The Last Weekend in Australia

Evan hasn't been able to get to the beach while in Sydney, so we planned on doing that this weekend. Unfortunately, the weather hasn't been too cooperative. On Friday, we took the ferry to Manly and we were able to get in a few hours of sunshine. Campbell isn't a big fan of the ocean water, but she likes the beach. 

It rained all day Saturday, so we walked around our neighbourhood and went to the markets. Sunday's weather was slightly better, so we went to Bronte and walked along the cliffs, but the on-and-off rain kept us from spending time on the beach.

We head back to the US on Thursday. We've had a great few months exploring Australia and New Zealand, but we're excited to return home to our friends and family. Thanks for following our adventures on our blog!

Day-dreaming about no rain

Manly Beach

Manly Beach

Manly Beach

Rainbow over the Harbour

Around town this week

Courtney and Campbell love playing tourist while Evan works during the week. They ventured to the Chinese Friendship Gardens in Darling Harbour one day earlier this week and had authentic Chinese Yum Cha at the Sydney Fish Market with other "mums and bubs" (moms & babies) on Friday. 

On Saturday night, Evan handled baby duty while Courtney climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge with friends, Margi and Dan.  The climb was a 3.5 hour trek with beautiful views of the city.  We wrapped up the week watching the YouTube Symphony and light show at the Opera House from our apartment window.  Musicians from all over the world were voted on to become a part of this 101 symphony ensemble based on their YouTube auditions. They've had performances all week and tonight's finale projected images on the Opera House.  

Chinese Friendship Gardens

Chinese Friendship Gardens

Courtney climbing the Harbour Bridge on Saturday night

YouTube Symphony and light show on the Opera House

New Zealand

Earlier this week, Courtney and Campbell took the ferry over to Manly, one of Sydney's most popular beaches. They spent the day with Courtney's friend, Ina, and her baby, Siena.

This weekend, we took a quick trip to New Zealand. We arrived in Auckland around noon and took a ferry to Devonport, a Victorian-style suburb of Auckland. We climbed up a few hills and had some great views of the city. On Saturday, we rented a car and drove around the countryside. We saw lots of sheep and cows. We also visited Bridal Veil Falls, a secluded waterfall. Then we drove down to Waitomo, where there are miles of underground caves. We took a boat tour and saw their famous glowworms.

At the beach in Manly, one of Sydney's northern beaches

In Auckland, on the ferry to Devonport

Auckland

Bridal Veil Falls in northern New Zealand

The halfway point

We've been in Sydney for a little over five weeks now, so we have less than four remaining. Courtney and Campbell went to the Art Museum of New South Wales on Wednesday. We went to the symphony on Friday night at the Sydney Opera House to see Mahler No.6. It was an awesome venue and a fun date night (thanks to our friends Dan and Margi for babysitting!). 

On Saturday, we drove out to the Blue Mountains, about two hours from the city. We went hiking and took some scenic rides on a skyway. Evan has mastered driving on the left side of the road. Next weekend, we're off to New Zealand.

Happy 8 month birthday, Campbell Virginia

Campbell got baby Uggs for her birthday on Thursday, but they won't fit her til next winter. And yes, Uggs are cheaper here, but not by much.