Sydney Part II and Surfing

So we are back in Sydney, which is becoming much more familiar to us. Sydney is made of many little communities, each with their own unique flavour.

We are getting quite comfortable navigating our way around the city using public transit, and we've used all forms available to us - bus, train, and ferry. The most enjoyable by far was the ferry from Circular Quay to Rose Bay. It provided a great view of the city from Sydney Harbour, as well as a better perspective of how large Sydney Harbour actually is.

We've also visited the Aquarium, walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and received an education about the history of the bridge while visiting the little museum and viewing area in one of the southern pylons.

Yesterday we tried surfing for the first time. In short, it is not easy as it requires multiple skills - paddling though the breaking on-shore waves (a.k.a getting out the backside); board safety (i.e. holding onto the board); balance; reading waves; and not getting in the way of other surfers.

I was able to get up on my feet [once] for a very short amount of time, and Ginny got up on her knees.

The waves, even at three feet, seem tall, and their power is easy to underestimate until a wave crashes down on you, or rips the board from your hands. Ginny was hammered by two quick breaking waves, but she was very resilient, getting back on her board and paddling out to catch more waves.

We both now know why surfing is so addictive.

Tomorrow, I'll be visiting with a great friend who's lived in Australia for the past 12+years. Really looking forward to that.

We cannot believe that we have only but a few days left so we will be enjoying our final days to the fullest before we return to the Northern Hemisphere.

Until then, G&D.