The Day Sydney Melted

Saturday February 5^th

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7am sail-in party on the observation deck and it’s already 75f. Good job the champers is nicely chilled!! As we entered the straits we got our first view of the Opera House and Sydney Bridge – Wow what a view.

Our tour today included a visit to Bondi Beach (I just had to go and have a paddle), views of the city and a tour of the Opera House both inside and out. It really is a fantastic building and deserves all the accolades it has received. A few of our fellow passengers are going to a performance of Madame Butterfly tonight.

It’s now 3pm. OH…MY…GOD… IT’S HOT!!!  the temperature has just reached 120f and even the slight breeze is hot. Even the Aussies are saying it’s too hot. Can’t believe that yesterday I was complaining that it was cold!! Needless to say the swimming pool is packed…it’s the only way to keep cool…apart from cold beer of course.

Today is a sad day because half the guests disembarked and friends that we’ve made over the last 31 days are leaving us. To all those who left today we hope you follow this blog and enjoy our further sojourn.

Sunday February 6^th

Day 2 in Sydney. We caught the shuttle bus into the main shopping area around Queen Victoria Mall in George Street and then walked the length of the street – about 30 minutes – to ‘The Rocks’ with its harbour setting, ferry terminal and covered markets.

Still very hot so returned at noon for our usual cold beer mate!! Then to our outdoor lunch at the Colonnade Restaurant at the back of the ship. Bliss….or it was for a little while as the ship was hit by a mini cyclone which swept away the food, wine, napkins, crockery, cutlery and even started moving the chairs around…luckily the tables are screwed down to the deck. Scary… but exhilarating. We quickly moved inside to view the 20 minute storm and finish our lunch!!

Over 200 new guests joined the ship this afternoon….we’ve named them “Newbies”….hope there are some new friends to be made. At our 6pm sail-away party this evening the temperature has dropped to 50f with really stormy seas. What a difference a day makes!!