Day 14 Saturday, March 22

This morning we arise early, place our luggage outside our hotel room door by 6:00 a.m., and walk down the street to the Hungry Jack Café (just like our Burger Kings in the States) to grab some breakfast.

 Good morning Jeanne, Althea, and Ray!

..before daylight!  It's still dark out!

 We board our motor coach by 7:00 a.m. for our transfer from the hotel to the airport just as the sun is coming up. 

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of people at the Melbourne Airport when we arrive!

Thankfully, an agent pulled our group over to a special check-in counter designated for large group check-in and things went smoothly for us.  Our Virgin Air flight was booked solid so when it came time to board they opened the front and back doors of the plane to expedite the loading process.  Anyone able bodied, with the ability to climb stairs, and are seated in the back half of the plane, were directed out to the tarmac to load thru the back door.  Just another adventure! 

 
Yea!  We made it safely to Sydney, Australia's most vibrant city.

                   
                    Jeremy, is there a problem????

Upon arrival we transfer to the historic Rocks, one of the most prestigious addresses in Sydney with its beautifully restored buildings, spectacular views across the harbor and cobbled streets and pathways.

 We enjoy walking thru the area and find a street fair going on so we decide to find something unusual for our lunch.

 

 

After looking at several options, we decide on a Turkish Cozleme! 

We watch as they prepare our made-to-order Cozleme...

We than take our Turkish cozleme and walk over to a nice shady area along the harbor and sit on the curb to eat.

There we enjoy a nice view of the Sydney Opera House as we eat.

...and we can tell we are near the water when this little guy joins us.

He is watching intently for a dropped morsel of food!

Later we're introduced to Sydney's sparkling waterfront playground during a delightful narrated harbor cruise.  We get a very close view, from the water, of the Sydney Opera House...

...and Harbor Bridge, the longest single span bridge in the world...

...we sail past pristine parks, golden beaches and charming harborside neighborhoods...

We sail past one of Australia's old battleships...

Remember the unique entrance to Luna Park in Melbourne??  Well, look at this, Sydney has it's own Luna Amusement Park!

Today has been such a gorgeous sunny day however as we near the end of our narrated harbor cruise, the skies are darkening.

BooBoo has had a grand afternoon!  She absolutely loves going on "boat rides"!

 BooBoo is shamelessly flirting with our tour director, Jeremy, and he is totally ignoring her.

 Then when Jeremy says "Hi" to her, she get all embarrassed...

..but then she discovers a couple of Sydney's painted rhinos, which dot the street corners...

                            Oh BooBoo, don't be shy....

Following our harbor cruise, we arrive at the Rydges World Square Hotel located in downtown Sydney for a two-night stay.

I head to bed early tonight, as I am struggling through the day with this ongoing upper respiratory infection that I've had since we first arrived in Australia.  I'll get a good night's rest so I can enjoy what is in store for us tomorrow.

Tomorrow we begin with a guided/narrated tour of the Sydney Opera House!  Can't wait!