New Years Eve Dec 31, 2007

Well we had a quiet day just enjoying watching all the people lining up to get into the parks for the evening fireworks display. People started to line up in the queue at 4.00am. They came with blankets, coolers, chairs, sun screens, hats, umbrellas, food, drinks and babies in strollers. The great outdoors is enjoyed by one and all in this country. People just chatted with one another, read, had picnics and just generally took in the fresh air and sunshine. Lincoln took some pictures of the lines of people trying to get into Garden Island, as we walked over to a park not far from our place and found a nice quiet bench and read our books and watched the boats in the bay below us until dinner time. We then walked home and enjoyed a lovely evening meal, had time to tidy up before the first of the fireworks displays. As we watched out our window, as dinner was cooking, we noticed all these little dingys that were arriving and taking people out to many crafts in the harbour. People kept putting coolers, bags, and then themselves into these little rubber boats and by the time they were ready to putt putt out of our area they were barely out of the water.

The first fireworks were let off at 9.00 pm from three different vantage points, these are meant to be for the youngsters who are unable to stay awake until midnight. At midnight they again were let off from the same three spots, and also from the tops of the high rises in the Central Business District. These people know no fear.

We were so fortunate to be able to see them all from our living room windows, and did not have to jostle for a spot in the park. Australia must be the fireworks country of the universe, they seem to be let off for just about any occasion, but if you saw this show on the news networks you must admit they were spectacular.

The crowds were quiet and the parks were soon empty shortly after 1.00 am, with everyone having had a most enjoyable time.

Although our New Years Eve was quiet we did enjoy the fireworks and each others company. Do not really think I would want to be camped out all day in the sun waiting for the show, and our apartment was in a grand spot to take in the sights.

By the next morning the parks had been cleaned up off all the rubbish and the barriers and gates had all been taken down and away, you would never have known that such an event had taken place.

Cruise to New Caledonia

WOW where has the time gone. I see it is 2 months since I have made an entry. Keep telling myself to sit down and write each day, but seems something always gets in the way. Well let me tell you about the fantastic cruise we took to New Caledonia.

This was our first cruise, and we decided to take it to celebrate my birthday and Christmas. As we do not know very many people here in Sydney we thought a cruise for Christmas would definitely get us out with people to celebrate the Season.

The cruise we booked was with Princess Cruise Lines, and we sailed on the Sun Princess, which was booked to capacity (2050), and had 441 children on board. We never dreamt it would have as many youngsters, but being summer holidays in Australia everyone was in the travelling mode. The children were great, only problem being that they monopolized the pool, so we never did get to use it.

Santa arrived down one of the funnels and brought presents for each and every child. Christmas morning they were lined up to have their pictures taken with Santa and receive their present directly from him.

The weather was lovely the whole time we were away, and only had one slightly rougher day on the sea on the way back, although neither Lincoln or I were upset by the rocking of the ship. They had measured 3 laps around the Promenade Deck was equal to one mile, so a large number of us walked 3 miles each day, a little hard going into the wind, and trying to steady yourself with the rocking of the ship. It took us 3 or 4 days to get our land legs back once we reached home. Everytime we closed our eyes and bent our heads everything seemed to move.

We sailed 2 days out before we reached our first port of call which was Numea. The ship was able to dock right at the wharf so no problem getting off. Lincoln took a kayaking tour in the morning and then we both went on a bus tour of the city and then to a bistro for wine tasting. The wine was from France and was lovely, and was certainly poured very liberally. We also were treated to home made baguette and 5 different types of cheese. Needless to say everyone was quite lively on the ride back to the ship, and many joined in some boisterous singing.

We sailed again at 4.30 pm and arrived at second port of call which was Lifou. I did not go ashore that day. People were taken ashore in the tenders as we had to anchor offshore due to the shallow water. I enjoyed a peaceful day sitting out on the deck and reading. Lincoln hired a kayak and went for a paddle around the area.

