Sydney, Australia

Sydney!!! We finally arrived exhausted and all—but we are here!!   Now here, we could ask the locals questions about where we should go and the amount of time needed to explore this large continent.  After seven hours of discussion and $$$ spent on flights and tours, we have our itinerary.  Granted we did this at the airport, but outside of course in the sunshine (would you expect any less).  We hop in a van to the hostel on the beach just north of Manly Beach (named after me!?)….let me pick it up from here. 

Shelley here--alongside Erik and ready to explore this new land invested with kangaroos, surfboards and a very expensive cost of living.  Making our way in the van packed full of passengers, the ecstatic  driver couldn’t be happier to have his van filled to capacity—the first time in several months –and he hugged every turn in appreciation for it.  Twisting, stopping and starting, Erik started to feel car sick.  Both of us made some friends, Erik with the driver and me with an elderly woman from Melbourne in for a family wedding.  Both looking for travel tips from the locals but I’m afraid each of us turned up short.  Arriving at our hostel, we take a quick self-guided tour finding the current tenants to be rather introverted keeping to themselves.  Welcome to Sydney Beachouse! We spent the rest of the day along the beach and exploring.  We were exhausted and hit the sack (our bunk beds) early and were out for the night.

 YAY!!  We made it, exhausted and all but still smiling!

Ten hours of sleep on the flight and I still look like this?!  Leave me alone with that camera Shelley!

 Waiting to pick up more people for our $50 ride to the hostel

"I think I will start researching Sydney right   about   now."

We arrived at Collaroy Beach, just north of Manly Beach where we will be staying for two days--we are across the street from this view.  One of many public pools alongside the ocean.  They are an awesome feature to have if you are afraid of anything that may be hungry in the ocean.

 Wanting to jump in, but a little chilly and not too sure about these salt water pools.

 Taking a walk around, debating if I should be the first to get in...not today. Water is cold and having been churned up by the wind and rains, plus not knowing what is on the bottom of the pool--I'll wait.

 A view of me in a few years (hahaha), but gives perspective of the pool and the ocean.

"Can you believe this!?!"  I totally agree with it.  What?, I love Brazil!  I don't understand what you are talking about...

Finally, a country that makes signs just for me!!

End of day one with a short video for you all.