what a change. After the long day yesterday, the pace today was a little
more relaxed.
The Aboriginal people have existed here for thousands of years, but the city
of Sydney has a relatively short history. Based on the bizarre idea of
sending British criminals halfway across the world, it was founded when the
first convict tents were erected here in 1788. Up to 80,000 convicts were
sent here.
Took the shuttle into town and walked around the Rocks. The Rocks is
Sydney's oldest village, so named because of its rocky shoreline. On
Saturdays it is home to hundreds of stalls with street vendors displaying
and selling locally produced handmade arts and crafts items, foods and
designer fashion.
After doing some shopping and admiring the handicrafts, walked over to
Circular Quay, enjoying some of the street entertainers along the way. I
bought another CD from one of them that is supposed to be an eclectic mix of
dance music featuring didgeridoo, bass lines, break beats with sounds of
birds, frogs and insects from the Aussie bush mixed in. Since I will not be
able to listen to it until I get home - it will remain a mystery for a
while.
Circular Quay is the harbor's focal point and the hub of Sydney's ferry
system. Got on a ferry here and took a cold and windy ride over to Manly, a
popular seaside suburb with nice beaches and street life on the north shore.
Spent some time walking around and people watching before heading back. As
we came around one of the points there seemed to be flotilla of sailboats
out today - a beautiful sight.
Arrived back to the Quay, walked around some more and head back to the ship.
The sail away party that the ship put on was very crowded and festive. You
can climb up the Sydney Harbour Bridge (400 feet above the water), and as we
were approaching, those currently doing this climb waved goodbye to us.
Great end to our stay here in this beautiful and vibrant city.
