After the "peak time" on Heron Island, we thought we were "ready to go home". But we had planned a few days at the end for anything we missed, and a few special activities. We were glad we did. This time we were staying at a wharf area near the bridge where the old buildings are being wonderfully refurbished. Ours was the Pier One Marriott", at an interesting location on Dawes Point. The views never end ! First we had to see a show at the Opera House. Of...

Time to see the animals. Of course, the best was seeing the natives out in the open country, but we weren't going to see them all that way so it was time to go to the zoo. Platypus was underwater and too quick moving to get a photo. The biggest surprise was this cassowary. Native to tropical forests of northeastern Australia, Indonesia, New Guinea. One other note, going to the zoo is one more of the "universal attractions", especially for families. I enjoyed w...

It is Sunday, so time for Mass at the Cathedral. Many times I've said how much I enjoy going to Mass in other countries. In such magnificent surrounding, full of worshipers, Solemn (High) Mass today was no exception. And this time I could even understand the language, though a lot of it was in Latin, which felt unusual. I was so moved, inspired by the service, complete with a boys choir, and as always passing the Peace with very diverse others around me. It's wha...

Day 2 started out rainy, so it was time for museums. First the Australian Museum, which is their Smithsonian. Strong collection of interesting things, including some from Papua New Guinea. It cleared so we could walk a bit around Hyde Park. Unfortunately the ANZAC memorial is closed for renovation. Beautiful fountain. Then on to the Hyde Park Barracks, which was housing for the convicts who built the English settlement here. Excellent museum telling about th...

It takes a while to orient after 21 hrs in the air, 29 from door to door, 14 hrs ahead of Reston time. Departed Sunday afternoon, crossing the date line, we totally skipped over Labor Day Monday. Exhausted but happy, arrived in bustling Sydney Tues morning. We're in the business district, so not a lot for interesting pics. The Australian Stock Exchange doesn't give tours, but of course, Dave did need to stop by. We wandered down to The Rocks district of original...