March 8, 2024 – Day 29 of our 95 day journey and Day 27 of the cruise. We were up at 5 this morning – another time change. It was perfect though as it gave us a leisurely start to get ready and go outside to enjoy our approach into Sydney. It seemed that we were being followed by a squall for a bit but the captain managed to outrun it. It was a gorgeous sunny and warm day. We left the ship early and racked up many steps. We walked up to the sky tower and then over to the Queen Victoria Building Market. It certainly has changed since our last visit – last time I remember lots of hand crafts and a farmers market – now it seems more like a mall. Stopped in at the Fortune of War Pub – one of the oldest in Sydney. Came across a couple of wild Rainbow Lorikeets that were hoping to share food with some tourists enjoying their breakfast in an outside restaurant. Had a wonderful experience with an Australian White Ibis – I am sure he was posing for me. I was surprised how close he allowed me to get to him.
Today is Sunday, March 10, 2024 – Yesterday we were in Newcastle, Australia. We went on quite a long walk up to Nobbys Beach and back to the ship. After lunch we ventured out again – only this time with our bathing suits. We took Newcastle’s light rail stem to Newcastle beach (the same walk we had done earlier). Their light rail is efficient and runs every 15 minutes. In the evening we enjoyed dinner in Giovanni’s (one of the specialty restaurants). We caught an unexpected dinner show as we watched a pod of dolphins playing in the surf of the ship. After dinner we attended the Australian FabFour (Beatles tribute band) – they were very interactive – had us signing and clapping along. It was great fun. There was another time change last evening – these time changes are playing havoc on our sleep. We keep waking up in the middle of the night wondering if its almost time to get up. Tomorrow we will be in Brisbane. We have an excursion to a Koala Sanctuary and are hoping we will get the opportunity to hold one.
Tomorrow will be a bitter sweet day. We are looking forward to the Koala Sanctuary however we unfortunately will be saying goodbye to so many wonderful people who are departing the ship in Brisbane. We will miss you all and wish you safe travels as you continue your journeys to home and beyond.