Bush Walk in Davidson Park

Tuesday, March 13

Today I went on my first bush walk.  There are hundreds of hiking trails in the forests of Sydney and these paths are thus known as “bush walks”.  I drove to the beautiful Roseville Bridge the other day, only to find that there was a fee to enter into the park below it.  I decided there had to be a free way- maybe if I park further away?  Sure enough, I found a book on bush walks and a secret road to the Davidson Park at the Roseville Bridge.  I parked in my newly discovered secret spot and started hiking.  The brush was thick and the ground, mushy.  It had rained for several days prior, so I had the fortune of dodging the mud pits. 

The vegetation was strikingly green.  Small dewdrops lay precariously on each leaf.  The air was crisp and fresh.  As I walked through the thicket, I saw streams leading to small trickling waterfalls.  I spotted a small spider and her spider sack, hanging under a rock with water droplets sprinkled on each individual strand of the web.  Yellow flowers of small bursts of energy and color hid in the sea of green.  They were like tiny pompoms or fireworks in an emerald sky.  The dewdrops on the leaves were twinkling stars.    

I made it to the park and was stunned by the perfect reflection of the terrain in the water.  It was a flawless mirror of the green turf, forest understory and treetops.  As I jogged along the path by the river, I spotted all different types of birds.  I was listening to my ipod as I ran, and suddenly realized I didn’t need, or want, the pulsing tunes in my head, but rather the natural sounds around me.  I turned it off and listened.  The breeze rustled the leaves as the birds harmonized together, composing a twelve-part theme that meandered through the air.  The coos and tweets swayed with my every movement.  I felt as though I were running to the beat of their song.

Thirty minutes... an hour passed. I kept jogging past the picnic tables and dew covered lawns along the river.  I couldn’t stop because I wanted to see what just lay ahead.  I was so curious to know where this path led.  I passed sandstone boulders with vivid contrasting layers of color.  I continued to jump across hurdles of mud and stagnate water in the path. 

As my heart rate began to elevate, I noticed my throat felt different.  It began to tighten.  I suddenly remembered this feeling, only at a dinner table.  I’m allergic to shellfish.  My throat closes up and hives start to appear on my face.  It’s easy to prevent- I just don’t eat much seafood and often take a pill when I go to a Chinese restaurant, as a precautionary measure.  If I have a reaction, I usually just take a Benadryl and I’m fine.  However, this was different.  I hadn’t eaten anything out of the ordinary.  So, I must be allergic to something air borne in the forest.  (There were clams in the water by the bay, so maybe me breathing the air around the water caused a reaction?  Far fetched, but it’s a theory.  I was surprised to see the clams as well as crabs in, what I thought to be, a fresh water river.  It must be brackish water, a mixture of fresh and salt water, that leads to the ocean.)

I had just reached another bend in the path, only to discover the trail narrower, with branches brushing the top of my head, forming a small passageway through the thicket. The meek path still continued forward.  I had to resist the urge to plow forward.  I wanted so much to see what was just beyond the tree tunnel.  I looked around me and remembered that I was completely alone in a thicket by a river with no sight of help or human contact.  I needed to abandon my quest.  I had now been jogging for the past hour and needed to make the trek back to my car to take some medicine.  I noticed the rapid pace at which my reaction was escalating.  After turning around, I started to quicken my speed, just as a horse homeward bound.  But with every step, the unyielding grasp around my throat tightened. I chose instead to briskly walk.  I had to stop a few times, to deeply inhale or attempt to subdue the dizzy and nauseous feeling.  But as I walked back, I still couldn’t help but notice the beauty around me.  It was so vivacious.  Life was all around me.  I spotted a family of an unfamiliar species of duck.  The seven fuzzy toddlers waddled behind their parents. I couldn’t help but stop to stare at their rare feathers and beak features, but I had to snap back to my plan to forge ahead quickly.  I continued to walk and then noticed the spider webs across my path.  I had reached a narrow passage and walked through a web, only to find the spider on my arm.  I quickly brushed it off and then heard a rustle in the bushes.  Then a splash in the water.  My senses were heightened.  I could hear and sense all of noises and smells around me.  I suddenly felt so alone in the forest with my throat closing.  If I screamed, would anyone hear me?  (That is, if I could scream…) So I chose to limit my scientific and artistic observations of the ecosystems surrounding me and, instead, persist forward to make it to my car, to safety.  I walked for what seemed like ages, and then back up the steep hill past the park and made it to my car, out of breath, throat closing, and shoes covered in mud.  I turned on my blue vehicle, and started back to the house.  I made it back, all in one piece, still breathing and took some medicine.  It was hard to swallow the water, but I managed.  Unfortunately, I didn’t have my usual medicine, so the effects didn’t entirely wear off, if at all.  It was then time to pick up Stefani from school, so I decided to buy a stronger dosage with a crucial ingredient, antihistamine, at the local pharmacy. 

