After driving from Dallas to Houston on December 22nd, then flying from Houston to Aukland, then changing planes and flying to Sydney, arriving at 8:30 a.m. on Christmas Eve. Both flights had a new feature to all of us – the screen on the back of the seat in front of us had a chat feature, so we could chat with Melissa and Karl who were some rows behind us – pretty nice for families travelling together, but not seated together.
Our rooms were not ready, so we checked our bags and took off, Of course, our first stop was to pose in front of the icons. By 11:00 a.m. we had made our way to Din Tai Fung – our favorite place in Asia for soup dumplings…..and there are several in Sydney!!!! They were delicious!
In the early afternoon we took the ferry to Manly Harbor, a pleasant experience in itself on a beautiful day with lots of sunshine. We wandered around shopping in out of shops, then wandered down to the beach.
Melissa and Karl collect sand from beaches they visit. So they took off their tennis shoes and headed down to the water. When they were done, we headed back to the ferry – another nice trip. The other three went upstairs and I found the last spot on the side of the stern — great views!
We went back to the hotel while the young people found the oldest pub in Sydney.
Our day ended with a fabulous dinner at Café Sydney, sitting on the edge of the balcony with a view of both the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. That’s a nice introduction to Sydney….
Christmas Day started well – another beautiful day. After a breakfast in the Club, we walked down to the Wharf for the ferry to the Sydney Zoo. Our travel agent had signed us up for a Small Group Tour – what a treat that was! Eight of us were led by a guide, going into exhibits’ back doors on one of the busiest zoo days of the year.
Zoo entrance:
We first saw the wallabies and the kangaroos, then moved on to the koalas. We took lots of pictures!!!
Afterward we moved on the platypus and then to the echinda, then to a small marsupial – the smallest one anywhere.
Echinda
The tongue is about a foot long!!!
We loved our guide – he was very knowledgeable and genial. it was really lovely to bypass the crowds and be with a great guide. Another ferry ride back to the city the to Appetito for some great pizza for lunch.
Oldest building — and the tallest until early 1900’s — in Sydney!
Melissa and Karl then did the Harbour Bridge Climb….. and we took a nap! They loved it and John had done it two years ago with Tomi and Bryan.
We pushed our reservation for dinner back an hour and just barely made it. By the way, our room entitled us to use the Club room. If you ever get to Sydney and stay at the Intercontinental, you can have full breakfast, cocktails and heavy hors d’oevres – might not even need dinner. We could not eat there and also eat out We pushed our reservation for dinner back an hour and just barely made it. By the way, our room entitled us to use the Club room. If you ever get to Sydney and stay at the Intercontinental, you can have full breakfast, cocktails and heavy hors d’oevres – might not even need dinner.
By the way, the guy below was just walking down the street in the middle of the city!
Merry Christmas to us and you all!
On our last day we took the Hop On — Hop Off bus and headed to Bondi Beach.
It was also the day of the Sydney to Hobart race!
We had a very late lunch at Fortune of War and then snacked at the Club from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Then we packed and went to bed by 9:00 p.m. (which will be 11:00 p.m. the next day in Queenstown). The morning pick-up was at 6:10 a.m……..yikes!
In the pub was a picture of Sydney in the 1920’s — very different…..plus a little of Melissa!
And a final sunset to die for!!!!!
Three absolutely beautiful (if hot) days in Sydney; we had expected mid-70’s but were treated to mid-80’s. I only had jeans with me and wished for some shorts!!! But New Zealand is supposed to be in the 60’s – cool from now on!
Next chapter will be Queenstown, New Zealand – see you there.
Fondly,
Beth
From the plane:
Whew. I was afraid you were t doing a blog! Looks great. 💋
Thank you, thank you for having me on your email list. I love the pictures of all the places you go. I did go to Sydney once. Never wanted to take that airplane trip again. 🙂 I hope 2019 brings you & John many wonderful memories, good health & much happiness. Hugs, my friend! Mildred
This sounds like the beginning of a great trip! Hope the cooler air in New Zealand is refreshing!