Darling Harbor and Orphan Dinner

Yesterday, I took a walk into Darling Harbor to see if I could get an extension on the expiration date of tickets I had to the aquarium. I have some family friends coming to Sydney in November and was able to get 3 tickets I had to the Westfield tower extended through November. Unfortunately, one of the ladies working at the ticket office had no interest in helping me out and was clearly frustrated by having to deal with the long lines.

Darling Harbor Aquarium

At first I was frustrated that she refused to help and was considering just returning at a later date to hopefully see if someone nicer would help out. However, with the long lines, I decided I could take advantage of the situation by just scalping the tickets and picked up a little over $20 each for the tickets by selling them to people waiting in line. There's some American entrepreneurial spirit for ya.

Later on in the evening, I went over to the weekly "Orphan's Dinner" with the Garrett family who have been my acting host family in Sydney. I enjoyed what is always a very entertaining and fun night as well as some top notch seafood. I got to try sea bugs which have a texture very similar to that of lobster.

Some other pictures from Cairns

Some pictures of last day in Cairns

The "Lagoon" pool overlooking the ocean

Pelicans

Marina Boardwalk in Cairns

 Apparently this stinging tree is extremely dangerous 

Crystal Cascades Park in Cairns

Trip to the Rainforest

After the trip to the Great Barrier Reef on Sunday, I have since been able to check out a wildlife habitat, go on the Daintree River to check out crocodiles, go on a nightwalk through the Daintree Rainforest (which apparently was the inspiration for the movie Avatar), and go "jungle surfing" through the rainforest.

picture taken from window of bus on way to rainforest

wallaby

black swans

cassowary

bird with a really sharp beak

apparently koalas sleep for 20 hours a day

view of the Daintree forest from croc infested Daintree River

 accommodation with some other guys for the night 

view of the ocean 

During the Daintree Rainforest  night-walk, we were able to see all different types of vegetation and creatures. One of these was the strangler fig 

which is a parasitic vine which hollows out the inside of trees creating this cool pattern seen throughout the forest. I also licked the flavorful green ant, whose body is has a coating of absorbic acid (vitamin C) which was used by the aboriginals to help cure illness. 

Our group also came across the Forest Dragon native to the Daintree Forest 

as well as the huntsman spider 

which can detect even the most sensitive of movements. We also saw some of the frogs of the forest and I came across a bandicoot outside of my room for the night. 

bandicoot

Earlier today, before leaving the Daintree Forest area called Cape Tribulation, I saw no less than 3 stingrays, while walking in the water on the beach. Amazing how well they blend in, and you have to make sure you don't step on them. The first was distinctly different than the last 2, with the first having a more short, stubby tail and the other having much more of a whiptail.

Will upload more pictures when I have more reliable internet access.

The Great Barrier Reef

Today was an amazing day. I got to go snorkeling and scuba diving (twice) at the Great Barrier Reef.



It was awesome to get used to the sensation of being able to breath under water while watching schools of huge fish pass by you and being surrounded by huge coral formations. I'm pretty sure I saw Nemo too.

While diving, I got to pet a cuttlefish which turned a brilliant blue color. It looks like a mini squid.

Cuttlefish

I also got to get up and close to a stingray and watch it bury into the sand.



Without a doubt, one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had. The great barrier reef is certainly among the most incredible natural structures and habitats in the world.

View from the "Wharf" before departing

Without an aerial view of the reef, hard to do it it justice

Certified to Scuba Dive

Glebe Point

After finishing up a long essay today for my Investments and Portfolio Management class, I took a run over to Glebe Point.

 The Anzac Bridge

Baseball at the Olympic Stadium

Tonight I got to play baseball in Blacktown on the outskirts of Sydney at the Olympic Baseball Complex (from 2000 Sydney Olympics). The field we played at was not the actual field used for the Olympic games, but used for the home team practice prior to the game. The Olympic field is used nowadays for the Sydney Blue Sox, a pro team in Australia whose season starts in October. We have a number of pitchers on our team who pitch for the Blue Sox and helped us to win our close game today.


The field on the far right is the one we played on

I was able to contribute to our win by going 1 for 2 with a double and adding a couple walks and scored a run as well. Another fun night at the yard.

Double Bay

Yesterday I ventured over to Double Bay, a ritzy suburb of Sydney where I was able to meet another hedgie from the world of finance.

He invited me to chat at the Double Bay Sailing Club which offered a great view of the harbor and prime Sydney real estate.

 



Only a few more days until I depart for Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef on Saturday.