Sydney

Staying in Sydney with the sister of my great pal Maureen. Sandra has arranged for me to be picked up at the airport. Will be someone with my name on a card. Wow. I am to be transported in a limosine - shining black, sleek, leather seats, water bottle to hand, video of David Attenborough's Planet Earth playing. What a start. Warm welcome from Sandra and George. First couple of days Sandra and I went into Sydney to walkabout Darling Harbour; take the ferry over to Circular Quay and visit the Opera House. We booked a guided tour round the Opera House. Very interesting. Whilst on the ferry we saw a plane skywriting a marriage proposal. Wonder what the reply was? Sandra back to work on the Wed; so I went a tour up to the Blue Mountains - and they are. On way up stopped at a village called Leura. Beautiful with spring flowers in full bloom. Later we stopped at lookouts which gave us fabulous views of the peaks called the Three Sisters and the Jamieson Valley. We took a trip on the scenic railway, the steepest in the southern hemisphere, which was originally one of the rail lines to carry coal down from the mine; and the return trip was by gondola. The rail ride was like an amusement part ride - fast and furious, but short I''m glad to say! We visited an animal sanctuary on the way back to town and then giventhe option to complete the trip back by the City Cat down the Paramatta River. A full and exciting day. Thurs saw me complete the Bridge Climb. Although you have to allow 3 hours for the climb, the first hour is taken up with briefing; getting on all the gear; practising climbing ladders and using the harness before you even set foot outside. And oh yes, breath test again! (my first being on the Great Ocean Road). The climb is a great adventure, and of coure, brilliant views as you climb. Fri I went to the State Library to see the exhib Mari Nawi (Big Canoe) which I had seen advertised. As I approached the building I noticed that some statues had been covered in outfits. It was to do with a project by textile/design students which was to make people more aware of the various statues in the town. It certainly drew attention. Before I knew it, back to the airport via the limo again, and departing Australia, sadly.