Several hours later, I was back to normal, ready for my next bush walk tomorrow… Is it crazy that I want to keep exploring via bush walks?  I don’t know what I’m allergic to, but my plan is to take a pill before my hike and hope for the best.  Maybe I’ll bring my phone with me too this time…and my camera, to capture these beautiful exotic sites. 

The rest of the day was the usual tasks of childcare and laundry.  I enjoyed the simplicity of the evening.  What a day. 

Bondi and Surry Hills

Saturday March10

I traveled for an hour to get to Bondi Beach, where my friend, Su, lives.  I had brunch with Su and 2 of her friends at cute café near the beach.  There were green plants hanging from the ceiling.  It was an Austin-y place with a relaxed feel to it.  We ate yummy eggs and had great conversation.  Then I went to the beach with Su.  It was so pretty but I have to say, I like Manly better.  It’s less crowded.  But it was filled with all types of people and surrounded by so many cute eateries.  We also enjoyed a beachfront bar, a new chill place with lounge chairs outside.  We talked and had a drink, watching the waves wash in and out.  Then Su showed me her place, which was walking distance from the beach.  Talking about living the life of luxury. Then, I met up with another au pair, Jessica, and layed out more.  We talked about boys and where we went to school and what we wanted to do here.  She’s younger and impressionable but sweet.  Then we got ready in Surry Hills, where her town house is.   We had dinner at an authentic Italian place where the wait staff and cooks were all related and spoke to each other in Italian.  We split a delicious potato pasta. Then we met back up with Su and her boyfriend and his friends.  We met Josh, Alex, Will and much others- fun!!! It was American beer night ironically, but I hadn’t heard of any of them and they were not good.  I hope that isn’t the representation of our beer… It was a 3 level pub with a great atmosphere and of course I loved getting the attention from all of the boys.  I stayed at Su’s place for the night since it’s such a long trek back home and the buses stop going there after midnight.  I’ll have to start taking a different train if I want to stay out later. 

At Bondi Beach with Su

March 11, Sunday

I woke up and decided to enjoy a cute café on the beach. So I brought my book, found a nook and ate breakfast at a small place with a perfect view of the ocean.  I was entrapped with my book, Graceling, again.  But, I made my way back onto Bondi beach and layed out.  I played in the water and it was very “fresh”, as Granny would say.  It was definitely chilly, that’s for sure.  Then I traveled back home and it took 2½ hrs.  Good thing I have my book! I went to a church in Manly, only there was no service tonight because there was a morning beach service that replaced this one. Sad day.  So, I went to an Italian café in Manly and met some cute old men who bought me drinks and gave me advice about life.  They were hilarious and adorable. 

March 12, Monday

I talked with Mom on skype, emailed, facebooked, prepared lunches and dinner

I took the kids to Swimming again and had a flat on the way back.  Luckily there was a nice man who helped me change the tire.  Then we had the dinner I prepared.  I ended the night with finishing my book, Graceling, and moved onto the next book in the trilogy,  Fire.

Many Beach

Monday-Thursday, March 5-8-

Each week, my duties include:

-making breakfast for Stef- scrambled or fried eggs with bacon

-taking Stef to school

-ironing

-every other week- the dog and the cleaners

-pick up Stef from school and take the kids to their different activities: Hip Hop dance, Ballet class, football practice, swimming

-Cook dinners 3-4 times a week

-Help with homework, talk to teachers...

This week, on my time off during the day (9am-3pm), I did several fun things:

Manly beach, jog, hike, bush walks, iron, lay out on beach, quiet times and hike past Shelly beach

View from my rock, Manly Beach

Shelly beach is a quaint beach on the right side of Manly.  It doesn’t have waves, but is quiet and calm.  There is land just beyond that with a trail through the thicket.  I have hiked there many times and had quiet times on a rock that looks out on the ocean.

