Monday, February 26, 2007

As promised...some pictures


Here is the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Here is a shot of our arrival to Bondi Beach, Sydney's most famous beach.

This picture I took when I was wandering down George St. George St runs the length of the city and has lots of shopping and government buildings.

This is a picture of the Sydney Opera House from across one of the port entrances in the Harbour. Right in front of a restaurant called Wolfie's Cafe. I have pictures of the that which will be up also.

And this last picture is a picture from Bondi Beach as well.




So our first real weekend here in Sydney was excellent. It started out with the Harbour Cruise on Friday night. It was a beautiful warm night on the Harbour. We sailed under the Sydney Harbour bridge and right past the Opera House. Then Saturday morning we got up early for our Wine and Dolphin weekend. The ride up north to Hunter Valley was about 2 hours long. Our bus was mostly Americans which was kind of weird. I met some girls from California that know KappaSigs at San Diego State. There was this girl from Tennessee who was really cool and goes to Uni also. Then there was a whole group of girls from New Orleans (Tulane). We went to three wineries and even though I'm not a huge fan of wine I enjoyed myself. I found out I enjoy white wines over reds, but we learned a little about all of them. Then Saturday night we went up to Newcastle and stayed in a nice hostel on the ocean. We got some drinks and stayed in after having all of things Subway. Sunday morning we got up early and had breakfast then drove another hour or so to Port Stephens where we went on a 2 hour boat ride. The ride was beautiful. The day was pretty overcast, but it was nice not to have the sun beating down on us. The scenery was amazing. The mountains and islands looked like something out of a movie. Then we went on to one of the bays and watched the dolphins swimming around. After a little while they came right up close to the boat and we got some good pictures and videos of those as well. Then we drove the three hours back to Sydney. All in all the weekend was very successful. Hopefully they will continue to be this much fun.

Last night we got into a very heated discussion about stereotypes and experience and how that effects how we judge people we meet. It was interesting to see where different people come from and how they approach different issues. I'm sure its not the last time discussions like that will happen.

Not much going on this week. This weekend we are going to Surf Camp and then classes start at the beginning of next week. So far my schedule looks like I will have no classes on Mondays and Fridays which will give me some more time to travel around Sydney on weekends.

Hope you enjoy the pictures and there will definitely be more to come.

Cheers

16 comments:

Mary said...

What great shots...just a suggestion..can you add some identifying captions for us??? I think it is great that you can explore first and then start classes. A four day weekend every week sounds great. Here in Orange County we have a SNOW day and you're "beaching"... crazy... Love ya..be safe(I like white wine better, too..and I like the Australian ones...)

Uncle Joe said...

Can't you get any closer shots of the beach girls? It looks like your aunt mary is hinting for some free wine. Keep having fun

albanymom said...

Great pictures. Sounds like a lot of fun, and a good schedule for school too.

Shawn said...

Captions were added. Sorry about that it took me a little bit to figure out how to do it. The caption below the picture goes with that picture. Uncle Joe if I got closer shots of the beach girls the site wouldn't be family friendly anymore, but what's your email again? HAHA Heading back over to the beach today I'll see what pictures I can get. Love you guys

Deanie said...

Hey, you can put beach girls, as along as you remember beach guys. I mean, let's not forget some of Australia's men. Can I get a Hugh Jackman, anyone? Mary????
Sounds like you're having an awesome time, Shawn. You rock!!

Deanie said...

Hey you can put some beach girls as long as you put some guys as well. Let's not forget some of Australia's finest. Can I get a Hugh Jackman, anyone? Mary, are you with me?
Sounds like you're having a ball Shawn. You rock! I want to be you when I grow up. Where are the dolphin pics?

Deanie said...

Okay, it told me my account wasn't valid, so I entered it twice and now it's showing twice, DUH. First time blogger, what can I say? Love ya!

Rich said...

looks awesome man I am really thinking a visit to Aus may be in the future. TTYL homie take care

Aunt Pat said...

Shawn: I miss you aleady. Sounds like you're having a great time in the land down under. Love the pictures, you have a real photographer's eye. Now that I've figured out how to blog, I'll be checking in all the time! Love you. Remember our rule: NO BUNGEE!!! Lots of Love, your FAVORITE aunt (Yes, I know the others read this. But the truth will out.)

Mary said...

Shawn thanks for the captions...I really like that..Maybe you can find another Keith Urban for Deanie(best if he doesn't have an addiction problem, though)Joe, Claudia says you may LOOK only....
Now that you are going to be a father-in-law maybe you need to be more mature...Are you serving white wine at the wedding??? and tell Pat she can be favorite godmother, but I'm your favorite aunt..right? (I'll send the money later for that)

Mary said...

this is your cousin KIERNAN
I'm so glad for you and I hope you're having fun. It's hot there, I think I'll stick with the cold.

p.S
Don't leave me out of those closer shots of the beach girls look for one with a smooooth TAN!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tah said...

hi guys, test run

Tah said...

KIERNAN JOHN!!!!

Tah said...

HEY SWANNY...KEEP IT COMING, NOW THAT I CAN JOIN IN....THANX DEANIE FOR THE HELP!! MUCH LOVE TO ALL!

Tah said...

P.S. THE REAL FAVORITE NEED NOT ANNOUNCE IT!, RIGHT, SWAN?

albanymom said...

Thanks for the captions. You have alot of suggestions and requests from your family and friends. I am happy that I have figured out how to write. I gave the site to one of my students whose brother will be there in july. Thanks.