New Zealand 2007 

 

                                    Day Three Pacific Ocean March 16

                                               

                                            "Land Ho" and the end of flight finally arrived.  The Sydney International airport was a breeze to 

                                            pick up baggage, clear customs, and quickly exit for the on site train station. 

 

                                            We purchased the weekly rain pass for all zones extending to the "purple zone".  Train tickets are

                                            based on zones - starting at the city central and expanding out.  The purple zone covered the hotel

                                            west of the city and parks south of the city.

 

                                            The first impressions of Sydney was part Denver size and architecture (not spectacular), part 

                                            Chicago suburban transit system, part English West Indies homes (small with Victorian accents), and part

                                            typical United Kingdom flat (basic apartment) buildings.   No doubt the 2000 Olympics contributed to the 

                                            updated infrastructure; however, most areas and building are locked into 1940s or earlier.

 

                                            After checking into the hotel, we headed to Bondi Beach.  The wide beach and long crescent shape

                                            is infamous on many a postcard and travel program.  Bondi is not the glamorous beach - it is the local

                                            and native beach of use since a train and bus system provides quick access from downtown or other

                                            areas.

 

                                            The aggressive lifeguards assured that swimmers stayed in their area and subsequently, surfers stayed on 

                                            their side.  The surrounding buildings were far from being posh and seemed rather dated.  Everything seemed

                                            purely functional - housing for the next wave.

 

                                            A real treat is the Costal Track - linking Bondi with other beaches on the coast.  It allows walkers, runners, and

                                            hikers to see the multi colored cliffs that protrude the Pacific Ocean between beaches,  From years ago, pools

                                            were built at the end of the bays - containing fresh salt water with Olympic size measurements.  The pools 

                                            were built in the water areas - the first generation of vanishing horizon pools.

 

                                            At the end of the hike, we enjoyed juice drinks in a small village.  The Australian focus on natural foods and

                                            drinks was quite apparent.    Prices for all foods - small shops or restaurants tend to be high priced.  No value

                                            meals in Sydney.  The day ended with a return to downtown and ferry ride back to Parramatta.

 

                                            One of the most interesting aspect of the Ozzie is the language - The speaking tends to be soft spoken and 

                                            clearly some type of English is being used.  For the most part, we can understand about 60% of the conversations.

                                            Words and terms are varied from our vocabulary.  A few examples:  The safety demonstration on the flight is 

                                            "do it up" (click) for the seat belt.  Exit would be "Way Out".  Yield signs are "Give Way".  The Merge sign verbiage

                                            is "Make 1 Lane".  It all works; however, a few "double takes" are required some times. 

 

 

                                                                   

                                                                   

                                                                           

                                                                           

                                                                           

                                                                           

                                                                       

                                                                           

                                                                           

                                                                           

                                                                           

                                                                          

                                                                                            Last Updated 2007 March email@ellerberoad.com