We arrived this morning and followed Lee's advice and took the ferry to Manly. We wandered on the beach and then returned back to Sydney. Whatxa pretty city...kind of a Seattle / Boston harbor feel. The architecture is a mix of late 1700 British colonial, mixed with gothic, provincial and italianite, with stunning modern skyscrapers shooting up behind. The Hyatt is set right next to the cruise terminal and inbetwee the Sydney bridge and the Opera House. A stone's throw away are the Shangri La, Four Seasons, Marriott and a lovely Holiday Inn. There are also local, charming looking older hotels surrounding the harbor. The oldest area in Sydney is the area called The Rocks, where the Sydney Bridge is
located. It is the area that was first settled by 1000 British criminals in 1788. Within a 5 minute walk is Circular Quay where all the ferries leave from. The Opera House is about 5 minutes more.

All went smoothly with our flights except Doug and I came down with food poisoning which we trace back to our AA flight. It was a miserable flight for us. However, all of the Aussies, from our stewardess to the customs officials to the hotel staff, have been warm and friendly.

Our room wasn't ready when we arrived but the hotel arranged a room for us and sent in tea and coffee.