SYDNEY

Arrived in Sydney at 10.20am and took a taxi to our apart/hotel . Well we were very impressed. It was an apartment but felt more like a suite in an hotel. Was recommended it by friends of Johns and well all I can say is, good choice. Went for a walk cause room wasn't quite ready. Walked down to Darling Harbour, had a good look round, a drink and went back to unpack. Decided to get some food and drink in before going out for the afternoon. Had a wander round the main shopping malls nearby, came back to the room and I was so tired I had a sleep for about an hour before we got a taxi to a friend of Johns (Steve's)sister and family for a real Aussie bbq! We had a wonderful evening meeting Steve's sister, brother in law and children and Mum and Dad. Monday went sightseeing. Went to see Sydney opera house and Sydney harbour bridge, took loads of photos, starting to feel like a japanese tourist!!! Then found out Harry Potter 7 was on at the Imax cinema, apparently the largest screen in the world! So knowing it would be gone from our cinemas by the time we got home I dragged John to see it. Well we went to the counter and asked for 2 for Harry Potter and got charged $57 about £38, nearly choked but paid up. Sat down, about to start, then a tannoy annnouced they were having technical problems, three quaters of an hour later we left with a full refund and complimentary tickets for another time. Tuesday caught the ferry over to Taronga Zoo. We got up so close to lions and tigers, they were just the other side of the glass,if the glass hadn't been there I was close enough to touch them, they looked amazing. Saw elephants in a little show and various other animals including a Duck Billed Platypus and a Koala which was something I was determined to see while over here. It was really good. Left about 3pm, went back to the apartment and then went to see Harry Potter 7. Quite enjoyed it though it was a bit slow at times. Got woken up Wednesdayby the bottlebank dustmen at 7am, great! Got to speak to the girls on facebook though so that was good. Heard all about the snow and all I can say is thank god I'm not there! Not great weather here, raining,so did some washing and watched some telly before going out to lunch at Nando's! Still raining, but Nando's was quite good. After lunch went to a fleamarket (it was indoor), was okay for a wander on a rainy day, didn't buy anything. Went back to the apartment and decided even though it was raining had to do something. Two things we hadn't got round to, Bondi Beach and Manly Beach. So decided to get the ferry to Manly. I think it would be a lovely place if the sun was shining but unfortunately it was still raining! Had a quick look round and got the ferry back to the city. Went to an Irish bar for dinner and drinks and then headed for home. Off to Cairns tomos, hopefully better weather up there, than here today.