Hi! I'm going to Australia for the first time in December for a couple weeks after living in California nearly all 26 years of my life in California. Ever since Sydney 2000 and Ian Thorpe's rise to fame, I've wanted to visit the nation where swimming "is a national sport"(?). I've tried searching all over the internet but only in newspaper articles can I find stories of how much different swimming is in Australia as opposed to the US. Any advice on places to go/things to do so that I can get a taste of this? So far all I have is to scuba dive the great barrier reef and visit Sydney aquatic center. Non swimming related advice is welcome as well!
Hey Mo'! :wave: I see you're from Long Beach! :applaud: I was born and raised there, and my mom has lived in the same house near LBCC since 1963. I went to Lakewood H.S., and spent every summer at a rented beach house on the Penninsula.
There are a couple of other Forumites from your area. Do you know Bill Sive? He swims at pools around L.B. regularly. Debaru is also from Long Beach; however, she now lives in Arizona.
OK, now for your question. I spent six months in Australia in 1984 and have returned several times since. DEFINITELY check out the Sydney Opera House and take a tour. It is an amazing architectural masterpiece!
My favorite thing to do in Sydney is ride the ferries and see the various towns around Sydney Harbour. Purchase a day pass and go ferry hopping!
For a great view of Sydney, walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Make sure to visit the Harbour at night, too, because the Opera House and bridge are gorgeous at night!
Check out Sydney attractions at www.tripadvisor.com . Just out of curiosity, I looked to see what the highly-rated attractions were on the site. They are spot-on. I have walked all of those recommended walks, and I agree with the reviews.
I hope you have a blast in Sydney! It's a great city; one of my favorites. :agree:
Hey Mo'! :wave: I see you're from Long Beach! :applaud: I was born and raised there, and my mom has lived in the same house near LBCC since 1963. I went to Lakewood H.S., and spent every summer at a rented beach house on the Penninsula.
There are a couple of other Forumites from your area. Do you know Bill Sive? He swims at pools around L.B. regularly. Debaru is also from Long Beach; however, she now lives in Arizona.
OK, now for your question. I spent six months in Australia in 1984 and have returned several times since. DEFINITELY check out the Sydney Opera House and take a tour. It is an amazing architectural masterpiece!
My favorite thing to do in Sydney is ride the ferries and see the various towns around Sydney Harbour. Purchase a day pass and go ferry hopping!
For a great view of Sydney, walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Make sure to visit the Harbour at night, too, because the Opera House and bridge are gorgeous at night!
Check out Sydney attractions at www.tripadvisor.com . Just out of curiosity, I looked to see what the highly-rated attractions were on the site. They are spot-on. I have walked all of those recommended walks, and I agree with the reviews.
I hope you have a blast in Sydney! It's a great city; one of my favorites. :agree:
