Monday 21st and we return to Sydney, for the third time on this trip, and the rain from Katoomba seems to follow us all the way into town. The late night news remarked that this is the wettest March in 37 years. We're staying at the trendy and hip Blue Hotel, on a wharf in the waterfront suburb of Woolloomooloo, just along the harbour from the Opera House. It is extremely hip and fabulous to our eyes, and they have done a great job in restoring the massive former...

This was supposed to be the view we could see and one of the reasons we went here. But read on............ Friday evening and we arrive at Lilianfels Hotel in the town of Katoomba, in the Blue Mountains about 75 miles west of Sydney. The drive from Sydney is horrendous as it rained the whole way, there were major traffic jams and finally we encountered thick fog in the mountains. In fact, for the three days we have been here the rain hasn't let up, neither has t...

Arriving back in Sydney on Friday we are hit by the familiar heat wave, although not as intense as when we were here 3 weeks ago. This time we have been kindly invited to forego the B&B and are staying with our good friends John and Caron Palmer in St. Ives, a north shore suburb of Sydney. They live in a lovely home on a quiet, leafy street, with their 3 children, Nick, Chris and Lily Rose. We arrive fairly late but in time for dinner, which we have with Car...

Wednesday we flew from Perth to Sydney (4 ½ hours and 3 time zones away, much like a US cross country flight). No security to speak of in Perth airport as compared with Heathrow, which was a bit worrying—take as much liquid on board as you like, no need to show anyone your passport or ID. Arriving in Sydney just for the one night, as we leave early Thursday am for our New Zealand trip. We have booked into the Establishment, a boutique hotel, so we can relax. ...

We are spending four days in Sydney after Singapore. Our B&B is very centrally located and comfortable, though a bit old fashioned. Highlights, in no particular order: Sydney Botanic Gardens, a large park with a long frontage on Sydney Harbour, ending up at the famous Sydney Opera House. Relaxing strolls under shady eucalyptus trees, and among gorgeous lush foliage. Lots of exotic birds-Sacred Ibis, brilliant white cockatoos, and even flying foxes, a batlike ...