Sydney

G'day from Sydney
We've had a busy 4 days since we arrived here and no time for the blog until now
Had good flights from KL to Sydney via Singapore, only delayed because someone didn't make the flight to Sydney from Singapore but their luggage did!! so we had to wait whilst it was unloaded.
Lots of security at the airports which is reasssuring and didn't cause any delays. Much quickewr operation than at UK airports from what we've seen so far.
On arrival at Sydney all the luggage is scanned again once you've picked it up and lots of people were having their cases opened and searched. The Australian authorities are really hot on anyone bringing food, plants, seeds, soil deposits on shoes/boots etc.
They are really worried about getting infections into the country that will affect their food exports.
Took the hop on hop off bus tour around Sydeny and on to Bondi Beach the first day. Yes we had a paddle in the sea at Bondi and lunch on the front.
Ended with a walk through Darling Harbour area and back to hotel.
Yesterday we went back to some of the areas seen from the bus, the ANZAC memorila, Catholic and Anglican Cathedrals, the old Mint building and old Sydney Hospital, then down through the Botanical Gardens to Potts Point and the classic view of the Opera House in front of the Bridge.
Later while Joan had a sleep I walked over the Bridge for some photos looking over the Opera House as the sun went down.
Today we took the ferry over to Manly and had a walk on the beach. I went in the sea which has surprisingly strong rip currents which pull you off your feet if you've gone in above waist high.
Plenty of surfers about and little children about 7 or 8 yrs at surf school.
Tonight we've got tickets for The Pearlfishers at the Opera House - something we're both looking forward to especially seeing the opera in this Opera House.
Temperature hit 35'C 95'F today but is expected to be cooler tomorrow.
If the weather's good we are off to the Blue Mountains on the train and call in at the wildlife park on the way
Take care everyone and email me here if any messages
Derek and Joan xx

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