Day 16 - Sydney, Australia

Today was our last day in Sydney and the last full day of our Holiday.  We are sad, but ready to get home. 

We spent the day exploring the parts of Sydney that we missed when we were here the first time.  We got a closer look at the Sydney Opera House.  I know this may be bad to say, but we don't find this to be a very attractive building.  Don't get me wrong, its design is cool and hip, it just doesn't have the old-world history that most opera houses have.  This is probably because it was built in 1957.  The best thing it has going for it, is the beautiful Sydney Harbor backdrop.  Although, it is interesting that when it was built it was built to be self cleaning.  The patterned tiles are never dirty because they clean themselves!  They were also made so that they can glow at night.  Very modern, unique, and it was listed as a World Heritage site in 2007, saying "…it stands by itself as one of the indisputable masterpieces of human creativity, not only in the 20th century but in the history of humankind.”

After the Opera House, we packed a bag for Bondi Beach.  Since we had already visited Manly, we wanted to be able to compare the two.  We just loved Bondi - full of shops, cafe's, outdoor markets with clothing, jewelry, hats, art.  It was so much fun!  Bondi Beach is about one km long and receives many visitors throughout the year. Surf Life Saving Australia has given different hazard ratings to Bondi Beach.  While the northern end has been rated a gentle 4 (with 10 as the most hazardous), the southern side is rated as a 7 due to a famous rip current known as the "Backpackers' Express" because of its proximity to the bus stop, and the unwillingness of tourists to walk the length of the beach to safer swimming. The south end of the beach is generally reserved for surfboard riding. Yellow and red flags define safe swimming areas, and visitors are advised to swim between them.  The surfers were definitely out yesterday!

Along the main drag there are a lot of outdoor cafe's.  We had a seat at Il Putino.  It looked like a total dive, but ended up being one of the best meals we've had on vacation!  We love BONDI!!!!!!  Bondi is a little more hip thant Manly and has more to offer; however, Manly is much more beautiful, known as the most beautiful coastline in Sydney.  I guess it would depend on what you are wanting to do because both beaches are spectactular!

We have a half day in Sydney tomorrow (Monday) and then we are catching the 3PM to Sanfrancisco.  We should be home around midnight CST.  It's going to be a long day, but so worth it.

XOXO
J&J