Ashlynn’s New Commute...

Ashlynn had originally lived south of downtown, but had just moved north. When I met up with her, we jumped on a ferry to check out her new place.

Of course, that meant more opportunities to photograph the opera house...

...and bridge.

We purposely got off one extra stop past her new apartment so we could take a nice long walk.

Stupidly, I failed to take any photos in her apartment, but it was pretty nice. There was no view from the apartment itself, but this was her view as she was walking in her neighborhood...

...and here’s where she caught the ferry at Kurraba Point.

We took the ferry back to Circular Quay and went in search for dinner. 

Considering the large number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants throughout Sydney, there were very few veggie options in this touristy area. One seafood restaurant actually suggested that Ashlynn order shrimp and pasta without the shrimp, but still pay for them. Luckily we found Buckleys Craft Beer Bar that had such excellent vegan pizza and salads that we ate there twice.

Royal Botanic Gardens...

Like in Melbourne, entrance was free into Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens, which opened in 1816 and is the oldest scientific institution in Australia.

There were lots of interesting birds on the grounds...

 ...in the trees...

 ...and in the ponds.

Just seconds after I took this photo, this aggressive White Ibis actually jumped on this lady’s head, but I missed that shot.

This sign for an exhibit on carnivorous plants cracked me up.

Walking Along Sydney Harbor...

Ashlynn had to work that morning, so since I had some time to explore on my own, I figured it would be nice to walk to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Along the way, I saw some temporary art, including this cool dragon...

 ...and these girls about to go for a dive.

Further along I saw this navy ship...

 ...and spotted the iconic Sydney Opera House...

 ...Sydney Harbour Bridge (more on both of those later)...

...and the central business district. With more than 150 miles (240 kilometers) of shoreline, this natural harbor was so incredibly beautiful that my photos definitely don’t do it justice.

Spotted on First Day in Sydney...

I’m always on the lookout for cool street art when I travel. Here’s what I came across on that first day in Sydney proper.

Potts Point...

Originally I had planned to stay with Ashlynn in the small room she was renting through IMG in an apartment. However, after I booked my flights, Ashlynn met a British lad that was looking for a housemate and she decided to move in with him even though it meant sleeping on an inflatable mattress for awhile. I then had to scramble to figure out where I could afford to stay for eight nights in this very expensive city. Luckily I found a room with a kitchenette in Potts Point and got a free upgrade on www.Booking.com so I had this fantastic bay view. 

I was happy that Ashlynn stayed with me for all but one of those nights. 

Around the corner from the hotel was a fountain that was very popular with the White Ibis.

Historically rare in urban areas, these birds have invaded cities over the last few decades. Due to their dumpster diving, these pests have been nicknamed bin chickens.

That evening we wandered near-by Surry Hills, a hip part of town.

More Birds and Plants...

Like our previous coastal walks, we saw a variety of birds...

...and pretty plants and flowers.

I’ve seen plenty of no dog poop signs, but this was definitely the most intellectual one.

After our visit with Sarah, Jane dropped me off at Bondi so I could catch a train back into central Sydney, bringing the second phase of my trip to an end. Thanks to Jane for sharing her passion about Australia with me! Hopefully we won’t have to wait ten years to see each other again.

Coogee Beach...

Coogee had both a regular outdoor swimming pool and one for ladies only.

Our destination was Coogee Beach...

...where we picked up some lunch to eat along the beach.

Especially impressive was the newly opened public restrooms with toilets, changing rooms, showers...

...and free lockers.