The long and winding road
Sydney, Australia:
The time has come… we’re up and out of Sydney this evening. To get around Australia on a budget, you can get a bus pass taking you from point A from point B but allowing an unlimited number of disembarkations. Yesterday, Sandy and I bought bus passes from Sydney to Cairns so we’ll be slowly making our way up the East Coast starting tonight, when we hop on an overnight bus to Byron Bay.
We're taking a similar route, although by bus.
As thrilled as I am to explore more of the country, it’s sad to leave Sydney. This is absolutely one of my favorite cities in the world – there’s no end of things to do! – and who knows how long it will be before I’m back?
I love when you’re in a city and stumble upon a sight that perfectly reminds you where you are. It’s like crossing the street in DC and realizing that the Capitol looms at the end of the block.
Such is the case in Sydney, where you’re rewarded with gorgeous views of Harbour Bridge and the Opera House whenever you’re near the waterfront. I could never get tired of this view!
Today is the big Mardi Gras celebration and the streets of Sydney are all decked-out for the event. Guys in drag having a cup of coffee, the hospital decorated with streamers and roads closed for a parade — just your typical Friday in Australia. 
The Rocks
To celebrate our last night in Sydney, Sandy, Stephanie and our Swiss friend Lea competed in (and WON) quiz night at our hostel, then headed out for karaoke at a nearby bar. Our prize? A canoeing trip that none of us can use — trying to sell it — and one free drink. Not one drink each, but one drink.
Passing our shared beer around the table
Goodbye, Sydney. It’s been fun. See you next time!
(not sure when I’ll have Internet access again — hopefully I’ll find somewhere at Byron Bay — thanks for bearing with me! 
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Aw I’m sad you are leaving Sydney
I’ve seen the rest of the east coast and it’s beautiful but I love Sydney the most. I hope you get two seats so you can lie down on the buses! I totally recommend one of those neck pillows if you don’t have one already. Are you going to the Whitsundays? That is my favorite place in the world…besides maybe Sydney haha.
sad that you’re leaving Sydney, but a bus tour up the coast sounds saweeeeeeeet. love that you four shared that one free beer haha!
Hey, we’re poor 20-somethings! No shame!
I am so happy you enjoyed Sydney enough to miss it like that. To me, that is the sign of satisfying travel. Can’t wait to hear about your BB adventures.
Can I send you some snow? I shouldn’t have made fun of your snow awhile ago as we’re getting walloped. Probably not as bad as you but when you haven’t had much all winter it seem like it. Oh to be somewhere sunny now
guys in drag having coffee, haha! what an awesome city, i hope to go there someday soon
Have an awesome time in Byron! You have to try the yummy cheap eats at “Bay kebabs” right in downtown byron bay near the big round about. I still crave this place! Aloha!
Mardi Gras in Australia? Who knew!