That's Interesting…

All,
We have been in Australia for over a week now and it is high time for me to update you on this latest adventure.
1. We went to the Sydney Opera House for a performance of Pirates of Penzance. I bought the tix as a surprise for David as he was in the BYU production when we met. I cannot even begin to tell you how hard it was not to say anything. Finally, I blurted out right before we landed in Singapore.
Anyway, much to my shock the outside of the Opera House is not white but really cream and features an intricate geometric pattern. The inside is then what I can only describe as concrete vaulted ceilings. It is very unique. Most importantly we got all dressed up and had a fabulous evening. David looks so good in a suit!
2. Blue Mountains National Park is about 2 hrs west of Sydney and that is where the crazy picture of David at Hanging Rock that I sent a few days ago was taken. The hike through the bush was great fun as we armed ourselves with sticks not knowing exactly what wild animals were out there ready to eat us or at least bite us.
3. We go on mini excursions every day after David comes back from the office. The highlights are eating kangaroo steaks and visiting the botanical gardens with dozens and dozens of bats that come out at sundown!
4. This weekend was simply amazing. We checked out of the hotel, bought a tent and 2 sleeping bags, and drove 4 hrs south of Sydney to Marramang National Park. We had only 1 goal in mind…see a kangaroo. We saw a whole bunch as drove at night but nothing could prepare us for the next morning as we poked our heads out of our tent…we were surrounded by dozens of kangaroos. They were everywhere. I was more giddy than at Halloween! Now, FYI, it is not recommended to drive in certain parts of Australia at night because if you hit a kangaroo, your car will be totalled. Though they may look all cuddly, they are wild and so no petting or feeding. Yes, they are capable of skipping but they really prefer to be sprawled and enjoy fat happy time…ideally in the middle of the road. The trees were filled with all kinds of parrots which, while beautiful, are extremely loud.
After some kangaroo sightseeing around our camp, we went on a walk along the beach and then Bateman’s bay for bfast. In the afternoon, we went kayaking. Now, this adventure started off leisurely as we let the current take us; however, paddling back against the current and the wind was extremely hard work. I seriously thought I was not going to make it back. I reached the shore completely exhausted. For dinner, we had a real Ozzie BBQ. David built a fire and I made potatoes, onions, carrots, and corn with peppered steak. It was SO good. It was raining/sprinkling a little. But honestly I could not care less. I was just so happy to be camping in the bush in Australia, cooking, and just enjoying being with my Honey…I really could not have been happier.
Next day we crossed the entire Durras beach and then continued to climb half a mile of boulders and then cliffs to get to the neighboring beach. This hike is only possible at low tide. While absolutely incredible (tide pools with octopus, waves crashing, stunning cliffs), we definitely sped up towards the end as the tide started to come up. We hiked through the bush to get back.
David surfed in the afternoon as I admired him from the hot beach. The fact is that though it is extremely hot outside, the water is 1 degree away from turning into an iceberg. David came out looking like a penguin but he did pull of some amazing moves.
Well, we still have a week here and then we are off to Singapore and more.
We love you.
David and Sandy