Exploring Sydney - October 28, 2014

It is another glorious, sunny day in Australia, and a perfect day to explore the vibrant city of Sydney.  We walked down (a few blocks from our hotel) to the Circular Quay to pick up our Captain Cook Harbor Cruise.  We rode past the famous Sydney Harbor Bridge where folks were climbing across the top (for a mere $280.00).  From our ship, they looked like ants.  It takes three hours, not to mention the cost, so we were quite happy to pass on that adventure!

Next we rode past Sydney Opera House, which is SO spectacular !  It is one of the world's most recognizable buildings, and we're looking forward to touring it later today. 

We then rode by Fort Dennison, a former prison, the Sydney Zoo, and on to Watson's Bay.  Our cruise narrator suggested that instead of going to the famous Doyle's restaurant (we truly weren't ready to eat again), that we go to the Dunbar House for cappuccino and scones.  Since Rob had never tried a scone, we took her up on her suggestion.  OMG - great recommendation and the view was amazing.

We rode past Russell Crowe's 14 million dollar home, Darling Harbor (where Nemo had his great escape) and back to Circular Quay. 

Next, we walked over to the Opera House to sign up for a tour.  Luckily, one was available in 10 minutes.  Little did we know, how very lucky we truly we were!  Only two other couples had signed up for the English tour, so it felt as if we were on a private tour.  Our guide was so enthusiastic, and you could tell how every much he enjoyed his job.  He was positively giddy when he told us that we were going to be able to listen to the Sydney Symphony rehearse for tomorrow's performance!  I must confess, it was a magical, once in a lifetime experience.

By now, Rob was needing his retirement nap, so we hailed a taxi to take me to "The Rocks" for shopping and Rob back to The Grace for a nap.  I walked and shopped and walked and shopped, but my favorite purchase was an Aussie hat!

Our favorite concierge, Ritty, recommended that we go down to the wharf for a seafood dinner at Nick's, which had also been recommended to us by our fellow Aussie cruise passengers, as well as Mr. Rosen, our Russian/Jewish/Australian driver.  Another WOW meal.  Rob had snapper and I had calamari, both were fantastic!  We dined out on the wharf enjoying a balmy Sydney evening.  And another lovely Australian day ends.