day 2

Here I am at the beginning of day 2.
Yesterday I left to go wandering at about 1:30pm or so. I walked to the end of the street where there's a staircase down to the military harbor. There were 3 military ships docked, rather impressive....

before I continue, I'd like to comment on the weather. IT'S BLOODY COLD!!! sure, they have a daily high of 20 degrees, but at night it is FREEZING, and there aren't any heaters or insulation anywhere... so it's bloody cold... especially considering it's winter and the sun goes down at 6pm!

I'm fighting jetlag like crazy... last night was really tough. I have to admit nodding off a few times throughout the opera... it was a great show, though and my nodding off is of no reflection on the show.. it was majestic and quite moving. I'd just been up for about 50 hours or so with a few brief sitting-in-an-airplane-seat naps, at least I think that's accurate... with the time changes and lack of sleep.. my math skills are not fine tuned.

So back to my walk. I walked out to Mrs Macquarie's Chair (apparently a lady of importance) then proceeded to walk through the botanical gardens where they have lots and lots of bats.. BIG ones.. they look soo sweet! fuzzy fluffy bodies with leather-ish wings.

I did my first iconic Aussie thing to do at the point that holds that lady's “chair” (a bit of stone carved to make a seat) I ate a meat pie while sitting facing the Sydney Opera House and the Harbor Bridge.. the meat pie isn't too bad and the view was breathtaking!

So down to the iconic building, the Opera House... for a tour. Fascinating building. just as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. I would love to hear a concert in the concert hall.. it apparently has perfect acoustics, hearing an organ concert would be great... A huge organ is in the hall... (most of which you can't see because it's built into the building) it took 10 years to build and 2 years to tune... just to give a rough idea of how big this organ is.

After the tour I took a walk down to circular Quay... and past to The Rocks. Mom, I think that's where you should stay.. in a hotel in the Rocks. You will be close to most everything you'd want to see in one day, walking distance from Circular Quay train station... historic and beautiful.

So after my quick dinner in The Rocks, I walked back around the Quay to the Opera House for the performance of Aida. The ballet and voices and set made the show. I wish I could have enjoyed it more than I actually did. It was beautiful.

Something I have noticed, however, is the amazing kindness of Aussies. I met a few people and they were all gracious, helpful and wonderfully friendly.

Well, I'm a bit groggy.. despite sleeping for roughly 6 hours... and I should likely get started with my day.. see if Michelle has written and see if we're able to meet today!

(I'd like to get to a shop or something where I could buy a hair dryer!)