After months of preparation and 28 straight hours of travel, we have finally arrived in Sydney. Even on our first jet-lagged day, we are already having an incredible experience.We were met at the airport by our trip coordinator, Ian Cameron; team leader for the Michigan-bound 9860 GSE team, Ian Faulks; Craig’s host, Greg Starr; and John Cameron. Next we were installed in our apartments at the Grand Mercure overlooking Darling Harbour – fabulous accommodations and a spectacular view (that's us on our balcony). There we were joined by District Governor Monica Saville and her husband, Geoff, for coffee and conversation on the terrace. We enjoyed getting to know some of the folks we’ve been corresponding with these many months, as well as watching the dragon boat races in the harbour below.
Following these introductions and a brief orientation on upcoming events, our hosts provided us some tips for exploring the area on foot. They parted with the advice to “keep moving and stay up until bedtime.” Enticed by the beautiful weather, (a breezy 24 C) and having spent the last two days sitting in airplanes, we were more than ready to heed their advice.
We quickly changed some money at the casino and tramped across the Pyrmont bridge to Cockle Bay Wharf, where we enjoyed a delightful steak and seafood lunch in the open air. We’d like to thank the Pigeon Club for sponsoring our inaugural Australian meal, and we toasted them all with VB and Tooheys New (both are local brews.)
After lunch, we walked up George Street to Circular Quay to take pictures of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, which we’ll visit later in our itinerary. Along the way, we stopped to admire the Queen Victoria Building, the Strand Arcade and the many Australian black opals in the shop windows. We also picked up a few postcards and souvenirs at the market stalls near the Quay. Our day ended with a windy walk across the Harbour Bridge and back, which tired us out just perfectly for local bedtime.
We couldn’t have asked for a more warm and wonderful welcome, and we can’t wait to see what else is in store.
3 comments:
So glad you are all off to a great start. Steak and seafood?! Hurt me! :) Linda
Hi Dad,
This is Claire. I was just asking if you are reading your prayers. Are you having fun? The roads are to icy so we are not going to go to church, and there's not going to be Sundy School today. Rafeek is doing fine.
Claire, I'm glad you are doing fine. I am having a great time. I have so much to absorb here. Tell Linda Australia is known for opals. They dig the gems out of the ground. 98% of all opals in the world come from Australia. Rusty
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