in the water to cool off. We then grabbed acai bowls for lunch. Due to the 12 UV I ended up a little burnt by the end of the day, but it was worth it to experience such a beautiful place.
Boat Ride on Sydney Harbor
To celebrate Australia Day, we went out on a cruise on the Sydney Harbor to see the Opera House Fireworks. Before getting on the boat we got a Mexican dinner. On the boat we got to see spectacular views of the Sydney skyline, opera house and bridge.
Everyday that I am here I find myself more grateful that I have the opportunity to experience this beautiful city.
– Maddie