Having jetlag has its advantages. We were already out and about as the sun rose over our newly admired city, Sydney.

Known as the ACA building when it was constructed in 1938, it remains a fine example of Modern American Art Deco architecture, with a stepped tower, geometric ornament, and grand entry.

Okay, so looking down is important in Sydney, too. Drivers are on the opposite side of the street which takes some getting used to, especially with jetlag.

This was something that surprised me. The Australian White Ibis, often nicknamed "bin chicken" due to its scavenging habits, is a common sight in Sydney's urban areas, particularly in parks and waste sites, having adapted to a diet including landfill scraps. I called them Australian pigeons, as they are as plentiful.

I loved this, "A tiny vestibule of literary happiness for your neighborhood. Street Libraries are establishing themselves across Australia."

I loved this, too. Tradies on Ropes are qualified, licensed, and experienced tradespeople/technicians, specializing in building façade construction, and maintenance services.

Oh man, and the crosswalk indicating signs!

Decidedly unlovable are some of the souvenirs offered for sale!

For those who usually get mail from me, I am only hugging this mailbox. With a postcard costing $1.90 USD to mail, I'm not spending the money. Sorry.

At the harbor, there are medallions like this commemorating various authors who have quotes about their visits to Sydney. Sir Arthur Conon Doyle (1859-1930) wrote, "We all devoted ourselves to surf-bathing, spending a good deal of our day in the water as is the custom of the place. It is a real romp with Nature, for the great Pacific rollers come sweeping in and break over you, rolling you over on the sand if they can catch you unawares. It was a golden patch in our restless lives." He visited Australia in 1920-21 during a series of lecture tours on Spiritualism.

I will never tire of the contrast between the old and new architecture here.

Just in case you were as confused as I was!

Coming around a corner and finding this amazing building excited us both. The Commonwealth Bank was created in 1911 under order of Prime Minister Andrew Fisher. Its head office was designed by architect John Kirkpatrick, who was the cousin of the bank's governor. In August 1916, the building opened.

It is described as a national symbol, "the first and very substantial physical manifestation of the powers that the Commonwealth Government acquired in the area of banking after the federation of the Australian colonies." The building is also regarded as significant for its design, combining Grecian Doric, Art Deco and other influences.

It might make banking enjoyable to be in this lobby. Wow.

Our final stop was at the Museum of Sydney which explores colonial and contemporary Sydney through objects, pictures, and new artsy digital media techniques. Panoramic views of Sydney— from 1788 until today— stretch across walls and video screens. Sydney's convict era is explored in a giant showcase of goods and chattels recovered from more than 25 archaeological digs. It is situated on the remains of the first Government House that was built in 1788, later deemed inadequate in 1832 and demolished in 1845–1846.