Hike Trail past Shelly Beach

Friday, March 9

Today, I jogged past Shelly beach at Manly and had my quiet time on my rock and wrote a song for a new memory verse - 1 Peter 1:13.  Then I layed out on the beach and read Graceling, a new book in a trilogy I started.   That evening, I met up with 3 au pairs at The Rocks, the first settlement in Sydney that is now a strip of pubs, bars, restaurants, and stores.  I had on flip-flops, commonly known as thongs here, and thus denied entrance into a pub.  They do not permit thongs in certain places downtown for “safety hazards”.  Really?  I was well dressed, and they were nice flip-flops (more like glittery sandals) and it was a pub with picnic tables, hardly an upper class establishment.  I have never been denied entrance anywhere before, so I was frustrated.  The bouncer had the nerve to tell me that although thongs were not permitted, I could purchase flats in a vender machine around the corner, for $20- really?  I refused and went to a different pub.  They let me in with no problem.  What is with the hatred and discrimination of flip-flops? I hope my flip-flops didn’t get their feelings hurt.  I consoled them for a bit after “the incident” so I think we are ok.  Flip-flops may seem very durable on the exterior but they really have quite gentle dispositions.  We must take good care of them.  After all, we walk all over them every day.  I’m going to share a few words with the next bouncer who talks down to my flip-flops. 

A lizard that walked past me

Manly Beach

There are MANY spiders you have to watch out for.
But they are stunning to look at

Shelly Beach

From my rock as well

Darling Harbor and Churches

Saturday, March 3

I spent the night at the hotel with Diane and in the morning I swam laps in the amazing indoor pool again.  Then I took Diane to airport via train.  I wanted to make sure she got there in one piece, especially with her multiple suitcases.  It’s difficult to travel by train with many bags.  We made it there and then I turned back around on the bus back into town.  I figured I’d enjoy the town while I’m here.  So, I went to Darling harbor.  It was drizzling, but I didn’t let that stop me.  I found a quaint café with free Internet and checked emails and worked on my blog.  I had a delicious ham sandwich and chocolate shake.   Then I found a beauty salon and had my first massage ever.  It was utter tranquility.  The girl massaged my neck and shoulders so well.  At times it was a bit hard, but it was worth it.  I was not tense for the first time in ages.  When she finished, I may or may not have drooled on the cloth around the hole where my head lay. 

Sunday, March 4-

I attended two different churches today.  The first one in the morning was Christian City Church, also known as C3.  Jerry and Emila recommended it.  I didn’t realize it was a Pentecostal church until I arrived.  It’s very similar to the Stone, only not as sound on their theology.  But it has been very enlightening and educational for me to attend different types of churches.  I liked parts of the church, but there were other unsettling parts as well.  For example, they led worship with a band including 4 solo singers who were also broadcasted on the 3 large screens before us.  They had video camera men zooming in on their faces and hands for the screens, just like a concert.  The band was contemporary with a good sound quality.  But the close ups on the screen were a bit much, if not distracting.  Why would I want to watch a girl or guy sing on a large screen instead of, I don't know, actually worship God?  The purpose of the screens was originally for the words of the music.  Ironic, then, that I struggled to read the tiny print on the small upper portion of the screen, but could make out every detail in the singer’s face.  It was very much like a live production or concert.  This is like many other large churches, including Hill Song and Austin Stone, and I understand they are trying to entice people in.  But something is lost because of that.

However, the people were so friendly.  Heather, a girl sitting in front of me, asked me to sit with her group and then invited me to her Bible study and introduced me several  people.  Other church members offered me tea afterwards and told me of other opportunities to get involved.  One young man told me about a Wednesday night young adults service. 

However, the theology was slightly off as well: The preacher kept saying that we are so special, so God loved us and then sent his son.  He also discussed hard times, but then passionately talked about how the sun will come up tomorrow and you will be blessed if you love God. He was inspiring the people to follow and obey God, but he made it sound like an “if, then” statement- If you obey and love God, then you will be blessed and have a good life.  It sounds good, but we aren't promised good times if we follow him.  And God doesn't love us because we are special.  We are worthless but he loves us anyway.  It's little differences like this that rub me the wrong way.  

