G'Day Mates & Birds!
Y'all are probably wondering why we're saying birds and not sheilas anymore... that's because we just learned today that Sheila is more derogatory and rude; and us ladies are called birds.. so we apologize to whomever we've offended.. :p
Our first full day started out a little crazy.  We had to be ready by 6:45 and since it was the packer game yesterday; we obviously wanted to show our support. Therefore, we quickly got dressed, and ran downstairs to find the most Australian looking sign we could take a picture with.  Luckily, we managed to get a picture in our shirts & with Bentley. We believe that they finally won, because we brought them good luck all the way from Sydney!  Then, we had to rush back up stairs and get ready for the day.  Within the last five minutes of having to leave, I couldn't find my phone or room key. So obviously, we ripped the entire room apart & then I realized that I left it in the lobby.  Luckily, it was still there when we got there. by 6:45, we already knew our day was going to be interesting.  We then proceeded to have breakfast, nothing fancy; just rice krispies, toast & orange juice.  After we finished breakfast we headed out to the Central Station.  The central Station is their train/subway station.  This is really handy because it is located only a block away.  After we shortly got on the train, we had to get off, however we had a little complication.  Half of the group got off, but then our half didn't move our slow butts, and we got stuck on the train! So at the next stop we got off and went back, luckily they were s†ill there waiting! After that little mishap things settled in. We then proceeded to the ferry. Where we had a lovely ride with a gorgeous view, until Hallie started feeling sick. After we got off the ferry, we had to get on another bus which was no bueno for Hal. I thought she might yack, but nope she held it together like the champ that she is! We then had to take a shuttle bus to the Q Station, which is a place where the people immigrating to Australia used to have to stop at to be checked for diseases, they even had to take acid showers. However, now it is a four star resort and that is where we had our beach culture lecture. Which we both thought was very interesting and informational, we learned about the beach lifestyle, surfing history and many other fascinating things from Damion McCellan who started eco tours! We then had lunch and were off to our four kilometers hike! (we don't do math well, so y'all can figure out the miles) The hike was very hot and we became quite hot messes minus the hot part but we both really enjoyed it! The hike took place at North Head Sanctuary; the scenery was beautiful and the vegetation is so different then anything we had ever seen before. Damion was our guide on the hike and we learned quite a few things about the Australian vegetation and wildlife. The views we got to see were absolutely gorgeous, we got to look out over the ocean and it really was breath taking. Finally, we were done "learning" and we had free time! We decided to go snorkeling, where our previous tour guide, Damion then began our snorkel guide.  Snorkeling was AMAZING. Also, as a little side note, we snorkeled at Shelley Beach so here's a little shout out to shell, we love you!


 We saw many fish. 1 fish, 2 fish, red fish blue fish! haha just kidding.  We saw so many fishes and we actually saw a huge blue fish! The view underwater was breathtaking.  Actually, it did take our breath away sometimes, and we ended up getting salt water in our nose or mouth.. NO BUENO!! But overall, it was definitely a wonderful experience.  After that, we decided to go check out the shops by the beach. We did a little shopping and then decided we were starving! We then ventured out on our trying to find The Warf, However, we had no idea where to go.  So we just kept walking straight...finally; we caved in and asked for directions, guys are the only stubborn ones! The kind men we asked told us to walk the opposite direction we were going...we then realized if we stayed on the same road we were on before, we would of saved ourselves 1/2 of mile and humiliation.  Oh well, just the typical American travelers here.  We ended up finding a delicious place called the Bavarian Bier Cafe, it was quite delicious, we shared a salmon meal with a sunset view over the pacific ocean. Finally, after our meal, we decided to headed back to Sydney.  Unfortunately, we had to take the ferry again; but we both survived it & captured gorgeous photos of the Sydney Opera House.  Overall, the thing we both feel most accomplished about today, is that we navigated the train system all by ourselves! it was amazing, especially because we are so awful with directions.
We had a wonderful day, and learned so many new things.
But in all honesty, we cannot wait for the fireworks tonight for New Years Eve. So stay tuned for pictures of those!
Much Love,
Hal & Zoë