We're Here

    After 25 hour of travel time for Don, and 21 for me, we staggered out of the Sydney Kingston-Smith terminal into lush green tree-lined streets and sunshine.  What is really rather mystifying is that somewhere over the ocean we lost Tuesday.  If we never returned then the truth is we have lost one full day of our lives.  I wonder if that is enough incentive to return to the snow and cold.

     After settling into our hotel in the Kings Cross district (according to the guide book, "stylish and sleazy) we walked to the Sydney Opera House.  Built in 1973 it is to Sydney what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris.  When we got there, on a whim, we went in to see if we could get tickets to a show.  Our dates were limited and so were the tickets available.  We did get tickets to see the Sydney Symphony Tchaikovsky's Violin Conceerto and Sleeping Beauty.  Of course we couldn't help but feel cultural pride when we read that the virtuoso violinist is Canada's own James Ehnes from Brandon, Manitoba.
    Like most major cities Sydney is expensive.  You have to look far and wide to find a pint of beer for less than $10.00.  Housing is in short supply and thus goes at a premium.  To find affordable prices locals are forced to move to the small surrounding towns.  Some end up commuting to their jobs in the City 2 plus hours each way.   Rent is priced by the week.  How does $500 to $600. per week sound?  How many of you fancy paying that?  Not "good on you Mate." 

    The Australian paper bills are crisp and brightly colored, making it easy to identify the different bills.  Unlike the American, limp, pale-green bills which require a close inspection to make sure you aren't handing over more that you intend to.   Like Canada Australia has a $1. and $2. coin.  They are smaller than the Canadian coins and don't have colorful names.  The Loonie and Toonie are now as distinctly Canadian as "eh".

   On Thursday we crawled out of bed at the crack of dawn, missing breakfast, to catch a bus for a Blue Mountain Excursion.   First stop was the Featherland Wildlife Park.  Australia is known for their unusual wildlife and a large collection were on display at the park.   Pictured: a comfortably sleeping Koala, a Barking Owl and the Hairy-nosed Wombat.
    Oprah Winfry is here with us.  There are large, orange banners lining the main thoroughfares advertising her visit.  It is nice of her to come over to keep us company.  It's just too that she forgot to add our names to her entourage.
    The Blue Mountains get their name from the fact that they are covered in a blue haze.  One "must see" photo op are the Three Sisters: 3 hoodoo-like pinnacles that have sparked many legends.  We heard 2 different versions of how they came to be.   Quaint mountain villages dot the road as you climb higher into the mountains.  Most of them started out as summer retreat destinations.  Two cable cars and the worlds steepest train (funicular) are on hand to help you get great views plus down into the valley for some hiking.  Overall an interesting all-day outing.
     (We are fighting with this blog site.  It refuses to cooperate.  Hopefully, the appearances of the blogs will improve over time.  If not, so-be-it.)  
     This afternoon we fly to Melbourne.  (We seem to stay one step behind Oprah.  I wonder is she trying to avoid us.)