So, relationally, C3 seems like the perfect fit- I would love all the people and make friends my age.  BUT, I don't know if I can deal with the glorified worship band and slightly off theology.

During the day, I went to Manly beach and read some in my book.  Then I went to the second church that evening.   I attended St. Andrews, an Anglican church next to Town Hall in downtown Sydney.  It was very traditional.  The congregation was wholly made of couples and old people. But the sermon was incredible, like the sermons of Matt Cassidy (Grace Covenant) or Matt Carter (Austin Stone) or Matt Blackwell (FEFC) – The preacher included good imagery.  It was relatable yet to the point and brutally honest, and completely focused on scripture.  He was discussed consumerism and the focus of wealth.  So, the only problem with this church is that it's really far for me to get there- it takes an hr to get there by a bus and train. And there are very few young people there at all.  I want to make friends my age to hang out with. I guess I could play scrabble or monopoly with the congregation, or go to couples dinners and be the awesome odd man out- single and mingling with the couples is always fun- note the sarcasm.  

So, I plan tot continue visiting other churches. I also want to visit Hill Song. I have a connection there from a friend at work.  Her friend's husband actually works for Hill Song, at the seminary there.  I didn't know that they had a seminary/Bible college.  It should be an experience to be at the church that I have heard so much about.  Back home, we sing songs like Hosanna, a song Hill Song wrote.  How cool will that be?

Good bye, Diane.

Wednesday, Feb 29

Unfortunately, Diane caught my cold.  She has been such a trooper, still having to work during the days and then going to dinner with me.  Today was a solo meo day so I decided I would go for a run and then read some in the Botanical gardens.  I got dressed and then stepped outside and… it was raining.  So, plan B.  I worked out in the gym, met the trainer and a few cute guys and then swam laps in the indoor pool.  It was such a perfect set up.  The pool had 2 lanes under a sky window with a view of the high rises and trees around me.  The pool was beautiful shades of blue and the water reflected against the wall with a shimmer to it.  I swam my laps and then played around in the water.  It was nice to have the pool all to myself.  They also had a sauna and hot tub.  I moseyed back to the room, took a shower and then had a late lunch in the room.  I caught up on some shows that I have been way behind on since my travels commenced.  Then I took a train and bus back to the house and spent the evening with the family.

Thursday, March 1^st

Today was my first day.  On my to-do list:

Laundry/ironing

Cleaners

Take dog to groomers and p/u stef

Dinner

All went well.  I can do this.  Not too hard.  Just several little things to do.  The biggest thing- stay on the left side of the road and remember to pick up the kids.  And give them the right medicine.  And learn to like ironing.

Friday, March 2

I went back to see Diane before she left.  We ate a late dinner at an Italian restaurant that was completely full, so we ate at the bar.  Diane and I shared an appetizer of fried zucchini and then I had a wonderful dish of Spaghetti Meatballs.  It reminded me of when we traveled in Italy together in 2007.  I went with my Mom, Dad, Wayne, Carolyn, Daniel and Mike and Diane.  Everything on the menu was in Italian so it’s more difficult to order.  That’s why I went for the familiar meatballs this go round.  My favorite dish in Italy was the pest lasagna- yes it was all green.  And actually now that I think of it, I think we were in Germany at the time.  Italian food is very different from American Italian food.  For example, I ordered pepperoni pizza, and I got a soupy dish with peppers on it.  I had to use my fork and spoon to eat it.  And every spaghetti and lasagna is completely different, since each chef has his or her own special ingredient. 

Diane and I enjoyed our last night together talking about all sorts of things.  Her client felt her trip here was very beneficial so they want her to come back.  So, she’s returning in 6 months with Mike before I make my way back to the States.  I can’t wait! More traveling!

New South Whales Library, St. Mary's and Hyde Park

Monday, Feb 27 

Today I slept in- oh the joys of holidays- and prepared for my venture back to Frenchs Forest.  I managed to plan my route back, only to get lost in the city momentarily.  Luckily I found my way to the appropriate bus stop, ironically located right where my train left off.  If only I hadn’t walked in a circle for those 30 minutes in the heat… Oh well, it’s only time and exercise.  Nonetheless, I made it back to the house and then went through the afternoon schedule with Gemma and the kids.  We enjoyed a family meal again and I tried a British delicacy, Yorkshire Pudding.  It’s kind of like a fluffy, fried pancake, with gravy on top. 

