Sydney to the Blue Mountains - Jan 1st 2013

After checking out this morning I make my way to the sky tower to look down on the views of the city. It's clear blue sky and sparkling blue water around the city. Impressive. Also they seem to have cleared up all the rubbish and fences from last night's shanigans. On my first visit nearly a year ago I hadn't really felt the Sydney love- perhaps it was partly the weather I'm not sure but it's only now I've really appreciated what a beautiful city it is.

I wander back via a stop in Hyde park where a singer is busking next to a fountain. It's a comfortable temperature and I rememer how sitting in the sun can be pleasant rather than something to be avoided!

A 2 hour train journey to Katoomba takes me into the heart of the Blue Mountains. A world-heritage listed play area for Sydney-siders named for the blueish haze which often hangs over the mountains. We travel through lots of tiny stations- quaint. Katoomba station manages a digital clock but the signs for the stops at the platforms are rotating wooden pieces on a board. It's peaceful as I walk down the hill to my hostel, a world away from the city.

A 40 minute walk that evening takes me to Echo Point where the famous 3 sisters can be viewed. Another slight lump-in-throat feeling recognising a well known landmark. It's busy at here, a beautiful view and the sun setting.