DAILY GROG – Sydney update - – Tues. March 9 – 3:30 PM. On the fantail after a day and 2 nights in Sydney, Australia.  We entered Sydney harbor about 7:pm Sunday for us to much fanfare and bells & whistles, and many boats. People everywhere watching us come into this beautiful port. They turned the Queen around right in front of the famous Sydney Opera House and also famous bridge. I was able to get great pictures while coming in. We later went on shoe and took the provided shuttle bus into town, about ten minute ride and walked around for a while. Being it was Sunday night it was not too crowded or jumping. We went back and went to bed since we had to get up early for the usual tour from 8;30 to 12:30 Monday AM.

Next morning  We toured the great Opera House. The outside is great to see from a distance and up close. The architecture that went into it was explained in great fascinating detail by a guide. The inside comprises five different performance venues including the Opera. The inside was not spectacular like many of the traditional ornate Opera Houses but nice to be able to say we were there. Reminds of Los Angeles Cathedral; modern and beautiful on the outside but kind of Spartan on the inside.  Nice experience. Pat bought me a kangaroo hat. Soft and lightweight. Next we drove around the city by bus to see Hyde Park, the beautiful gigantic Cathedral next to the park, old houses and buildings from the beginning era, and of course topless bondi Beach. As Wendy said, A Non Event.  After the tour  we got back to the ship, we ate and got Antsy to go back to town. So I used the purchase of beer and a haircut as a reason since we were not leaving till midnight.  So  off we went. The ship was docked in the navy base harbor cause its too big to fit anywhere else. So we were right alongside half the Aussie navy (two ships). Better dock than most. Usually we dock in some remote cargo harbor with giant cranes and longshoremen scurrying around.  We took Pat scooter and made the relatively short stroll down past “Harry’s Meat Pie and Pie joint to WOOLOOMOOLOO as they named a long time ago, where resides the closest BOTTLE STORE that sells beer and booze.  I bought a case of Peroni Beer and put it on Pat’s scooter. How cute she looked bringing it back to the ship. I don’t remember if I took a picture of that buts should have since security, ship’s crew and various others were getting a kick out of it with me trailing behind. Up the gangway, make the deposit and go back out to catch the ship arranged shuttle bus.

The bus has wheel chair access so Patricia was able to drive right on. Happily getting on the same bus were friends that we know. One friend had just gotten a haircut and told me the general direction. Also with us were the Polaks from Long Island, Andrzej and his wife, and other friends Jim & carol from San Juan Capistrano.  I got a $10.00 haircut from an Italian Barber, Nando from Messina, who has an Aussie accent after being here only 16 years. We fooled around with him and sang O sole Mio and left. Mission accomplished. Then walked around to see the sites in and around Hyde Park.

It was time to treat ourselves with a meal on solid ground. Jim knew of a Chinese Place so we went there. Unfortunately it was down in the basement and had haircut prices for Australia anyway. . Friends ate well. Pat had her Lo Mein not nearly up to her standard of quality.  I had beer and spring rolls which gave me a break from all the delicious heavy food I am eating on this ship. Fortunately Foster sent me a new supply of pills to counteract all that is going in my stomach and expanding my belt size. Who needs a belt? I need someone to widen pants waist.

Anyway, we had a very nice time in civilized Sydney. I did not choke up when saying goodbye to friends as you know I am prone to do but I hated to see them go.  Margaret and Trevor Randall who ended up at our table after Limey Ray and Marie Lawrence left fit in nicely. I suspect they are much like us but living where the water goes down opposite. You never know, we might see them some day but I will keep in touch via e mail of course. There are others who left but some I can’t remember names, A voyage like this is strange in some ways with new people coming aboard and just when you finally get to know them on a first name basis, they’re gone.

But we do have a nucleus of about 600 who will go all the way back to Southampton, of which 200 or so are Americans who will get off in New York with us. We are friends with quite a few of them.  Pat bought me a kangaroo hat at the Opera house made out of authentic kangaroo skin. Russell Crowe and wife and family came on board for a tour yesterday. He lives right next door to the ship in his billion dollar condo. Nelson Mandela got on board in Auckland and is sailing with us to Capetown.  I also heard Popeye is on board with his famous sailor hat but I have not seen him

Next stop day after tomorrow (2 days at sea from Sydney, Adelaide, Australia. Goes to show you how big this continent is. Hope I see a kangaroo. They are NOT wandering around the streets of Sydney as previously thought.

I will add pictures. SYDNEY WAS ONE OF THE BEST STOPS. FRIENDLY PEOPLE, IMMACULATE STREETS. VERY FEW BUMS, BUT PRICES FOR EVERYTHING OUT OF SIGHT BY NEW JERSEY STANDARDS.  A man’s long sleeve shirt on sale for $75. Brand new.

Our table was invited to dinner with the ship’s doctor and his wife tonite. Our group is getting popular. He pays for the wine and one beer for me. A good deal for us. Each formal nite so tomorrow it will happen again.

It is now midnite so have to sign off. More pictures tomorrow.