Melbourne & Sydney, Australia

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Hi Everybody!
Our first stop in Australia was in Melbourne, Australia's second largest city. The city was having the worst heat wave in 100 years with temperatures around 108 degrees. It was like being in a dry sauna. No amount of liquids would quench your thirst. I can't imagine how the tennis players are holding up in the Australian Open. We decided to get out of town and see some of the countryside. We took a two hour train ride NW to Bendigo, a city of 100,000 people. More gold (9 billion dollars worth) was found in Bendigo between 1850-1900 than has ever been found in any other one place. As we traveled there, we passed vineyards, farms with cattle, sheep, and horses. The tracks were often bordered with eucalyptus trees. Back in Melbourne, we checked out the Queen Victoria Market. It has been in existence for 131 years. The open aired market was covered with a metal roof and had no AC. You can imagine how HOT it was, if it was too hot for ME to SHOP!!! The second day there, we got up early and went to the zoo. We satisfied our desires to see exotic animals- kangaroos, hairy wombats, koalas, emus, ostriches, elephants, etc. Interestingly, the ship grilled kangaroo, crocodile, and emu the next day.
Today, we landed in Sydney! The scenery was fantastic coming in at daybreak with the Harbor Bridge (known as the coathanger) on our right and the Opera House with its shell like roofs on our left. The bridge is the world's largest steel arch bridge. The first thing that we did after getting off of the boat was to walk over the bridge. It was well worth the effort for the fabulous views! Next, we are headed to the Sydney Opera House for a tour. The temperature is in the 80's today and pleasant.
This has been a great trip! I probably won't do another blog after this one!
Take care,
Everette

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Photos

Walt & Aussie
This young environmentalist was very helpful when we were touring the center of Melbourne.

Hairy Wombat
This animal is shaped like a pig with very short legs.

Comments

[Maggie Noland]

Well, you really went from one extreme to the other, didn't you! I would have loved the zoo and the beauty there is amazing. Continue to have a glorious time!