Sydney -- Day 2

The day was glorious, not too hot, not too cold, just right.  Baby bear was quite happy with this weather report.  Since we were not leaving Sydney until 6pm, we had the day to sleep in and still have time to play. 

Michael headed out at about 8am and didn't return until 11am.  What was he up to?  For a guy with knees that hurt, he took a walk up to Chinatown and back to the ship, about 4 miles round trip.  He later found out that there is a free city bus that makes the loop.  He did find a wonderful indoor market and came back with a new bathing suit.  He said I just had to see this place.  Botanical gardens, zoo, market???  I bet you can guess where I wanted to go.  Bingo!  The City Market.  We walked to the bus stop and only had to wait a few minutes before it showed up.  It was a nice, comfortable ride and dropped us across the street from the market.  Good things come to those that wait!!!!  He he he.

Remember we wanted some Chinese food for dinner last night?  Well, we had Chinese food for lunch today and sat outdoors.  There were a lot of Chinese eating at the restaurant so we figured that was a good place to eat.  I liked Michael’s dish better than mine; he got the crispy noodles and mine were swimming in sauce.  At least he shared with me. 

Now we were fortified for the trip through the market.  I seem to remember being here before, but never having enough time to really go through it.  This place was H U G E!

They sold everything from clothes, T-shirts, party dresses to electronics, hair doodads, and souvenirs.  I found two cotton shirts for a good price, nice quality.  We must have spent three hours walking up and down the aisles.  Sooooo much stuff {sigh}, great resistance.  Whatever we buy, something has to go (damn weight limitations on aircraft) and we are too cheap to pay $100 for an overweight suitcase. 

We returned to the ship for the sail away party.  Sydney Harbor is one of the most beautiful we have ever seen.  The evening was perfect for sightseeing and snapping pictures.  The ship’s horn blasted and we were away from the dock…… about 15 feet when the captain announced we had to go back because of a medical emergency.  Not another one!?!  What is going on here?  An ambulance pulled up alongside the ship (which was not tied to the dock), and after an hour or so, it drove off with one person (since then, we understand the person is doing well, but there is some confusion as to who and how they got back on board – rumor city is well and alive).  We finally left Sydney and the people waving from shore.

Sydney Opera House

Sydney Harbor Bridge

The Rocks

Amusement Park

Sunset over Sydney Harbor