Again we sailed at 4.30 pm and arrived at last port of call which was Ile de Pins. Again the tenders had to be used to take us ashore. Lincoln and I walked along the white sand beaches and then Lincoln went for a swim to view the coral and the many different coloured fish. He found it hard to stay under water to take pictures as the water was so salty and he kept bobbing back up to the surface. We stopped at a cafe on the beach and enjoyed the view and a drink, and then were entertained by some Native People dancing.

We sailed at 5.00 pm (due to the fact that they had a problem lifting one of the tenders back on board). It was now Christmas Eve and as we sailed we were treated to fireworks along some of the distant shores. My biggest thrill that evening was being able to watch the pilot of our ship depart once he had us safely past the reefs. As we sat at our table for dinner, I noticed that the outside lights had come on, when I looked out, much to my surprise I found a little boat with pilote written on the side, bouncing up and down just about under our bow. The captain had

announced that the pilot would leave us around 8.30-9.00pm. While I watched the pilot was lowered from 14 stories up, on the bridge, by the bosun's chair, he was dressed in white shirt, black dress trousers, white gloves, night bag over his shoulder and no life jacket, he landed on the bow of the little boat, looked up, smiled and waved and proceeded to walk to back of boat and then sail off into the pitch black night.
We chose to go to the dining room for our dinner and were assigned a table with three other couples, table 172, by the window. We sat with the same group each evening, and had chosen the late sitting which was 8.00pm. Someone had told us not to go to the early sitting 5.45pm as it made it too rushed if you had gone to a shore excursion that day, how right they were. Two of the evenings were formal attire and we would never have been ready in time. On the formal nights Lincoln and I had our pictures taken, we finally have lovely pictures of the two of us dressed to the nines.

We could not have asked for a better group of people to sit with, as everyone got along famously right from the start. I think we had the table that laughed the most during dinner. The three couples were all from different parts of Australia and had been on many a cruise before so were able to give us lots of tips and suggestions for future cruises. We all exchanged email addresses and intend to stay in touch. The three couples all invited us to stay with them when we come back and visit their respective parts of the country, and we certainly will be looking them up on our return.

One of the men has offered to have Lincoln sail back from Tasmania with him after the Sydney to Hobart Race, which leave Sydney on Boxing Day, this would be a thrill of a life time so he plans on being here for this adventure.

Christmas Dinner was Turkey, Ham, and Mince tart for dessert. They do not believe in making pies in Australia, they are all tarts, which are more than sufficient after a meal. Many bottles of wine, lots of lively conversation and laughter was enjoyed by all at our table.

We took three leisurely days to sail home, one of which had gale force winds, but was not near as rough as we thought it might be. Could still just make it around the promenade deck for our daily walk.

The entertainment was superb, musicals, comedians, illusioniar, a gentleman who gave a talk about interesting periods of time in Sydney (he did this on days at sea) bingo where the jackpot was 2500.00 and very well attended. We had a tour of the galley, and also a cooking demonstration by the head chef and the pastry chef. I, of course, bought a cook book.

Lincoln went down to the gym and did his daily exercises while I did mine in our cabin. We both went for a massage together on one occasion, but I did not find it a great experience. The people are just hired out of school and the lady I had evidently had not had much practise working out in her chosen profession. Lincoln did go back a second time as his shoulder was giving him some trouble and he thought the lady he had was not bad. Can't wait to get back to our person who is absolutely marvelous, I guess we are just spoiled.

There were a number of lounge areas on board where you could sit and talk and enjoy a drink, or in the morning join in a game of trivia. Late afternoon piano and violin music was played quietly in the background.

On our last evening out Lincoln and I chose to make reservations at the Steak House, which was located on the top deck. This was an intimate dining area, with tables by the window, and a slow romantic dinner was enjoyed watching the sun set. The service was grand and the ceasar salad was prepared right by our table. The steaks were brought to your table and you chose the cut that you wanted and gave instructions on its preparation. There was an extra charge for eating in this dining room but it was well worth it.

There was a 24 hour buffet bar on the top deck also, and we did enjoy breakfast and lunch at this venue a number of times, as it was much faster than eating in the dining room, and the food selection was amazing.

