Opera House

A photo of the Opera House, that isn't the Opera House.

I was going to say "up early", but no. Last day in Sydney, so a bit of a sleep in. Unusual because a. we're in another city b. we're in a fancy hotel and c. yes, we had a sleep in, or I did ;-)

Decide to skip breakfast, pack and then head out to explore. Shoes on.

First stop, Hyde Park, quickly, then the SAT Marys Cathedral, very impressive building, then onwards to the Botanic gardens, with a brief stop at the Sydney Art Gallery. Very very busy, so we just peeked in for a few minutes.

And then down properly into the Botanic gardens. Lovely to stroll through with some fantastic views of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, which is where we ended up. For lunch actually, which was very pleasant. A cold beer, and wine, with bar snacks, seated overlooking Circular Key, the Bridge, and of course the Opera House. It was just fantastic, very cosmopolitan, which is something we're missing just a little of in Christchurch right now. Then a quick explore around the opera House, very impressive, over to the Rocks and the Saturday market, and finally up Pitt Street a quick visit to a few of the shops.

And finally, back to the hotel, pick up the backs, up to the Town Hall station, and onto the train, which we made with literally 60 seconds to go. Very close.

Only problem, the person (train station employee) we'd asked for directions had given us the wrong advice. After 15 minutes I started getting suspicions, and as it turned out we were on the wrong train! A kind lady gave us some advice and it appeared the situation was recoverable, off the train at the next stop, take another, and then finally connect back to the airport. We'd just gotten off in time. However, we were now running late for the plane, so a taxi was decided upon, which luckily appeared at the right moment! 15 minutes later we'd checked in, only around 30misn late, but a huge relief.

Up to the Koru Club, a wine, diner and then in just under 3 hours we were home. To the cold it appears.

Overall? Fantastic trip. Loved being in Sydney, however 4 days was enough. Fantastic restaurants and atmosphere, and overall a great place to visit. Friendly people, less cheap that I thought it would be, but still good value.

Already planning another trip back with the kids ;-)