Swim straight on through to Sydney...

...or in our case fly.

For all those unfamilar with Finding Nemo just ignor the random quote title, and weird references to the movie that will most likely ensue in this post.

For those who have been checking this blog anxiously for the past three weeks, gripping the edge of your seats, unable to contain yourself until the next chapter, well you are in luck, you are in for a doozy.

Road greened up on way to Darwin

Last weekend we travelled to Sydney.  Caleb was Queensland apprentice of the year, which meant he had the opportunity to compete in the national title. This opportunity came with the 'obligation' of being put up in the Novotel Hotel in Olympic Park (12 storys up) for a week of activities and nominee bonding.While Caleb lived it up in Sydney for a week, I went to work and drove down to Darwin on Wednesday night to catch my flight early Thursday morning. One thing this wet weather does in the Northern Territory is make everything so green to create the most impressive, intense gorgeous colours the human eye has every seen. Especially at sunrise and sunset.

Thursday arvo was a day of luxury at the Novotel. Friday was spent shopping and eating sushi, and that night was the big finale - the dinner.While Caleb was not given the award, he still looked mighty handsome up on stage, met some wonderful people and had a fantastic night with his parents and his wife. Saturday was spent sightseeing in the harbour and then up to the Blue Mountains where we enjoyed fabulous panoramic views at Echo Point where one can see the Three Sisters.

How refreshing! A breath of spring and mountain air! Can cure any work blues.

Yes, we made it to Sydney, probably the most iconic city in our country. Face it, Melbourne tried by building that tall building, but really they copied the Gold Coast. Brisbane's best feature, the river, is truly, disgustingly polluted. Darwin, well, they have the Mindel Markets, but seriously, how does that compare to the Opera House? Perth may be beautiful (apparently, this we have yet to validate) and Adelaide may be designed to be easily navigated (so I have heard...it's never been tried and tested by the Mayne directional system, which, without the trusty Mio is not so great...) but I put it to you, that no other city quite has the status as Sydney.

But Lisa! You forgot a city! How could you leave out poor old Hobart? Well folks, as beautiful as Hobart is, I hardly think it qualifies as a city....waayy too small.

Ok, city/state jabs aside, and let me assure you, we've had our fair share this weekend, Sydney was beautiful in its own, human constructed monstosity way. A city is a place to admire human accomplishment and embrace modern culture. Not always something truly inspiring for me, but one cannot look at the harbour bridge with the Opera House in the background and not think it impressive. The thing that struck me while in Circular Quay, was the amount of seagulls. They were everywhere (and fat too)! I finally truly understand the end of Nemo....

The Blue Mountains were absolutely breathtaking and the little jaunt to Sydney has certainly wet our appetites to once again hit the road.