Well the 3 hour flight to LA and then the 14 hour flight to Sydney was not as bad as I expected. We flew on an Airbus 380-800 which is the new two story job that carries 450 passengers. In LA the boarding process was very slick, passengers could board on both levels and thru two doors on each level. We flew "upstairs" which is where first class and premium economy is located. Looking out the window it was a long way down to the ground......and that was before we were airborne. A new airplane is like a new car... They just smell good. Quantas did a fabulous job with the meals and the service. Both Trish and I were able to sleep on the flight so the journey was not too bad. We took the train into town and as soon as we were seated and pulled out a map a very delightful railroad pensioner asked us if we needed any help with directions. He regaled us with stories of what Sydney looked like in 1955 when he immigrated from Greece.We got off at Circle Quay which was only a few (uphill) blocks from our hotel. When we checked into the hotel they had our room ready for us (it was only 10am) so we could shower and change clothes. We took a ferry to Manly which is a small town or suburb of Sydney. It is a popular beach community with trendy shops and restaurants. We had a nice lunch on the beach and watched the surfers and swimmers enjoying a superb summer afternoon. I learned that swim tops are optional for both men and women in Australia, I have developed a keen eye for that sort of careful observation. We plan on going down to the Harbour for dinner tonight to a popular seafood restaurant. We are planning on a quiet evening tonight.......not sure when the dreaded jet lag will catch up with us.