Day 17

I guess I made one too many comments about the good weather we have been having, because today as we boarded the bus for a tour of downtown Sydney it was pouring. However, we were in the bus with the exception of a few stops to take pictures so not as bad as it could have been. As we drove around the city, I couldn’t help but think I could have been in New York City, with the buildings, plenty of traffic, and every other car a taxi.

We visited a couple of parks as well as viewed the Sydney Bridge and Opera House from the hills above, spectacular view even in the rain. Once we had heard stories of Sydney and saw the major points of interest it was off to the Opera House. On arrival we met a tour guide just outside, who gave us a set of headphones and instructions, like ,,,no pictures inside. We heard about the history of the Opera House which was designed by a Danish architect who had won a contest to design the building The Opera House celebrated 40 years, the week we arrived in Australia. Very interesting story about construction, as it took 17 years to build, not 3 as originally thought, cost $102,000,000 versus the $3,000,000 estimated, and the architect resigned under pressure and never saw his project completed.

We had an opportunity to go into two of the five theaters, one where we saw the Sydney Ballet practicing, the other where we listened to the Sydney Symphony practice. Before leaving the Opera House Mary and I purchased tickets to see a Shakespearian Comedy on Wednesday night before we head home on Thursday.

With the morning tour complete we were dropped off at the hotel as we had a couple of hours free time before heading off to the aquarium. Lunch was at an Italian Restaurant we found on the third floor of a shopping area, already decorated for Christmas.

Back in the bus and off to the Aquarium in hopes of seeing the elusive Platypus! We assembled at the entrance, and due to the size of our group , we split into two so as to make it easier to hear our guide. The Aquarium was as expected, housing the types of sea life you would find in and around Australia. When we arrived at the Platypus display, none were in sight. We were told they are very nervous animals and when it gets loud they sometimes retreat to their burrows behind the viewing area, so we decided to continue the tour and double back later. We made our way back before leaving, but no luck, so the only platypus we saw was in a picture.

After the Aquarium we walked a short distance to a restaurant on the water and enjoyed dinner as a group. Following dinner we again boarded the bus and made our way back to the hotel. Mary and I elected to grab our iPads and sit in the lobby and have a nightcap and connect to the Internet. As I have mentioned the Internet is a precious commodity, and The Menzies Hotel offered 30 minutes free, but only in the lobby.

Tomorrow is our last day with the group, as they all head home Wednesday. We will begin the day with a trip to Koala Park, then a bike tour of Sydney, followed by our farewell dinner cruise.