Hi everyone! :D

..….there’s so much I could say about Sydney that I could probably write a book. I won’t bore you but try to give some of our highlights of our 4 days there. First of all….I don’t think there could be a more gorgeous harbor than Sydney. When you sail in you can see the bridge and all the high rises from far away. As you get closer you realize just how beautiful and CLEAN Sydney is. The Sydney Harbor Bridge (also know as the Coat hanger) is so spectacular as is the Sydney Opera House.

I never realized just how many bays there are….each with spectacular water front real estate, beaches, boat docks (or should I say Yacht docks!), towering sky scrapers… There is so much greenery everywhere you look as well….it really is a site that you need to personally experience

I think for first time visitors the Capt. Cook Harbor Cruise is a must. You go on an open or closed deck yacht (we chose the open air deck above) and the commentator points out all the points of interest (even things like Russell Crow’s home).. We took the 1 hour 15 minute cruise which seemed like the perfect time. Of course, the weather was magnificent which also helped.

We also did the “hop on/ hop off” bus which allowed us to get on and off at our convenience with stops along the route such as the Opera House, Hyde Park, Australian Museum, Maritime Museum, Botanical Gardens, Kings Cross and the famous Bondi Beach. The price was $30 Australian dollars (around $22 USD) and good for 24 hours. We got 2 days worth of this since we boarded the bus the 2nd day within the 24 hours and once you’re on…they’re not going to kick you off. I really enjoyed seeing all the various neighborhoods and the many different types of architecture. Did I mention how CLEAN this large city is? WOW…..puts our large cities to shame I’m afraid!

One afternoon I went to the Toranga Zoo with Olivia. This sits on one of Australia’s most valuable pieces of Real Estate. When you visit this zoo, you’ll know why!! Location! Location! Location! We were able to see the feeding of the Koala Bears, Tazmanian Devils, Dingos, Kangaroos and even a Kimono Dragon (as well as the typical USA zoo animals)..There are even cable cars to ride from the ferry boat up to the top of the zoo! We did not go to the Opera (Carmen) but others raved about it. Also, we did not climb the Sydney Bridge which people raved about (be prepared to pay a very steep price for this one!)

Our trip was enhanced so much by sharing times with Olivia, Joanna and Tony. Be sure and eat at the Lowenbrau Restaurant on Argyle Street (just off of George Street). I know it sounds crazy to imagine going to a German Restaurant in Sydney but it was wonderful..….great food and fun Um-Pa-Pa musicians!! It was a most memorable night for the 5 of us!

Last night was a fun and very lively sail away party on the pool deck. The music started about 10:30 pm with lots of good music, dancing and free flowing drinks. At 11:45pm as we pulled away, the band broke into “Anchors Away”. We cruised under the Sydney Bridge one last time with all the beautiful lights of Sydney.

These are the sights I’ll always treasure and Sydney is a city I definitely will want to come back to. (Some photos below)

It was so tough saying good bye to friends we’ve made during the past month but especially to Olivia…. Knowing that Joanna and Tony would be boarding hours later really gave us something wonderful to look forward to! It’s hard to describe the closeness and “feeling of family” that you develop with many of your fellow passengers and the staff members. This happens even on short 1 or 2 week cruises but is magnified many times over on longer cruises. I know many of you can relate to this feeling as well!

I’ll continue to try to update you again soon!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/marciematassa/DSCF0051.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/marciematassa/DSCF0022.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/marciematassa/DSCF0078.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/marciematassa/DSCF0027.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/marciematassa/DSCF0013.jpg

Wow, Marcie - looks like you had gorgeous weather!! Thanks for the update!!

Masaki

Marcie -

We could NEVER be bored. Reading these reports is the highlight of my workday! :)

No kidding, actually. I read the reports first thing in the morning when I'm all stressed from my commute. Then I read the reports and end up much more relaxed. I am really loving traveling around the world with all of you.

Looks like the trip continues to be amazing. Thanks for keeping us up-to-date.

Kathy

Sounds fantastic!! It makes me want to go! Will look forward to more wonderful posts from you.

Marcie - I am BLOWN AWAY by your beautiful picture-painting prose and your wonderful photos! Thanks so much for sharing!

WONDERFUL report, Marcie! MAGNIFICENT photos!

As always, your reports are so WELCOME and ENJOYABLE. NEVER boring (Marcie boring? NEVER)!

So glad you are all had a wonderful time together in lovely Sydney.

Marcie,

Thank you so much for your great report and your beautiful photos. We are so lucky to have you allowing us to follow along with you on your wonderful journey. Thanks and Enjoy!!!!!!!!

Betty

Marcie:

Your beautiful photos and descriptions brought back such fond memories of Sydney. It is one of our favorite cities in the world.

Can't wait to continue your adventures, especially with Joanna and Tony - what fun you'll all have!

Keep those photos and seamails coming please.

Marcie, thanks for the photos. They were great. Anxious to see more.

Marcie: Your reports are wonderful. Keep them coming! Your pictures of Sydney brought back so many memories. I had to go find my album of our trip there in 1988!!

Marcie, it sounds like you had a blast in Sydney! The weather you had in Sydney was well worth what you sailed through to get there!

Marcie, your wonderfully descriptive words and beautiful pictures brought back so many fond memories of a city I fell in love with too. You can't mention enough how clean the city was. That was one of the things we noticed right away. And we also loved all the little coves and the big variety of architecture. And the people - so friendly and fun!!

Thank you too for bringing back the feeling of closeness that you get on a RSSC cruise. Like you said, not only with the passengers, but with the friendly crew members. I can't imagine how intensified it must be on your world cruise. You are making me misty eyed!!!

So glad you had the beautiful blue skies for your stay. You certainly deserved it after all your rough seas. Now on to your next adventure in this magical voyage.

Marcie, thanks again for taking the time to be our personal LCT World Cruise Journalist...your
posts are truly wonderful, passionate, and reflect the joy, Tom and you are having, thx..r/wes

Thank you Marcie.
What beautiful clear pictures.

Marcie,

Thanks for taking us along!!

FAB post and photos, Marcie - thanks!

Marcie,

What a great report and such beautiful pictures. thanks so much for sharing them with us.

Nancy

Oh Marcie, what fun! I loved your pictures.

Tell us, tell us, do...did the piano get replaced in Sydney?

This is really making me want to go next year.

Marcie; Thanks for the wonderful review and pics of Sydney. Won't be there until Nov on the Mariner, but I've made lots of notes. See you and Tom in Singapore.

Wow, Marice! I just continue to be amazed at your incredible vacation. Thanks for for the updates and keep them coming!

GReat reports Marcie I really look for these it is truly like being there with you. Just wish I was there.

Thanks, Marcie, for the report from Sydney. I spent 3 weeks there and your descriptions brought it all back to me. Now, who went on a Bridge climb and wants to talk about it? Olivia? Paul?

Marcie,

You continue to outdo yourself; comments and photos are great!

Hi again...first of all, Pam, yes the piano in the Horizon Lounge has been replaced. Not sure where it came from but one is there.

Secondly, I forgot to include two of my favorite photos taken at the Sydney Toranga Zoo. The background on the first is amazing...and the second, well it is what it is!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/marciematassa/9958203d.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/marciematassa/c871ee00.jpg

FANTASTIC photos, Marcie!

What great shots of Sydney, Marcie! It looks just lovely. I can see what you mean by the zoo being on Prime Real Estate. The animals have a wonderful view of the city.

Marcie, love the photos and reports. Sydney sounds wonderful. Keep posting!

Love, LOVE the pictures!