From Wollongong to Sydney: The Goal is Finally in Sight
After conquering those pretty intense hills in Wollongong the day before, I was finally on track to reach Sydney. When I entered Appin, this giant koala structure appeared. But you know, when you see it up close, it's actually kinda scary. The vibe is designed to be pretty intense, I'd say.
Reunion with a Friend I Met in Malaysia
From there, I kept going and visited a friend living in Campbelltown. I met this person at a guesthouse in Georgetown, Malaysia. We'd talked about how it'd be cool to meet up someday in Australia, so yeah, I'm really glad we actually got to see each other.
Trying an Australian Specialty: Kangaroo Meat
When I arrived at their place, they treated me to a feast. This is kangaroo meat, sold here in Australia. They said you can get it at supermarkets like Coles or Woolworths, so I decided to give it a try. It's popular as a healthy option—low fat, high protein—and most importantly, it's tasty. The flavor is kinda similar to lamb, I'd say.
A Trip to Sydney's City Center
Then my friend was like, "Alright, let's go to Sydney." Well, more like the central area where the Opera House and stuff is, rather than just Sydney in general. So we headed out. We got off at Circular Quay Station, the closest one to the Opera House, and walked around the area.
A Friend's Kindness: Keeping a Promise
We went into a Japanese restaurant and had ramen. They treated me to it. Back in Georgetown, they'd said, "If you ever come to Sydney, I'll treat you to a meal."
They were like, "I made a promise, so it's on me," and I got to enjoy some really good food. Everyone was super kind, and the siblings took me to all sorts of places. Seriously, I'm so grateful.
The Beauty of the Opera House at Night
Here's the photo of the Opera House I forgot to take during the day.
Sydney Opera House
Rising from the waters of Sydney Harbour on Bennelong Point, the Sydney Opera House is one of the most recognisable and celebrated buildings in the world — a triumph of visionary design by Danish architect Jørn Utzon that reshaped the landscape of 20th-century architecture. Opened in 1973 after a turbulent 16-year construction journey, and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, it continues to function as a vibrant, world-class performing arts centre hosting more than 1,500 performances each year. Whether you come for a concert, a guided tour, or simply to stand on the harbour foreshore and take in its luminous shell-like silhouette against the Sydney skyline, a visit to the Opera House is an unmissable experience.
All things considered, the Opera House at night is way more photogenic.
