Well I suppose after having such a fantastic time in the Outback, coming back to civilisation and a city was going to be an anti-climax. But, having said that, Sydney is lovely (although my entry wasn't great as we came in with loads of turbulence - absolutely pooped myself!!!!) I arrived fairly late so headed straight down to the harbour and arrived just before sunset. The Opera House isn't as white as it looks in the pictures. The "sails" are actually a biscuit colour which was a surprise but it was still impressive seeing this and the bridge (particularly as I sat having a glass of wine watching the sun set) I've walked sooooooo many miles over the last few days in Sydney - more so as I headed in the wrong direction down George Street (one of the main streets!) in what I thought was the direction for the Harbour Bridge. I did come to a bridge - the Anzac Bridge - so had to turn around and walk all the way back in the right direction again!!!! I did pick up a leaflet about climbing over the bridge at sunset but after walking across it, I soon changed my mind! It's not just the height, although it is pretty high, but it was so windy walking across. There was no way I was going to climb it after that! I've been really amazed at how many royal and English references there are in Sydney. There are so many royal street names - Elizabeth, Phillip, George and King Streets. There are Hyde Park, a memorial to George V and George VI, statues of Victoria and Albert and a huge building - the Queen Victoria Building - which is an upmarket shopping centre. There's definitely be a few changes if Australia ever becomes a republic :) The Botanical Gardens are beautiful and it was great to lie down and just watch the clouds float by as I summoned up the strength to keep walking! My last day in Oz was a rainy one which was a shame but after five crazy, exhilarating (and expensive!) weeks, I'm all packed and ready for New Zealand. Just the little matter of my seventh flight to contend with!!!!