Day 55.5 of 111 – (HALF WAY!) - Day 2 of 3 at sea on the way from Malé to Seychelles

Day 31 – At sea on the way to Cairns, Australia

Day 30 at Sydney was great.  We had been to Sydney in 2013 with Katherine so we had already done the bridge climb (at night – spectacular) and gone to the Opera House, so when our friends, Bambi and Barb offered to meet us and show us around we were thrilled.  Thrilled to see them again and catch up and thrilled to have locals show us around.  After a slow start due to customs delays getting off the ship we were met by Bambi and scampered to the 11:07 ferry, with just minutes to spare.  Thankfully Bambi had already arranged for tickets, and some other cruise members, when finding out that we were going to have to run for the ferry, allowed us to cut ahead in the customs line, otherwise we never would have made it.  Bambi and Barb work in planning for Qantas Airlines, and Bambi said when working with aircraft she always has a plan “B”.  As the time for the ferry approached and we were still shuffling through customs Bambi realized she didn’t have a plan “B”.  Luckily we didn’t need plan “B” as we boarded about 11:06 and the ferry pulled away.  We met Bambi and Barb on a Princess cruise around South America and we quickly became friends. Their offer of – “If you are ever in Sydney…” – was taken seriously by Ingrid and I and we loved catching up on recent trips and visiting some of the local haunts.  From beer overlooking the harbor at a local pub to lunch at a tea house to dinner at the rowing club – again overlooking the harbor the day was great.  Even just driving though the surrounding neighborhoods in Barb’s Audi and hearing them tell stories about family and friends in the area was loads of fun.  One highlight of the day was stopping at Old Government House.  We got a personal tour by a knowledgeable guide who showed us every room in the house and described how Australia got its start from convicts from England.  In the past it was a disgrace to be descended from convicts, but recently the tide has turned and now it is actually a status symbol to be able to trace your lineage to the seedier side. What a great day spent with cruising friends and now the offer of – “If you are ever in Denver…” needs to be accepted!

The sail into and away from Sydney harbor was nothing less that spectacular.  Six years earlier, Ingrid, Katherine and I had done the Sydney Bridge climb at night and from the top of the bridge we were able to watch our ship sail out of the harbor.  That was an amazing experience, but to actually sail out of the harbor from the bridge, past the Opera House and watch the glow of the city lights diminish as we rounded the bend was unforgettable. Now a few sea days to rest before Cairns.  

2013 Bridge Climb!

Old Government House.

Watching the Sydney sail away from the back deck with Jan and George.  Spectacular!!

A beautiful sight.