They say that first impressions serve as the baseline for all future interactions as that memory never fades away. Sydney has wowed me to no end. Starting with arrival at the airport, through a quick and efficient (well labeled) customs and immigration, speedy baggage deliver, clear instructions on the Airport Express train, polite and helpful staff in purchasing an OPAL transportation card, train arrives quickly and delivers us to Circular Quay Station in 20 minutes, and we are three easy blocks walking to Pitt Street and our Hotel.
Mind you we landed at 8am and arrived at the Sydney Harbour Marriott by 10 am. They had our room keys ready for us which after 15 hours on a plane was a treat to hear. I need a shower…..badly. and a quick real lie down. The Marriott is splendid and the proximity for everything in Sydney is ideal.
We are 30 floors up with a nice view and access to the Executive lounge which provides free water, soda, coffee, breakfast, and appetizers. Joan and I have a suite and Stev and Fran have a nice King next door.
I took a long shower. I don’t know when a shower ever felt so good as after a full day of travel. I just stood an let the water wash the over me like a hot soothing massage. But now it was time to get to know Sydney.
Steve and I had previously booked a Sydney Harbour Cruise and Goat Island walking tour for this afternoon as I had not expected our rooms to be ready so quickly. We thought this would be a fun and not challenging adventure when exhausted, dirty, and ready for sleep. It was so much better being awake and refreshed.
The way from the hotel to the bay and Campbell’s Cove was about 15 minutes and gave us our first sight of the famous Sydney Bridge.
I can’t believe that people pay $140 per person to walk to the top of that bridge. and we say many large groups doing just that. Campbell’s Cove is in a part of town they call The Rocks. It is an older area and has many great old buildings. Steve, Fran, and Joan found a park bench to sit on and I wandered around tking pictures.
And I asked Joan to take a picture of me with the famous Oper House just across the cove.
Our boat soon arrived and we were delighted with a 1922 originally steam powered ferry names WANGI QUEEN. There were only 10 of us on the tour and cruise so it was quaint and a lot of fun. It had a buffet lunch of Shredded chicken, pork, or beef with salad and a role. Our guide, Esther, started the whole trip off right when she offered us all unlimited glasses of champagne.
The bay tour was fantastic and the Sydney Opera House is world famous and I took a lot of pictures, I’ll spare you all as here are just a few. as we cruised the harbor and headed to Goat Island.
And Jeff Carlson, what a great harbor for sailing, or any kind of boating. Sure made me miss Comfortbly Numb. Lots of coves to set anchor and explore with the river on one end and the ocean on the other.
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