6/18/06        
By Kim, Stacy, and Caitlin

We rolled out of bed at 830 for our final breakfast at the Quality Inn in Auckland.  We returned to our room and tried to fit all of our things into our suitcases in a last minute packing frenzy.  The bus left at 1030 for the Airport, where we waited in our 13th, 14th, and 15th lines (yes we have been counting). At the Airport we found out that not only do you have to pay an exiting tax, but also an Airport fee of 18 US dollars. So after finding some money, we headed to the food court so we wouldn’t have to eat airplane food again. Once on the plane it was a smooth ride to Sydney, except for Tory Anderson who was accidentally given the ticket of Barry Anderson, who showed up at the last minute and wanted his seat.  Everything worked out ok. Once in Sydney we boarded our bus which took us under the Sydney Harbor and over the Harbor Bridge. We arrived at our hotel, the Metro Apartments, and immediately decided that the large lofts were are favorite place to stay so far.  For dinner we were set loose downtown where everyone went their separate ways to sample the local cuisine.  Some of us even sampled the Kangaroo Steak.

Editors Note:
While most of the girls went to sleep, a few decided to attend the World Cup soccer game between Australia and Brazil with Chris.  It was a once in a lifetime experience to actually be in Australia for such a game and we all wanted to experience the local viewing even though it didn’t actually start till 2am  Exhausted after dinner, we all took naps and set our alarms for midnight at which time we walked down to a local bar/club.  While a little hazy eyed still, the packed crowds, people draped in Australian flags , and chants of Australia, Australia, Australia, Oi! Oi! Oi! quickly woke us from our slumber.  With probably 300 people packed into a bar designed for 50, we watched the Socceroos battle the world champion Brazilians on 4 large screen TV’s, enjoying every second.  Although Australia lost 2-0, they put up a valiant fight and earned 5 new fans from the US. 

6/19/06
By Caitlin

This morning we ate breakfast and boarded a bus for Bondi Beach, a world famous destination for Australian travelers.  Even though it is winter here, and the water really cold, Taelor, Tory, Stacy, Chelsea, Meghan and Caitlin decided to go for a swim.  People on the beach were amazed to see 6 girls running into the water in only their sports bras and shorts. 

After our lunch we found a cafe for lunch and headed to the Sydney Opera House.  The views from the Opera House were spectacular and we were all interested to discover that the outside of the Opera House is made up of very small white tiles, which give it a metallic effect during the day. 

After taking a ton of pictures we boarded the bus to go to North Head Reserve, one of the highest points in Sydney, a series of large cliffs which overlook the whole city.  The views were some of the best we had ever seen. 

On our way back to the hotel we made one last stop at Manly Beach, where we sat on the sand and watched all the surfers while the sun set.  After a short nap, we had dinner at the Rocks, a local shopping area, and it was not long before we were again passed out in our hotel.