Tuesday, Feb 28

New South Whales Library

Today is my last day of freedom before I start nannying full time.  Diane has to work today so I toured the city solo. I discovered the New South Whales State Library.  

I met a jovial security man who educated me about Cook and his accomplice Flanders.  Once again I was surprised by a complete stranger’s kindness.  I love libraries with small ladders and staircases.  It reminds me of the library in Beauty and the Beast. I would love to have a library of my own with a sliding ladder. I might play on it more than use it, but I’m sure I could invite Carolyn over and she could use it. Carolyn can read through a book before I’ve even cracked open the cover. 

I also saw the Hospital and wandered into the courtyard in the back, as per instruction given by the nice security man.  I thought of Grandma when I made it to the Mint coin house.  There is so much history behind coins. The Commonwealth of Australia is a federal constitutional monarchy.  In other words, Australia is a parliamentary democracy with a Queen, Senate and House of Representatives with a Prime Minster. The locals are frustrated because the current Prime Minister was just re-instated.  She won the last election by clawing her way up the top and not even truly winning based on votes for her personally, but just through the votes for the party.  Politics have been a common conversation over here.  I was able to shed more light on the current situation in the States.  I fear both countries are discouraged with their government at the present.

Shakespeare Room in the Library

The elections have been a topic of conversation here, but also the new wide spread video, Kony 2012. Here’s the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4MnpzG5Sqc&sns=fb.   Joseph Kony is a guerrilla group leader in Uganda.  He has abducted an estimated 66,000 children and forced them to carry guns, kill and mutilate others, including family and other children. The video above has spread like wild fire, to educate the masses via facebook and other forms of technological communication in hopes of prolonging the stay of our US troops in Uganda to protect the children and people. We are at a new age of the power of technology. It's fascinating to see the effects of this video, but it's also troubling.  I have already seen kids defacing public property to spray paint "Kony 2012" on walls.  Is this what was intended?  The video campaign primarily targeted a younger generation who are not as educated on the matter and simply respond to an emotional video. I hope this new way of social change by the people and for the people works for the good and actually makes a difference instead of just stirring up a following of ill-informed people who want to help but don't know what is best for either country.
Here is a blog of my scholarly friend for more insight and input on the Kony campaign.  http://scholar-redeemer.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/thoughts-on-kony.html?spref=fb 

There are several questions to consider- Where is the money going to come from to keep the troops in Uganda to find Kony? How long can we look for him before it's too long?  What are our 100 "advisors", the troops they sent in, currently doing there now? Is there a time limit to stopping a powerful evil in a foreign country? This reminds me of when we sent troops in to find another enemy, Osama Bin Laden. Maybe this makes you rethink judging the entry of troops in a foreign country to fight against evil, not so long ago. The length of stay our troops searched for Bin Laden and weapons of mass destruction was considered too long, and that's true. However, weren't we fighting against an oppressor and threat, just as many want to do now? How long is long enough to search for Kony?

The truth is, Kony isn't the only problem in Uganda.  He is just one of the many bad guys.  And if taken out, someone will take his place.  The Uganda government isn't the greatest either.  They currently are focusing efforts on killing all gay people.  Here is an article revealing some of the truths behind the Kony video.  (Although the author is a little harsh towards the group Invisible Children and the Kony campaign, I think it's approrpiate to look at both sides of the aruguement and look deeper into what is really going on in Uganda.)  http://www.capitalisminstitute.org/kony-2012/
So, you have to ask yourself, When should the US become involved in foreign oppression? If you stand by troops to find and imprison Kony, maybe you need to rethink criticisms of the past attempts to assist the oppressed.  Many Australians feel that America should just mind their own business.  But what about, “When much is given, much is required”.  And once again we have the never relenting question of how much control should our government have and how involved should we be in foreign affairs that do not pertain to us?  When we see an injustice do we fight it, even when there is no gain for us? I think the real question should be, what is the right thing to do for our country and how do we also help those in need if possible?  We can't just enter into any country with a problem and try to solve it, thus harming our own country further.  But we also know we have a responsibility to look out for others less fortunate. I have been a part of conversations on these questions in many different cities in Australia.  I don’t know all the answers, but I think I’m becoming more well-rounded as well as strong on my convictions.

