OZ - Sydney and Blue Mountains

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Arrived into Sydney knowing Rich was already staying at the Central YHA hostel. Checked in and actually bumped into him in the corrider. It was a great reunion as it had been over 4 weeks since we last saw one another. In true best mate style we went out to a bar trading stories and shinanigans.

In the evening popped over to Manly bay and caught up with someone we met in Fiji.

Although great it didn't feel the same as it was in Fiji.

Seeing a learn to surf sign Rich and I booked ourselves onto it. We both managed to get up and ride some waves which was a massive achievement. However turning was more a problem. Instead we just kept beaching ourselves, then madly running back to catch the next wave.

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Feeling happy we went back into Sydney and I decided I finally needed my hair cut. Seeking out the cheapo place doesn't always end up in your favour. As after 15 mins of not seeing what the person was doing, I left the barbers with virtually no hair!

Hairless, Rich and I moved onto visit some of my relatives who were living out by the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. Greeted by Karon, Paul and their two children we were accomidated for two great days. We were well fed and were rewarded by some excellent views of the mountains from a hike and bike ride.

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The bike ride took 5 hours until we reached the summit which was mostly over pot holes, steep inclines and various wet patches. With daring narrow edges and some near falls we reached the top and took a well deserved photo. Looking over the valley we could see the amazing blue haze caused by the auciliptus.

We waved the relatives off before heading back to Sydney to have a few nights out before flying to Brisbane. Whilst on the plane we reflected how disappointed Sydney was compared to its hype, hoping our next encounter in Oz will be better.