If one is on the water it should be consider Sea Mail...hence the new topic.
Monday in Sydney…I do wish I had the descriptive powers of Diane or Andi but I don’t. Met Lee yesterday morning in the hotel lobby and off we went on a whirlwind tour of many parts of the city. I let her pick the itinerary. First stop was the end of the hotel’s drive to give me my 1st peek of the Harbor Bridge. Naturally it was a Kodak moment, but so would the view in any direction of all the people milling about. It was gorgeous weather and I felt like the entire city had come out to this plaza to greet me. (Those of you who have met me know I tend to talk to anyone. I got the feeling this isn’t done down here). Next was a purchase for the Manley Ferry and off we went. Kodak moments in every direction - Opera House, full view of the Harbor Bridge etc. Naturally I wanted all photos to be just me with each landmark but everyone else on our little deck had the same idea. Several pictures later, some with the landmarks, some with strangers I set down to enjoy the trip to Manley and its Beach. Lee had to sit across from me while my seat mate enjoyed his ride while “sleeping one off.” I assured her people do this in all cities of the world and not to worry. So she continued her commentary while I enjoyed every bit of the city. We even passed the area where the Navigator will sail out to sea when we start the cruising part of our adventure. Arrived in Manley and walked down to the beach. Reminded me a lot of Santa Monica, just different stores. Found a lovely bench with a full view of the water, sunbathers and tourists. Lee goes off while I take in all the atmosphere of people and views and soon she returns with a wonderful fish and chips lunch. Of course, the birds soon recognize what we were doing so we had a lot of company for lunch. I had enjoyed watching these birds with the other picnickers, but it’s not as enjoyable when it is your food they are after. And yes, I had a bird take half my potato scallop right out of my hand. Lee has a picture of me with said bird. Unfortunately he is in the hover position or the actual snatch and grab would have been recorded for all time. (I do hope I can remember how to get these photos onto my computer today. I do know how to post if I can get them over here.) After lunch we took the ferry back across the harbor, rode the bus over to a shopping area for my necessary purchases and did a small amount of walking, mainly through The Victoria Building. It must have been an office building years ago but is now full of high end shops with a 3-4 story Xmas tree already set up in the hallway. Impossible to get a photo of it…but believe me it was gorgeous. Took the bus back to the hotel and rested in the bar lounge area of the hotel until Lee’s husband picked us up for “tea.” I had just made the comment to her that no one in Sydney seems to drive red or blue cars, when into the hotel drive comes this fire engine red car. Well, guess who the driver was……..Lee’s husband. So in we climb and off we go to The Rocks area. Ended up having “tea” in Australia’s oldest hotel, The Lord Nelson. By then, tea consisted of a small toddy and our second meal of fish and chips. It was wonderful and the atmosphere of this old building even better. My perfect hostess and her beloved returned me to the hotel, tired but having had the most marvelous day. One……never to be forgotten.
And to top it off, the luggage arrived. All of this probably doesn’t sound like much, but I thought it was perfect. I hope someday to be able to return the favor to Lee, but I doubt that Houston can ever equal, much less top the day. I now plan to rest until I hear from Beth and Crystal. Have no idea what is planned for this day.

Enjoyed reading your Sydney adventures, Betty. Is a bridge climb still in your future? Have fun!

I am just going to follow in your footsteps, Betty. Thanks for the detailed mail.

Sounds like a great day, Betty. We enjoyed the Christmas Tree at the Victoria Building with Lee last November --it's spectacular. Fortunately, Lee will have a little time to rest up after the DINGOs sail off and before the KANGAROOS arrive in February. In the meantime, all you DINGOS have a wonderful time.

What a terrific day you had Betty. Great rundown. Can't wait to travel with you again.

We made it!!! Crystal and I landed around 7:30am after an uneventful flight on United. Business class was very nice. We are all gathered in Betty's room at the Four Seasons. Lee is going to be our guide. Can't wait to see more of the city. It is great for walking.

