Friday, November 04, 2005
Ships & Sharks
OK, OK, I was wrong, I should have listened to Sarah. Twenty two hours in economy really does suck. We arrived in Sydney in one piece yesterday, but a little jet-lagged. Erin slept early in the flight, but not later. Max slept late but not earlier. I slept in both parts, but not much, and I don't think Sarah slept at all. Still, it was bright, sunny and warm, when we got here, Max's guitar arrived in one piece, and there was no hassle getting his gluten-free food into the country. In fact, I don't think I've ever known such cheery customs officials. Makes you feel good about a country early on.
No problems getting to the hotel, which is in a huge old wool storehouse. Very imposing. Sarah crashed out for a couple of hours, while M & E & I went to have a scout round. We found the Maritime Museum, which provided an interesting diversion for an hour or so, and then took a quick tour round a replica of Captain Cook's Endeavour in the harbour. Not bad. Erin still remembered the Cat o' Nine Tails this morning :-) After a quick run up & down a little lighthouse on the quay (timber-framed, steel-skinned: is that normal?) we headed back to try and find some basic supplies. Found a supermarket very near the hotel with the help of a local minibus driver, and were back at the apartment in time to wake Sarah & go out for lunch.
Didn't do much in the afternoon, and I think all of us were in bed by 7. Max was falling asleep in the bath, bless him, and Erin while having her teeth cleaned - they were physically incapable of keeping their eyes open any longer.
Today, we were going to try a quick harbour cruise, but it dawned somewhat cloudy, and (shock, horror, give me my money back) started to spit with rain as we walked down to the quay. Instead, we ducked into the Sydney Aquarium. Result! It was excellent. Erin saw her first saltwater croc and stroked a starfish, and we all wandered through tunnels under the seal sanctuary while seals swam overhead, in that endearing way that they have. The Oceanarium was arguably more thrilling, because it was a similar structure, but full of sharks & rays. Fantastic! We walked in just as a HUGE ray (at least 6 ft span) swam over the top of the glass tunnel. Excellent.
Spent the afternoon travelling on the monorail and then a quick zip up the Sydney Tower. Perhaps not the best day for it, as it was a bit hazy and grey, but the views were still pretty spectacular.
Well, better go as it's late (crikey, almost 8pm) and I need to go & catch up on some sleep. I still can't quite believe that we're actually here. Will the novelty wear off?
No problems getting to the hotel, which is in a huge old wool storehouse. Very imposing. Sarah crashed out for a couple of hours, while M & E & I went to have a scout round. We found the Maritime Museum, which provided an interesting diversion for an hour or so, and then took a quick tour round a replica of Captain Cook's Endeavour in the harbour. Not bad. Erin still remembered the Cat o' Nine Tails this morning :-) After a quick run up & down a little lighthouse on the quay (timber-framed, steel-skinned: is that normal?) we headed back to try and find some basic supplies. Found a supermarket very near the hotel with the help of a local minibus driver, and were back at the apartment in time to wake Sarah & go out for lunch.
Didn't do much in the afternoon, and I think all of us were in bed by 7. Max was falling asleep in the bath, bless him, and Erin while having her teeth cleaned - they were physically incapable of keeping their eyes open any longer.
Today, we were going to try a quick harbour cruise, but it dawned somewhat cloudy, and (shock, horror, give me my money back) started to spit with rain as we walked down to the quay. Instead, we ducked into the Sydney Aquarium. Result! It was excellent. Erin saw her first saltwater croc and stroked a starfish, and we all wandered through tunnels under the seal sanctuary while seals swam overhead, in that endearing way that they have. The Oceanarium was arguably more thrilling, because it was a similar structure, but full of sharks & rays. Fantastic! We walked in just as a HUGE ray (at least 6 ft span) swam over the top of the glass tunnel. Excellent.
Spent the afternoon travelling on the monorail and then a quick zip up the Sydney Tower. Perhaps not the best day for it, as it was a bit hazy and grey, but the views were still pretty spectacular.
Well, better go as it's late (crikey, almost 8pm) and I need to go & catch up on some sleep. I still can't quite believe that we're actually here. Will the novelty wear off?
// posted by Chrisl @ 7:27 PM 
