New Year's Eve in Sydney ... who would have thought. We were on the verge of canceling this commercial event and staying cozy in Terrigal (our home base from the last post) in the countryside, just sleeping through the New Year.
Let's say, looking back, that would not have been a good idea in two ways. Firstly, in Terrigal, during the fireworks, the barge with all the fireworks exploded (fortunately, there were only minor injuries). But secondly ... have you seen our pictures of the fireworks in Sydney?! .... boooom ... truly 'fantastastic', impressive and unique what was staged here on the Sydney River (from four barges) and on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. After our delicious picnic at Balls Head with a fantastic view of the city, the Harbour Bridge, and the famous Opera House, we shone together with the illuminated night sky.
Also, thanks again to Carmen, who made it possible for us to stay with the Anderson family, with a normal bed and our own bathroom (both a blessing after 2 months in a camper van). With Swabian Kässpätzle (Sabrina made the best-improvised Kässpätzle with a perforated pizza pan, but cooked according to her mother's recipe), we tried to thank our gracious hosts for their hospitality. The whiskey tastings with Malcolm were amazing, now we just need the Slyrs from Schliersee to come to Sydney. We have rarely been received and cared for with such warmth and love, which is why these four days in Sydney will remain particularly memorable for us. Thank you again - Malcolm, Marise, and Rachel. :)
Sydney Sightseeing ... well, I think the pictures of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House speak for themselves. Besides these pictures, there are about 20,000 other pictures with motifs from the city, but you will be spared.
A side note was the Taronga Zoo, which we visited on the recommendation of our hosts. Beautiful and with a view of the city like hardly any other place. Here we were finally able to learn something about all these poisonous and deadly animals that are said to exist in Australia. Except for saltwater crocodiles and a few snakes, whose identification was rather poor, we have not yet made acquaintance with these human killers.... luckily, one might say.
After the big city, we went to the Blue Mountains in the hinterland. The name makes sense, as blue mist forms over the canyons. This is because the sunlight breaks in the mist, which also consists of eucalyptus oils, making it shimmer bluish. Hence the constant smell of eucalyptus in the nose.
Before the hike, a 'real' hot chocolate, with melted chocolate chips for Sabrina, in a sweet little town in the coffee of the local chocolate production. Then into the Blue Mountains, through valleys and mountains for over 20km through the eucalyptus jungle, past landslides, large slipped and broken boulders, over golden stairs (apparently someone hit the stones), to the 'rock castle' on a hill between two larger 'hills' in the canyon. The 'castle', a pile of stones, was also the lunch break with a phenomenal view of the '3 Sisters', which additionally give the area its name.
And now on to the coast, heading towards Melbourne and passing by Canberra, at beautiful camp sites in the middle of nowhere like Abercrombie Creek. Very funny when you have to go out at night to pee and a kangaroo runs past, grazing in the dark in front of the camper. :-D
imagine the smell of eucalyptus and thousands of white and colorful parrots (Papageien)
