Later, we quench our thirst with drinks on the rooftop of the Glenmore hotel in The Rocks district. Dave tells us that many historic hotels have been converted into pubs but this particular one still houses travelers as well. The view of the opera house from here is fantastic! We move on to dinner at the Australian Hotel. I order basil and onion pizza topped with emu! It tastes like high quality steak and is delicious! I try some of Dave's kangaroo and that is yummy too. Who knew?
After 2 days of city exploration, we decide to train to the Blue Mountains west of Sydney. The train ride to the town at the base of the park, Katoomba, is two hours. I look out the window for awhile then read some of the Pattie Boyd book I bought at the beach yesterday. Before I know it, we are there. Given that I live near some of the most iconic mountains in the world, the Grand Tetons, I wasn't sure how impressive this site would be. But as soon as we arrive at the first lookout, I am floored. The wind blows a waterfall into a mist so fine it looks like smoke drifting past the rock face. The mountains are not incredibly high but what is striking is the length and depth of the immense gorge below, thick with trees. Halfway through the hike to Pulpit Rock, I see a thin, jagged rock protruding from the side of the mountain. I gingerly climb out on it, look down and feel vertigo. There is so much to look at, it is frustrating because I can't take it all in at once. Soon, we arrive at Pulpit Rock and marvel at the sandstone rocks rising from a thicket of green while sharing chocolate with hazelnuts. I love a bustling, artsy city with superb architecture as much as the next person, but also appreciating the majesty of nature in quiet solitude.
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