A Few Days Around Sydney Harbour

The first couple of nights in Sydney were clear. I spent some time down by the water after dark, watching the ferries come and go. The Harbour Bridge and the Opera House are obviously the main draws, and they look completely different when they're lit up against the black sky. Their reflections on the dark water were sharp, and the waterfront restaurants were still full.

A day or two later, the weather changed. A thick layer of clouds rolled in, turning the sky a flat, washed-out grey. It gave the whole area a different mood. The water looked darker and choppier, and the Opera House sails didn't stand out as dramatically against the sky. It felt much quieter, more subdued.

Before the week was out, the sun returned. Under a clear blue sky, everything was sharp and bright again. The water was a deep blue, and you could clearly see the Australian flags flying from the top of the bridge. It felt like a completely different place than it had under the clouds.