Just a heads up on KST Shuttle. After going through customs and immigration, walk down the ramp to the airport lobby area. Instead of walking straight out the door, go right and walk to the Information Booth. Look straight ahead and see some small tables. The regular shuttle reps are standing there. Look for the handwritten KST sign. We had to wait about 20 minutes until the shuttle arrived then we walked 3 minutes to the shuttle. Our ride to The Grace was about 40 minutes as the shuttle had to drop folks at other hotels. Hope this helps you all as you arrive.

We are off now to explore. The weather is great. A little overcast and 70s.

See ya soon.

YEAH glad you all arrived and connected with bags etc - let the fun/seamail begin!!!!!!

The 4 of us just back from lunch. Bought another baseball cap. What is it with me and these caps? The others are off to some tower view and other touristy things. I am back for a nap, then taxi luggage over to their hotel where I will be staying when I return from the Reef. Will eat dinner there, then back here to rest before early wake-up for plane to Cairns in the AM. Donna, unable to do the Bridge walk on the advise of 2 doctors. A big disappointment since it was my only New Years resolution but would hate to miss the cruise if something stupid happened to me on the Bridge. I did love seeing the walkers on it yesterday. Alan & I could have had that invigorating experience. Just wasn't meant to be. Diane, the bears are now less than a year away.

Enjoy your time in Sydney Betty..
all you have to remember is which side of the bus to get on...

I still laugh about that.

Thanks so much Beth for the heads up on the shuttle location. Enjoy your precruise time.

Thanks for the info on the shuttle Beth:

Are there Taxis there as well in the same area?

Thanks

See you soon:
Frank

More thanks for the shuttle location (and the advice about which side of the bus to get on, that one always throws me for a loop !)

I can't wait to get there!!!!!

Well, Fellow Dingbats. We bailed on you. Regent made us an offer we couldn't refuse. So we will be looking for another cruise for next year.

Will be awaiting your seamail.

Regent's offer was tempting....but I'm NOT giving this trip up!

Sorry we won't see you onboard, but I'm sure you'll have a great time whatever you do!

Ah, I can understand that! It was a rather good offer.
The alt cruises looked very good, too.
I'm sure you will pick a great alt cruise.
We'll miss you & Frank, tho.

Doug

Whaaaaat???? Were they oversold for this cruise or something? I don't think I'm missing anything except the last three posts!

Yes the trip was oversold and Regent made some nice offers to voluntarily bump.

Betty, don't be too disappointed by missing bridge walk. I planned to do it after I had climbed Ayers Rock (Uluru) until I learned you are tethered on bridge walk and can't take a camera - there was no real challenge. Climbing Ayers Rock was "free" - but it did cost a bit to get there.

Have a wonderful cruise!

Ted:

While it may be a wonderful view, the no camera thing is what stops me from going.

Doug

It's the acrophobia thing that keeps me from going :eek:

Doug, you can get some great harbor pictures from the zoo across from Circular Quay - best spot is at giraffe compound.

I'm going to go. Isn't this from where I can bungy jump?

Yes we will miss you all but we already booked a redeux of the trip we call our Honeymoon. Everything is in place to just take off.

We will have to plan a new cruise now too. I anxiously await seamail. I found that we can't do the 2011 Australia and New Zealand Itinerary in November because Regent isn't doing it then.

Andi, I don't thin you can bungy off of the Sydney bridge but you can off of the Auckland harbor bridge (or the sky tower if you're really brave)

Thanks lauri!

I think Marcie and Karen jumped from sky tower

>>It's the acrophobia thing that keeps me from going [Eek!]

--------------------
Peggy<<

Must be a "Peggy" thing - no way would I do the Bridge Climb!

Peggy . . . xrvlcruiser

It ain't just a "Peggy" thing. It's also most emphatically a "Freddie" thing. Hmm, maybe there is some weird association between using a name with a short "e", followed by a double consonant, and then a final syllable with a long "e" sound and the sensation of acrophobia. If anyone can do an intense analysis of that association (using complex computer algorithms, demonic secret symbols, or other crazy stuff from Dan Brown novels), we acrophobes with double consonants in our names would certainly appreciate it. Otherwise, we will not venture out onto the high steel of the bridge and will confine our Sydney highlights to watching the lovely fruit bats return to their posts in the trees at the Botanical Gardens at daybreak.

