My mom and I flew to Sydney, Astralia in July - 1997 to visit my grandmother. The whole month staying there, I did not attempt to drive around the city! Why? They are still driving on the left! :) And they think we are weird on the charge that we are still using lbs. and oz.! :)

I used the railways and ferries to get around the city whenever I was on my own. The railways actually shortened my travel time in half, since the traffic in Sydney can be quite heavy. Half of the time, my cousin, Cuong, and his friends took me out to places and on tours.

My first stop in Sydney was Queen Victoria Building (shopping). It is so sophisticated! Beside five levels of specialty stores and food court, QVB also has an impressive international treasures display on the 5^th floor, and live musical performance on the 1^st floor.

Let me list a few items on the 5^th floor that would make your jaws drop! The biggest gold nugget and pearl in the whole world were displayed here. A detail jade carved Chinese Imperial Cart that weighs 3 tons was another item. There was also a memorial case that dedicated to Queen Victoria.

The next two items on my agenda was to explore the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. The walk from one Argyle Stair to the other Argyle Stair on the Harbor Bridge was quite satisfying. :)

The mussel shape Opera House is beautiful inside out. My cousin and his friends took me here to see "Beauty and the Beast" but it was not in the main opera room, so, that room was not as glamourous as I expected it to be! :)

Sydney Aquarium is marvelous! Here, you will get to see sharks, and other huge unique sea creatures. I love the special section of the colorful corals from Queen Island, bright and beautiful!