I had 50 Lashes in Sydney...

Tuesday, February 11. Cloudy, cool.

Today wa s a domestic day for us. Friends Jim and Gail took the train to meet friends and spend the day north of Sydney some 3/4 hour.

We all were very disappointed that the ship did not dock at its usual position between the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. We sailed under the bridge in the early morning dusk and wormed our way some long distance to a place called White Bay. It is an industrial area and quite mundane, not ugly, just, well, nothing. 

There was a 3/4 hour shuttle bus ride through ugly traffic to get to Circular Quay, our preferred spot where a giant Royal Caribbean ship was sitting there with it's ugly bulk. It was too big to go under the bridge. The only good thing is that moves Vancouver up near the top as the most beautiful harbour to be in. It was a disappointment for everybody.

We stepped off the shuttle and started to tick things off our shopping list: Haircuts for both of us, Dayquil, Strepsils, Gaviscon; Fisherman's Friend, an exercise regime book and lastly a book on Aussie Bush Verse. On the way back I accomplished my last wish: an Ozzie pork and steak pie with mashed potatoes, peas and gravy. It was there that I had my Fifty Lashes Lager beer.

During the day I was able to text our kids and Yann as we are in a civilized country. Also, our Tilley hats arrived. They were shipped by Wally some time ago. In spite of having months to pack, we omitted them.

I happen to have the ugliest cold in the entire world right now, no voice, my stomach hurts from coughing and most times unable to lie down with stomach discomfort. Last night I slept on the couch in the cabin, I have no idea why except it seemed like a good idea at 2.30 am! I had dinner in my room again today. This too shall pass.

Moe disembarked today, hopefully she is wired up in her hotel ready to fly away, fly away, fly away home tomorrow at noon.

Photos: Fellette in the chair at the train station hair saloon; Sydney centre is another big city; waiting for lunch; lunch; Tilley hats arrived; the view of the city from our deck.