We arrived by in Sydney at 7.00am on the morning of Dec 28th having had a wonderful time.

Christmas Season in Australia

Hi all last night Lincoln and I went off to see the lighting of the trees and the festivities that the City of Sydney had planned.

As we walked thru the Domain we finally found out what all the tents had been set up for, it was the Citi Group Christmas Party. No one seems to have parties inside they are mostly all held in the many parks. One gentleman told us the theme was Central Park and that was why the squirrels were all set about.

Rides were being offered in the lovely carriage with well dressed driver, the horse drawing the carriage was a gorgeous horse and just pranced every so nicely.

We then continued on our way thru the hospital grounds and out onto Martin Place where we could hear music and much gaiety. As we walked over a couple of streets we could see the large screen and hear the performers, they were mainly entertaining the large group of children which were decked out in their Christmas Hats. The performers were on stage and a large group was watching and then the next group seated behind was watching the performance on the huge screen. Couldn't believe the number of little ones out.

We then crossed over Pitt Street, still on Martin Place to see the huge tree which was decorated and standing beside it was King Frosty, having his picture taken with the many shoppers who were out milling around.

We walked back up Pitt Street to the Pitt Street Mall, which is a closed off section of the roadway and admired the Christmas Trees in the Myer Department Store, not to be outdone, the second department store which is called David Jones and known as DJ had 6 scenes of the Nutcracker in their windows all with puppets and dancing little animals. Had to wait in line to take pictures.

Just before we came to David Jones, policemen on horses stopped traffic so that another horse drawn carriage could pass, which was carrying Santa and the Lord Mayor of Sydney who had just come from visiting the kiddies in Hyde Park and was now on its was to Martin Place.

We then crossed over Elizabeth Street, we are now heading back to our place, and entered Hyde Park, where again a large screen was projecting the goings on from Martin Place, not as many people here, but they did have little Angels who were giving Lindt Chocolates to the grown ups and brightly sparking stars to the little people. As we stood watching the choir came on screen and sang some of the old familiar Christmas Carols. It was a lovely evening and I am sure everyone had a great time. I know Lincoln and I did.

We continued on our way home and just as we came to the steps at the Art Centre fireworks started lighting up the sky, they were being sent up from Hyde Park and Martin Place, in mostly red and green colours. All this in the downtown park of the city, they certainly do not get all wrapped up about liability here.

Once we arrived home didn't more fireworks start lighting up the sky from the bridge down on Circular Quay, do not know what the occasion was for them, likely just another party.

Absolutely great City.

Nov 17 and 18 Parramatta by Ferry

Saturday morning at 10.00am we took the ferry to Parramatta which is an hour ride from Circular Quay, with only one stop along the way. It was a lovely ride and we saw many, many rowing teams out in the bay, so many so the ferry had to slow down to creep by them. It was a lovely sunny day and we sat out on the bow of the ferry so could see the sights very well. As usual the harbour was full of activity, from small sailing craft to very large ones, power boats of all sizes, and even the odd person being pulled behind a power boat. There was one very large scientific ship which was moored very close to our passage. The ferry we were on is called a rivercat as it can travel in shallow water, which is needed as we entered the Parramatta River. The trip up here is slow as it is very narrow and only one ferry at a time can traverse it, so timing is everything.

Parramatta is the home of the first Government House, which was what we were intent on viewing. After exiting the ferry we walked along a very pretty walk, called the River Walk,this follows the Parramatta River into the city proper, and has a number of dams built along the way. It has been designed to tell some of the tale of the original Aboriginal Peoples. Very pleasant walk, and again as usual, lots of benches to sit on and enjoy the great outdoors.

Australia's Oldest Licensed Hotel Circa 1796
We decided to enjoy lunch and a drink prior to going off to get a tour of the House, and stopped at a little restaurant and much to my delight they were serving scones, jam and cream. We each ordered one and when they came wished we had shared one serving. Talked to a very friendly gentleman across from us who asked if we had ever had anything so good. Scones were very high on his list of desired food.

