My hotel is across from "Hotel Harry" (side venture I didn't know about, Pops?), something seedy claiming to be VIP something or other, a Crossfit and a bar whose logo is a cartoon hotdog called Boss, I think. Naturally, the beautiful views would be from the other side of the hotel... So, had to get back out there to see more on my first day in Australia.
I was quickly staring to fall asleep which would destroy my attempt to beat jet lag - another reason to get out there! I pulled out the trusty tourist map since wifi access runs out after four minutes of use per day.
It was an easy decision. The Sydney Aquarium.
Checking out Darling Harbour was on my to-do list for my four days in Sydney. It was packed! Lots of restaurants, stores, the world's biggest IMAX and lots of small parks. The aquarium is towards the end of the harbour.
It was a great aquarium to see, but I haven't been in tons to offer a fair comparison. Only one awkward moment when the girl who sold me a ticket thought someone else's children were mine and I was going to buy their tickets too.
Check out this thing, whose name is Pig and was the aquarium highlight.
He's a dugong, which is like a blend of a cow, dog and seal. He and his roommate Wuru are the only dugongs on display in the world. After watching that horrifying documentary Blackfish, I have to imagine they despise their lives and are plotting to break free into the harbour. But look at that face - he's smiling! Unlike this guy...
And this guy is a taste of what's to come later this week...
After I said my goodbyes to Pig, I grabbed supper on a patio and people watched while I toasted the start of my vacation. Looking forward to tomorrow!
