Sydney

Monday, April 16th

Ok, it's our last day in Australia. We are sorry that we didn't get to see more and very happy to begin our voyage home!

This morning we were up and out to catch a cab to the Opera House. What a place! Our tour was at 10:00am, but we arrived in time for the 9:30am tour, so they let us go. We climbed many, many steps and walked around most of the Opera House. We went into Opera & Ballet Hall where there was a practice session going on. It was fun to watch that for a little while. Then we were on to the bigger Symphony Hall, which was beautiful beyond belief. We were also taken downstairs to some of the smaller halls and back corridors. There are also halls that can be rented for receptions, etc. At the back of the big halls there are glassed lounges that overlook the river and the city...what a view! We really loved the visit! Next we walked the Circular Quay to the Harbour Tour Boats and took a 1½ hour cruise around Sydney Harbour. We meet two American women on the boat...one from California & one from Michigan. They mentioned that they were there with their sons, who were touring in Australia with a band. Eventually I asked her what band and would you believe.. it wasThe Red Hot Chili Pepper Band! Not our style..Rock, but it was fun talking to these nice ladies! We finished our shopping, wine and snack crackers, etc, for the cruise (need to have goodies to relax with on our balcony!) then we were back to the hotel to get our things ready for the morning!

We will not have easy internet for the next four weeks, as the ship internet is very expensive and slow... but we will be in touch from the ports.

P.S. The picture of the Opera House from above was not from Jack climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge; it was from a book Jack bought!