St. Mary's

I continued walking down Macquarie Street to find St. Mary’s Cathedral.  I had visited this church with Granny, Mom and Wayne right before our cruise, but it was nice to sit and pray for a bit on the pew.  

St. Mary's and fountain in Hyde Park

Then I walked around Hyde Park, a recreational area named after the Hyde Park in London.  It reminded me of my school back home, Hyde Park Baptist School.  I really enjoyed my education there.  I learned how to write well and study hard, as well as have a sound basis of my religious views and morals.  I have many unforgettable teachers from Hyde Park.  I hope to some day be a memorable educator for young ones, just as they were for me.  Mrs. Journeay taught me how to paint and said funny sayings like “Oh, crud in a bucket!” or “A turkey’s done.  You’re finished.”  Mrs. Watkins made me write papers in 45 minutes for in-class prompts.  Now I can write about anything in a time crunch.  College was much easier because of her.  She also made funny jokes and prayed for me.  Mrs. Fulcher gave me a passion for Spanish.  I talk to people all around the world in Spanish now.  She is now married to my best friend’s brother in law.  We were brides maids together in Meagan’s wedding.  Even Mrs. Morris and Mrs. Kent, my choir and theater teachers, I will never forget.  Our crazy, funny, time consuming rehearsals and choir trips.  I loved backstage conversations and goofying off when it wasn’t one of my scenes.  What wonderful teachers, friends and memories I had at Hyde Park. 

In the Library: Reads "IN BOOKS LIES THE SOUL
OF THE WHOLE PAST TIME
THE ARTICULATE AUDIBLE
VOICE OF THE PAST
WHEN THE BODY
AND MATERIAL SUBSTANCE
OF IT HAS ALTOGETHER
VANISHED LIKE A DREAM"

Writing immortalizes a person.  I will live on past death, in heaven, but also on earth, through my written words and memories passed down the family.  

I also found a church that was undergoing remolding, so the church was empty.  I sat and sang a few songs.  The acoustics were chilling.  I would love to go on a road trip to different churches around the world just to sing in them- to enjoy the acoustics and ornate stain glass windows.  Mom and I love singing Amazing Grace, Thy Word or Be Thou My Vision together.  We have fun playing around with different harmonies if no one’s in the chapel at the time.  We did this in Germany several years ago as well as New Zealand just a month ago.  Wow, has it already been a month since the cruise? 

Inside the Chocolate Shop

I walked along Pitt Street where there are high-end stores and shopping malls.  This is in the heart of the Central Business District, locally known as the CBD.  I found a cute chocolate shop where I talked with the owner who let me taste some treats for free.  He was a rugby player many years ago and even traveled to the States to tour and play there.  He had two employees making candy in the front window.  I would love to take up candy making. They were pouring chocolate onto wax paper and shaking sprinkles on top.

The Strand

They were also molding chocolate into figurines.  This candy shop was in “The Strand”, a nice row of stores and cafes off of Pitt Street, covered and multi layered, similar to the Restaurant in Melbourne I ranted and raved about.  I found some lunch and the grocery store to purchase more Coke Zero for Diane and then went back to the hotel.  Then Diane and I went to an upper echelon roof top restaurant in the harbor.  We had a view of the bridge while we enjoyed wine, Salmon, Pork, and a complimentary spoonful of a fish delicacy, complete with a garnish of caviar.  I felt very privileged.

View from our Roof Top Restaurant

Of course, to top it all off, I enjoyed another bubble bath with my book and some Coke Zero.  There is something simply harmonious about bubble baths.  I spent a few hours in the tub, again resulting in pruned digits.  

Sky Tower and Ship Tour

Sunday, Feb 26

We went to our new hotel, the Radisson, just a block away, and then headed to the tower.  It’s the tallest building in Sydney with a full panoramic view of the city. 

The Sky Tower is on the left

View from the tower of the bridge (right)

Then we made our way back to the harbor to schedule a ship tour.  We went on a tall ship with sails and cruised around the harbor.  We loved soaking up the sites and sounds of the water.  The waves gently slapped against the boat as we made our way across the waterfront.  

Hyde Park

In the Sky Tower

Darling Harbour

St. Mary's Cathedral

On our ship, we watched brightly colored sails jet across the glassy blanket of blue.  We passed by the humble abode of the Prime Minister (see bottom right), my eyes glued to the immaculate lawn, wrap-around porch, and Corinthian columns.   


