Hey everyone

Today we explored Sydney!

After a nice long sleep, we got ready to have a good explore of the main sights of Sydney. However, before going on, we think we ought to explain what we mean by 'waking up early', as apparently we have gotten up early most days so far. In reality, 'early' doesn't mean 6am, or 7am, but rather somewhere between 8 and 9am (and more recently that's just because we haven't wanted to miss the free breakfast included in the Singapore hostel and here in Sydney). So if you had thought we had been getting up at half six every morning, then that's not quite right - however, if you know us well then it doesn't take much to guess that we don't have our alarm set for half six.

Right, back to exploring Sydney. First, we went pretty much straight towards the Opera House, going through the Botanic Gardens on the way. The gardens are right next to the harbour so are a perfect place to take a break or have lunch. However there were so many people jogging around the park, it was crazy! It didn't make things easier that they were jogging under the midday sun, and it was pretty hot (not as hot as Asia, though).

We came out of the Botanic Gardens and were greeted by the sight of Sydney Opera House. Its an impressive building but looks different up close compared to the typical photos you see of it. Christina thinks that the building looks like three huge alien heads with visors on. We sat on the steps in front of the Opera House for a while, then went up some steps to the Botanic Gardens to have our lunch. While we were having our lunch, the fitness-mad people of Sydney became even more fitness-mad. A huge group of people began running up and down the steps of the Opera House, as their fitness instructor shouted orders at them. It was quite a sight and made Christina tired just watching them.

We then went for a walk around the Opera House building, feeling like real tourists as we touched the roof, and had a look in the gift shop inside. Next, we headed over to Circular Quay, the area of the harbour right next to the Opera House. There were countless expensive restaurants and shops, street entertainment, and tour boats ferrying people in and out of the harbour.

Next stop was the famous Cadman's Cottage. John Cadman, who lived in the cottage and gave it its name, just so happens to be Christina's great great great uncle. He stole a horse from Bewdley and was sent to Australia as a convict. He was later pardoned and became Sydney's Superintendent of the Harbour. Cadman's Cottage is the oldest house in Sydney. We took hundreds of photos for Christina's nan - Christina says, "don't worry nan, we even took photos of all the information boards".

We then had a little look around the area known as The Rocks, and sat by the wharf as Alex showed Christina some magic tricks. We then decided to head back to the hostel, but stopped by the Botanic Gardens to write a blog entry. As usual, Christina fell asleep as we talked through what to write.

Back at the hostel, we had something to eat, did some reading, and went to sleep. We decided that tomorrow we would tackle the Sydney Harbour Bridge... Xxx