(That last event is loads of fun, even for people who like to go up on high steel.)

As you might have guessed, Pat & I are still definitely "in" for the cruise, having declined the tempting bump offer. See you'all soon.

Cheers, Fred

Yes, there is bungee jumping at the Sky Tower :)

OMG you girls were so brave

What brave ladies, wearing white. I think if I do this I will wear brown.

Andi, and shoes instead of sandals ;)

I think I will settle for going up on the Sydney bridge pylon or perhaps walking across the bridge on the bottom. I do want to see the flying foxes in the botanical garden. I wonder is it better to see them depart at dusk or come back to roost at sunrise? I think jet lag might have a roll in which I see.
I don't think I could handle a bungy jump, the whole upside down thing would be too weird and I'd be afraid my eyeballs would pop out. (actually, retinal detachment happens not infrequently). There is a jump of a sort in Queenstown where you swing out over the town from the nearby peak. I still think I'd be too chicken!
I'm nowhere near as brave as Karen and Marcie!

Such cute sandals, Karen. It's a wonder that you didn't lose them.

But you have so many more, I'm sure. I think it's great that your shirts didn't go over your heads and you didn't flash all.

We are still in too. We have waited to long to take this cruise to give it up this close to sail date. See all of you on the ship.

Carolyn

I watched the "real thing" from the bridge in Queenstown, Laurie. Anyone over 30 who would do that is crazy, Marcie and Karen's jump aside ;) Perhaps the Sky Tower could have at least anchored both their ankles? It was a thrill....to watch it in NZ!

Fred, glad you and Pat are still on, in spite of your acrophobia! We need the humorous posts that always come about from both of you on your adventures!

Laurie - In my limited (only a couple of visits to Sydney) experience, the best time to see the fruit bats is at daybreak, when they fly back into the Botanical Garden. It is quite a thrilling experience. Just don't stand directly under the big trees in which they hang, unless you want to take a shower right away!! All things considered, not the most appealing hair conditioner. See you on Navigator a week from today. Cheers, Fred

Beth, Crystal & I are in a Palm Cove 2 bedroom apartment. Have just finished lunch - not certain of the time, due to Queensland doing the time change thing. Sydney doesn't. The other 2 are grocery and "spirits" shopping and I offered to return to get the managers to get our lap tops working. We are now set so more Sea Mail to follow. And after a much needed rest I will work on posting Monday's photos. Our apartment is wonderful with several balconies, all with ocean views, a hot tub, pool with waterfall......the works. As of now and depending on the weather, Beth and Crystal will snorkel the Reef tomorrow and I will spend most of the day in the swimming area and shopping. Yes, I left most of my beach/pool things in Sydney. My mind also decided to go on vacation. The Reef is having some White Bleach problems at the moment. I have no idea what that means but was able to see it while flying in. Reception says the stingers aren't bad yet, but I plan to be VERY careful. Now if someone could do something about this Houston type heat and humidity. I thought I left it far beyond, but wouldn't have missed coming here for the world. I highly recommend this village and this complex. We think the Navigator is in Cairns today but we are a 30 minute drive north and the ship(s) we see in the distance don't look like "our girl". Will write more later but I am positive the others will add more details. Today is the 1st time I wish I was a beer drinker. So many varieties and they all look so cooling.

Navigator has just departed Cairns to the sound of bagpipes! She looked good as she cruised past the Marina. We enjoyed breakfast on the pier as she cruised in this morning and waved farewell as she left at 4pm.
As locals, we too can recommend Palm Cove. Glad you are enjoying our bit of paradise Betty!

Despite appearances, this is NOT Betty. It's Crystal. I can't remember my login, so Betty was kind enough to let me use her account (and computer--the wifi here doesn't seem to like my ipad).

Because we just didn't have enough airplane time getting to Sydney, we took another flight this morning, as noted above, this time to Cairns, then transferred to Palm Cove. Loving this place. Beth and I explored the town today, including the above-referenced "spirits" store, then took a swim in the cement pond (really, the pool is cement bottomed). Tomorrow, the Reef!