Sydney 3 to 6 March than on aboard the Rhapsody of the Sea to Fidschi

3 to 6 March Sydney

4th March

As when I woke up the sky was clouded (looked as if it had rained in the night) I prepared myself slowly to visit the city. After a big walking tour via the old hospital, the Sydney Library and the Government house and parc I arrived at the Sydney Opera house and the harbour. I had a short lunch at the harbour and then did an interesting city tour with a hop-on hop-off bus. Weather turn out to be very hot an humid and in the afternoon there was a blue sky.

There is so much to see and do in Sydney: lots of Galeries and Museums (even Madame Tusseauds found her way to Sydney), parcs, plays, musicals, the Harbour bridge and naturally the Sydney Opera House, lots of Parcs, Dining and Shopping or just wander through the old parts of Sydney like the Rocks with its fine collection of heritage buildings and the colorful Rocks Markets held every weekend or the Circulare Quay (were the also the Cruise ship leave). This is the area which was the first port of call were the first European settlers stepped ashore in 1788. It could even be described as the 'birthplace of modern Sydney'. History seeps from every cobbled laneway.

The Sydney Opera House designed by the Danish Jørn Utzori and constructed between 1959 and 1973 is certainly one of Sydney's most iconic attractions. It is now the home to more than 2500 performances and events each year.

Contrasting with the Opera House's undulating sails is certainly the dramatic steel presence of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Drive across it, climb it or simoly gaze at it from any angle.

Facts about the Sydney Harbour Bridge:

1. The Bridge may rise or fall up to seven inches as the steel expands or contracts in the weather.
2. The total cost of the construction was double the original quote.
3. Despite opening in 1932, the bridge was not fully paid off until 1988.
4. Approx. 80.00 liters of paint are required for each coat of the Bridge.
5. It was painted grey because no other coulour was available in such large quantities ... Imagine a red Harbour Bridge!

The most amazing place for shopping I think is the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) which was built as a monument for the then-reigning monarch in 1898 and should have been torn down and was saved in the last minute. It has a stunning architecture with a great range of local and global fashion boutiques, plus jewelers, cafes and home wares. The late French designer, Pierre Cardin, called it the most beautiful shopping center in the world.

Normally I shout buy a pair of Shearers Ugg boots, top-quality sheepskin ugg boots are sold throughout the city. Legend has it that Frank Mortel of Mortel's Sheepskin Factory in Maitland, NSW, came up with the name ugg boots in 1958 after his wife commented that the first pair he produced were 'ugly'!

One thing ou do not only see in Sydney but entire Australia a hot pants and mini shirts, unfortunately mostly worn by girls who should NOT wear them! 

5th March: Bondi Beach


 Roundtrip by bus to Bondi Beach ( Bondi=translation more or less "Water over the rocks")  has been terrific with lots of shops and restaurants and fantastic apartments and hotels. There are few sights that compare with the golden sand and turquoise water of Australia's most famous beach.

Then we drove down the coast line with a terrific view on Sydney's skyline. Rose Bay, lovely suburb to the east of Sydney featuring beautiful waterside walks (and expensive housing) and Double Bay nestled in the Sydney Harbour foreshore.
Would love to retire here with a view on to the sea but housing has become to expensive there.

Started the tour a 2nd time but got off in Paddington to have lunch and look around. Wanted to catch the next bus but as it did not arrive I therefore walked down to the city, it was vey hot and sunny but around 5 a.m. it started to rain. Went into a big store to have a juice and when I came out an hour later the rain luckily had stopped.

Tomorrow back to the harbour to board the Rhapsody of the Sea.