orientating myself to sydney

Day 2, first full day, was enjoyed with a harbor cruise that gives a stunning overview of this city set on various waterways. It is Seattle on a grander scale, with countless bays and jutties making up the environs. There are numerous islands in the bay, parks that dot the shoreline, residential neighborhoods featuring luxurious waterfront properties (think 5-tiered terraced houses with boat docks). The cruise was aboard a large, well-appointed vessel (teak floors, brass bar fittings), and inlcuded a delicious meal (I picked the baked salmon - that Pacific Northwest disposition towards fish, I suppose).

Walked along the waterfront past buskers (two didgerdoo players, a juggler, and silent mime/statue wannabees), around the Opera House (truly an aesthetically pleasing design), and into the botanic gardens (where a variety of colorful birds were also displaying themselves - cuckatoos and?? any orinthologists out there? Stumbled upon the music conservatory, where students were giving recitals for their final exams, so listened to a guitarist for a bit. Checked out the library (I tend to visit those wherever I go), and came across a backpacker's hostel/bar combo that had friendly travel information available.

I'll post a few pics (only a few, because the computer is not cooperating right now) of some of those sights.
http://picasaweb.google.com.au/travelingjp/FirstCoupleOfDaysInSydney

Jony, Alison and Dave's son, brought me to church service tonight... at a bar by the beach. Maybe that's where the Catholic church needs to start holding mass! Live band playing music that wasn't immediately recognizable as Christian rock; it was good. Met some nice folks who wanted to know more about Seattle. What should I tell them, folks? I told them we're mostly liberal, try to be progressive, that the "freeze," in my opinion, is more just an inclination to leave people alone (in a good way - you live your way, I'll live mine), rather than not being social.
What's the verdict out there on this issue of Seattle having a reputation for being a hard place to meet people?

Also said it's a place that has all the big-city amenities, yet is compact enough that they're accessible. And that we try to be into "good causes" (ie environmental conservation, healthy lifestyles). And, that I personally like the outdoor offerings (every outdoor activity is available nearby, in a fantastic natural setting). What do others like about Seattle? (I want to make this more of an interactive blog, to have it initiate discussions... anyone join in?).

I've said my piece for the day. Goodnight.