America Day!

Unlike July 4^th, Thanksgiving, and National Eat a BigMac Day, the America Day I am referring to was celebrated on my last Saturday in Sydney, Australia. “How strange?” you might ask. No worries, friend, let me explain.

I met up with my American friend, Rachel, early in the morning and we caught the ferry from Circular Quay in the city across the harbor to Taronga Zoo. We spent the morning and early afternoon exploring the massive zoo set on a rather steep hill sloped that so no matter where you are, the Sydney skyline is acts as a backdrop to the animals. I have to say, it is one of the nicest zoo’s I have ever visited. The enclosures were spacious and the animals were active. My favorites were the baby elephants, the otters, platypus, and Ralph, the emu.

Ralph received a name because he was extra special to Rachel and I. We walked into this sort of isolated part of the zoo when all of a sudden this massive emu was sort of just walking towards us (emu’s are huge, just smaller than ostriches). Ralph proceeded to be absolutely infatuated with Rachel’s long, curly hair and the two spent the better part of ten minutes circling each other, eyeing each other up. When we walked to the wombat enclosure just down the footpath, Ralph followed us. The entrance to the enclosure was through this little rock tunnel and just as we were approaching it, this woman came walking out not paying attention. When she saw us with a giant emu following, she literally screamed and turned around and ran…awkward. Anyways, we bid Ralph a fond farewell. Two thumbs up for Taronga.

After our animal adventures, Rachel and I caught the ferry to the famous Manly Beach. We had a late lunch of fish & chips and walked around the boardwalk and checked out some markets. By this time it was beginning to look a bit rainy. We hopped back on the ferry and headed back to my hostel to prepare ourselves for the evening.

The conclusion on America Day was a rugby game at the Olympic Park between the Brumbies and the Waratahs. We had received tickets because Lucy’s dad is a season ticket holder but was unable to go to the game. The stadium was massive –a holding capacity of 100,000—but held only about 40,000 fans. I have to admit, the game was a bit sluggish and slightly boring to watch….I prefer AFL heaps more. It was good to see, however, and I am glad to have the chance to experience such a different sport’s culture. Rachel and I had such a great day!