Royal Botanic Gardens

Photos:

• Top left: view of the harbour from Mrs. Macquarie's Chair
• Top right: view of the garden and city from edge of harbour
• Middle left: palm trees in the garden
• Middle right: statue at one of the garden gates
• Bottom left: I have no idea what kind of flower this is...
• Bottom right: You have no idea how cold it is in Carla's apartment. When Carla took this picture I was wearing a long-sleeved t-shirt under my sweatshirt, two pairs of socks, and a scarf. Not to mention the fleece blanket and cup of tea that I can't do without.

Yesterday, after getting in my daily e-mail fix and purchasing a smashing wool coat for $19.95 (about $15 US), I made my way over to a McCafe for the first time in my life. When I first saw them here last week I didn't quite know what to make of them, but now I wish we had them in the states. It's still run by McDonalds, but it's a lot more like a Starbucks than anything else. You can get cappuccinos, pastries, panini, etc. None of that Big Mac stuff. (You have to go around the corner to the regular McDonalds, if that's what you want.)

I got a grilled chicken and avocado panini for pretty cheap, as well as a cup of hot water (I carry tea bags with me at all times; you have no idea how much money that saves me on buying drinks here) and took it over to The Domain, a huge park near downtown. Found a place just outside the Art Museum to sit and eat.

After that, I made my way over to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Saw some pretty incredible native Australian plants, trees and wildlife and also got a spectacular view of the city/harbour from a different vantage point.

Later in the afternoon, I made my way back to the Art Gallery of New South Wales for a look around before heading home. Didn't spend a lot of time there, but I had a chance to look through a couple rooms of 19th century European and Australian paintings/sculptures. The next time I go back I plan on looking through the Modern and Aboriginal exhibits.

Spent the evening at home with Carla, once again watching game shows and then an episode of Law and Order (one of my favorites!). I had Carla take a picture of me so I could show everyone how cold it is in her apartment.

And to conclude...another list. Even though this one's probably not as good, it is definitely inspired by my actual experiences. Today's list is "Peanut Butters that I Have Tried."

• American: Pretty much two thumbs up.
• Italian: Nonexistent. So I guess I shouldn't really claim to have tried this one...
• Australian: nothing to write home about. (Though, ironically, that's exactly what I'm doing right now.)