Sydney

Tuesday 6^th of March 2012

Just before dawn with a lovely warm breeze blowing, we were on the front deck viewing in the distance the lights of the City of Sydney. As the “Black Watch” followed slowly behind the pilot boat into the harbour it gradually began to get light and soon we were in view of the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney opera House these two iconic symbols of Sydney so well known around the world. Yes! so here we are, front deck crowded with people, and cameras and video’s getting hot with use! There is probably no greater entrance into a harbour such as this save perhaps Hong Kong and Singapore and you know what? We have done all three! What a privilege and so exciting.

 

Our first day in Sydney and we were out early walking around the harbour to the Opera house where we booked tickets for “Turandot on Wednesday. There are tours from the ship to the Opera but we got tickets at just half the cost of those on the ship ! Well done Suuske. Then we went around to “The Rocks” and had some lunch following which we went into the City to enjoy the atmosphere which is so special in a place like this. There are so many differences to Cities at home and Sydney being no exception along with Hong Kong Singapore and even Mumbai. In Sydney it is noticeable that the girls are wearing summer dresses and no one apart from the odd street person was in any way scruffy. It is such a shame that we in the UK have let our towns and Cities become litter strewn and inhabitants having no pride in their environment or appearance. Even Mumbai in its main areas was cleaner than Birmingham!!!!

In the afternoon we went up into the Sydney Sky Tower. This is twice as high as the Bridge and at the top we had to put on special jump suits and be hooked on to a safety wire to go out on to the outside viewing platforms. This was not to be missed; the views are spectacular and looking down you could see the little ”ant” people scurrying around.

Back to the ship in the evening, Suuske being very tired after walking so far in one day. Another day tomorrow and going to the Opera is something to which we both look forward with anticipation and excitement.

Fd    

pictures to follow