We now definitely needed to walk so off we went to find Old Government House. It was not far away, but due to the hot day it felt miles off. This house was built between 1799 and 1816 and is Australia's oldest public building. Set in 260 acres of parkland, with over 20 rooms furnished as the home of Australia's early govenors. We wandered the front grounds of the House and read all the postings, which showed how the House had been transformed over the years. At first the front yard was planted with all the vegetables that were used to provide for the Govenor and his family, but over time they were made into a beautiful lawn and garden. On arriving we found that the next tour was in 20 mins so just sat on the porch and enjoyed the shade.

The woman who took us on the tour was great, she just had Lincoln and I to take and spent 1 1/2 hours telling us of the many Govenors who lived in it and something of their past. It was two houses put together over time and was quite large. The front entrance floor was wooden but had been painted in black and white squares which was said to resemble marble. The original furniture was not in the House as it had become a boarding house and then a Boys School after it was vacated by the last Govenor to live there. It was taken over by the National Historical Homes and repaired and put back as it was based on drawings that were found or given to them. The furniture that is in the home is representative of the periods in time that it was inhabited by the Govenors. Some being very basic and then leaning more to the Victorian period. We saw the kitchen which had a stone floor and some of the implements that the cooks used, including an old butter churn. They had an entirely separate room for the oven in which the baking of bread was done. There was a separate room for the Butler from which he could serve drinks and tea if required. One item of interest was the travelling beds, they all came apart and the parts were numbered, so when the Govenor travelled his bed went with him. These were large 4 poster beds. Needless to say we enjoyed our tour thanks to a most pleasant and knowledgable guide.

We went then to find the baths, but all that remained were the forms and the roof the rest had been filled in long ago. Just down the path we found the Astronomical Centre.

"The Greenwich of the Southern Hemisphere" said Governor Brisbane of the Parramatta Observatory, built at his own expense in 1822. A passionate and expert astronomer, Brisbane also employed astronomers Charles Rumker and James Dunlop, who undertook much important work at this site. Together they compiled the first catalogue of the southern skies. Accurate star positions were required for navigation and surveying, so the research undertaken here was very important to the British Colonial Government.
In 1828 surveyor Thomas Mitchell used these transit stones as the initial meridian mark for the first trigonometric survey of Australia.
In 1847 the Observatory was closed, the building became dilapidated and was demolished in 1876.

We then decided to go off in search of a Dairy that was listed on the map of the grounds, once found, much to our dismay, it was closed. So we then went in search of a garden that was said to have many exotic plants on display, again it was closed. We certainly did get our walking exercise and also enjoyed the pleasant day.

Back we went along the walkway to the ferry, and enjoyed a beer and drink at the cafe just above the landing wharf, 1/2 hr later we were on our way home, the weather was now much cooler as the sun had gone down so we sat inside and had the odd little nap along the way, for the first time we boarded a bus on the Quay and rode home. We had bought a day tripper ticket which allowes you to ride, bus, ferry, train anywhere all day long for just 16.00 each. Great deal as the ferry alone would have cost us 15.40 ea.

View down to Woolwich Ferry Landing

Sunday found us again at the wharf this time taking a ferry across the bay to Woolwich. This is a lovely town about 25 mins from Sydney and has many old homes and cottages, and the streets are lined with many blossomed trees. The walk that we embarked on was 9 km long, winding its way along the shore and then thru bays, and then back up onto the streets and past lovely homes. Part of the path took us thru the bush land and we say a cliff overhang where some aboriginal person had made carvings in the rock from long ago. We wandered thru this area swatting at the many sticky flys and being careful not to fall over the embankment until we found we had come to a dead end, so we then retraced ours steps back and found the correct path to take and enjoyed a more pleasant walk on wider paths coming out again into a cottage area, where again we followed the arrows which led us up and down hills and paths and by the water. Not many people were out and about so it was a very peaceful and enjoyable walk, although we were glad when we made our way back to the park where the ferry would pick us up on its last run on 6.15pm. We walked home tired and sore arriving at 7.00pm and falling into bed early after another enjoyable weekend.