Feb. 5 and 6

We were looking forward to a 2-day stop in Sydney. We weren’t disappointed. Sailing into the Sydney Harbor is matched only by entering New York in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty at dawn. So, we were up at 6 to make sure that we were ready for the tugs meeting us at the harbor entry. The entry boasts more than 100 bays and inlets. It was green, sunny and nicely developed.  We passed through to the iconic 1932 bridge, the Opera House and the Circular Quay which hosts lots of retail development and the Sydney ferry system. Our last visit to the harbor found us docked right at the quay…between the bridge and the Opera House. This time there was some little ship called the Queen Elizabeth. We had to go further down the bay and take a water shuttle into the city….about a 10 minute ride.

Our day 1 excursion was a scenic cruise of the harbor: a relaxing, narrated tour of 2 1/2 hours. Afterwards, we walked around a bit before Karla took off on a longer walk to an Op Shop. Everything was pleasant, including a well-deserved cold beer.

On Day 2, we found a “Rocks tour” offered by an Aboriginal owned company with the Aboriginal perspective. It was really more of a description of Aboriginee life and values, but it worked. Karla followed it with a lengthy walk along the extensive harbor wall. It does seem that Australia is working to honor Aboriginal history and it adds a nice dimension.

In the evening of Day 2, Viking presented one of their giant seafood feedings so we averted starvation. About 100 passengers disembarked and another 100 got on the ship. The new passengers should have been impressed with their first meal. It was followed by a nice presentation by the astronomer. We’re lots smarter now.

In the morning, we sat at our usual breakfast couch. Across from us were a mother and daughter who were on board for the Los Angeles-Sydney segment. We pleasantly asked how they liked the trip. Their answer was very negative. Of course, we asked why. They didn’t think there was enough to do.Nobody gave them ideas on what to do, so they stayed in their stateroom. When we commented on the educational sessions, crafts, cards, , etc they said they weren’t interested in them. They had meals with some people, but then the people never followed up with them. I think I understand why. We don’t hang out with negative people and seldom see anything to complain about. They reminded us that there is that element among our passengers. I’m happy that we avoid them. It has been a nice cruise with lots of new friends.

2008-9 Australia trip with kids

In putting this blog together, we are checking our past photos and where relevant, including them. Over the holidays in 2008-9, we took a cruise with kids and stopped in Australia.