We sailed under the Sydney harbor bridge, it growing every second we inched closer.  It really is quite large.  In fact, it is the biggest, not longest, steel bridge in the world.  The locals have nicknamed the bridge the “coat hanger bridge” due to it’s curved top.

After our lovely voyage across the harbor, we returned to our hotel for a relaxing night in.  Diane went to sleep while I prepared the tub.  I then proceeded to thoroughly enjoy a bubble bath with classical music, a glass of wine, cheese and crackers and the last book of the Hunger games trilogy.  Three hours later, my hands and feet completely wrinkled, my hair still unwashed and still in the tub reading… I guess I got a little carried away in my book.  What a wonderful way to end the day.  

Our ship, before we boarded

 

Holland America Ship, Sail boats everywhere...
The Harbor is never empty

I helped hoist the sails on our ship!

Luna Park

Prime Minister's Home

The Rocks, first settlement in the harbor

Sydney Bridge, the "coat hanger"

Sydney Opera House

Friday, Feb 24

We ate lunch at the Eden gardens café near our hotel.  Diane and I talked for a while about future plans in our lives.  It was fun to delve into my hopes and dreams.  Diane also shared more about growing up.  I loved hearing more about her childhood experiences and how she came to be where she is now.  The gardens were different, with a clashing style of both contemporary sculptures and timeless ruins throughout the gardens.  It was unique, but not a favorite due to the lack of unity in the contrasting architectural elements.  The conversation was the best part.  Then Kristy met up with us for pedicures.  The mall was set up like a shell, spiraling with multiple, unlabled levels, thus resulting in a long search for the well-priced nail salon.  By the sweat of our brow, we made it.  When beauty, shopping, girl talk or boys are involved, the female race will stop at nothing to achieve that goal.  It was simply delightful being pampered! Afterwards, Diane and I ate at a Turkish place and ate kebabs and pizza.  Yumm.

Saturday, Feb 25

We moved hotels to the Marriot in the Sydney harbor.  We were on the 29^th floor with a view of the CBD, Central Business District.  We went on a backstage tour of the Sydney Opera house. It was incredible to see the Opera House from inside.  As I mentioned before, the Opera House only materialized after many sweat, tears, years and dollars went down the drain. 


Much of this turmoil led to the resignation of Utzon, the designer of the Opera House, in 1966 after a change of government and the reassessment of the costly project.  Thus, Peter Hall was instated and became primarily responsible for the interior design.  

He managed to maintain Utzon’s same vision inside while additionally improving the design for acoustic purposes.  Utzon was asked to return to the project close to it’s final stages, and his son joined in on this process as well, however Utzon passed away before he could actually see his design completed in 1973.  It’s actually quite a sad story.  But his legacy lives on.  The Sydney Opera House is one of the 20^th most distinctive buildings in the world. 

Peter Hall's Interior 

The Symphony Hall

While in the Symphony Hall, our tour guide asked if anyone wanted to sing.  I thought about it, and decided I would!  I chose to sing Amazing Grace. I will never forget that moment. 

The room stood still.  There was not a sound, other than my voice, resonating in the Symphony Hall.  Diane was so moved; a light tear trickled down her cheek.  The travelers on the tour clapped for minutes, as I soaked in what just happened: I sang Amazing Grace in the Symphony Hall of the Sydney Opera House.  God is good.   

I sang in this very hall

Then we went back to the Marriot and had free appetizers and drinks in the Executive’s Lounge.  We met several wonderful world travelers, including a couple whose daughter was performing at the opera house tonight!  We discussed politics, religion, past travels and experiences…the lot.  I enjoyed having educated discussions with different minded individuals.  Also, to top it off, our table in the Executive’s Lounge had a window with a view of the Opera House.  Free wine and appetizers with a view!  It was fun wining and dining with the elite.  I could get used to this! 

Executive's Lounge

Our view during happy hour

The steps before the Symphony Hall

The tiles on the roof are water repellent,
so when it rains, it washes itself.  The sealant that
causes this also provides a glossy
finish that reflects the sky, so the opera house can
appear to be many different colors.

Here, the roof looks blue,
mimicking the sky

Diane and I in the Symphony Hall