Sydney -- Day 1

Ga’ day mates!  Greetings from the land down under.  We are back in this beautiful city with an incredible harbor.

Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales and is the most populous city in Australia (4.6 million Sydneysiders in the metropolitan area).  It is located on the south east coast on the Tasman Sea.  The site of the first British colony was established in 1788 at Sydney Cove as a penal colony; this area is now called The Rock, which has many trendy cafes, clubs, and boutiques.  The city is built on hills surrounding Port Jackson, which is commonly known as Sydney Harbor. From our suite on the ship, we can see the famous Sydney Opera House.  The downtown area is just a short walk from the ship’s berth in Circular Quay.  This is a huge harbor, with many bays, both large and small, many with lovely houses built on the hillsides. 

Yesterday was our final day at sea in Segment 1 of this world cruise (41 days).  Several of our bridge players are leaving us.  Right after the championship game (where we awarded double master points) we had a cocktail party to end the segment and say good-bye to those leaving, and award prizes and certificates to the winners.  First and third place went to a couple who are serious and well-played life masters, so the rest of the group really didn’t have a chance to win anything.  However, the folks enjoyed playing and attending the lessons, and Michael received several complements and acknowledgments that removed the initial trepidation that they felt when we showed up instead of the bridge directors from last year. 

As a welcome to Sydney, the crew went all out and decorated the ship to represent the outback.  Aussie food, Aussie music, Aussie kangaroo and koala bear.  My stomach was feeling a little queasy, so I opted out of the Aussie dinner.  We retired to our suite and had room service.  I ordered a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  Europeans do not understand a P&J; they do not like peanut butter.  I specifically told room service how to make it:  lots of peanut butter on one slice of bread, lots of jelly on the other piece of bread and slap it together and LEAVE THE CRUST ON.  I received a triple decker with the crust cut off.  I must go to the kitchen and show them how to do it.  We tried to watch the move, Lincoln, but I don’t know why the critics said it was so good; it was slow and rather boring so we turned it off, never to finish it.

 

Getting back to today in Sydney.  For all you knitting guild members – I FINALLY MADE IT TO JANE SLICER-SMITHS STUDIO!  It only took two years to get there.  She is a fabulous knitwear designer and I have taken two classes from her.  The last class was taken last Halloween, when I asked Jane if she was going to be in Sydney when we were.  She said yes, and we started making plans for me to meet with her.  After several emails and directions, Michael and I took the Northshore train to Roseville, which is about 15 miles north of the city.  Jane met me, and we drove back to her house.  She showed me the new designs, and they were wonderful.  I pre-ordered the pattern and yarn to make a coat – in cherry red – oh how I love red.  I tried on a sample and she marked up the pattern and gave me instructions on how to read it.  OMG, it is a good thing I am an accomplished knitter because this one will take some time and effort to make.  Pages of charts – it was overwhelming.  I might get this coat finished sometime before I see the pearly gates. 

It was warm and humid, and there were some heavy rain showers today.  We returned to the ship with my treasure, had lunch, and headed back out to The Rocks, the area that was the original settlement of Sydney.  There was a street fair with some of the most interesting and well-crafted handmade items I have even seen.  No junk here.  We came back empty handed but that was OK, I already got my souvenir.  After walking on uneven cobblestone streets and climbing up and down LOTS of stairs today, my knees were killing me.  Even Michael’s knees hurt.  I gave up and went back to the ship; he went looking for the duty free store to find his souvenir – a new watch.  Sadly, he came back empty-handed.