Lauren's Visit
Our first visitor!! Katie's college roomie was the first to visit. Lauren arrived last Friday and spent the first few days trying to keep up despite the ridiculous jet lag. She was able to hit almost all of the highlights of Sydney including hitting up Manly Beach (every day), Bondi Beach, The Opera House, The Rocks, and some beach hikes. Lauren quickly learned the Aussie sun lesson (just like Katie in her first few weeks here)... Slip, Slop, Slap... Slip on a shirt, slop on the lotion, and slap on a hat... The sun here is much more intense than at home since the ozone layer is much thinner. Skin cancer just so happens to be the number one killer here.
While she was here we even managed to check some things off our list including dinner at Doyles on Watson's Bay, which is famous for its seafood and its a perfect view of the city. We also went kayaking at the Spit Bridge in middle harbour. Katie absolutely loved kayaking but Jared was less of a fan...it might have something to do with his kayak captsizing 5 minutes into the trip and having some miserable old fisherman yell at him for "scaring the fish". Katie missed the picture taking opportunity, but thankfully (or regrettably) Nikon Nicole was armed and ready to capture the moment. Thankfully there was a kayak rescue class taking place in the harbour, so they were able to lend a helping hand. I think Jared almost whacked the guy with his paddle when he made a smart comment about it being a real treat to be in training and get the opportunity to perform a real rescue.
Lauren just so happened to be here for the Mardi Gras parade that is part of the Gay and Lesbian Pride Week. It is a massive event with close to a 10,000 people in the parade and close to 500,000 observing the festivities. People come from all over the world to be in it and to watch it. It was quite the spectacle. The parade lasted three hours with tons of walkers and floats. The crowds were packed too and people were trying to stand on fences and bus stands to get a view. The crowds were just as amusing as the parade itself though with tons of people dressed up in crazy outfits both to join in the fun and support others. Some of the outfits got a little out of hand though, so we won't be posting those pictures. If you want a private viewing you will have to email us.
While she was here we even managed to check some things off our list including dinner at Doyles on Watson's Bay, which is famous for its seafood and its a perfect view of the city. We also went kayaking at the Spit Bridge in middle harbour. Katie absolutely loved kayaking but Jared was less of a fan...it might have something to do with his kayak captsizing 5 minutes into the trip and having some miserable old fisherman yell at him for "scaring the fish". Katie missed the picture taking opportunity, but thankfully (or regrettably) Nikon Nicole was armed and ready to capture the moment. Thankfully there was a kayak rescue class taking place in the harbour, so they were able to lend a helping hand. I think Jared almost whacked the guy with his paddle when he made a smart comment about it being a real treat to be in training and get the opportunity to perform a real rescue.
Lauren just so happened to be here for the Mardi Gras parade that is part of the Gay and Lesbian Pride Week. It is a massive event with close to a 10,000 people in the parade and close to 500,000 observing the festivities. People come from all over the world to be in it and to watch it. It was quite the spectacle. The parade lasted three hours with tons of walkers and floats. The crowds were packed too and people were trying to stand on fences and bus stands to get a view. The crowds were just as amusing as the parade itself though with tons of people dressed up in crazy outfits both to join in the fun and support others. Some of the outfits got a little out of hand though, so we won't be posting those pictures. If you want a private viewing you will have to email us.
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