Kia Ora from New Zealand Days 9-10

Day 9

We started our day with a walk through the historic part of Sydney called the Rocks.   The oldest buildings here date back to the early 1800s.  This was followed by a wonderful Sydney Harbor Cruise.  Captain Cook greeted us as we boarded the boat.

 

 

The weather was perfect, and I just can’t seem to get enough pictures of the Sydney Opera House.  I took pictures from every possible vantage point but will only include one more for now.  We have learned to navigate the bus system quite well from our hotel to Circular Cay (the harbor and Opera House area).  Plus we have put quite a few miles on our shoes. 

 

Late afternoon we dined in one of the many restaurants along Circular Cay, then headed yet once again to the Opera House for the play, Our Town. Before the play we had a drink in the Opera House restaurant.  Just being there in that magnificent structure was a great experience.  (Even the bathrooms are spectacular, and yes, I have pictures of that ,too.)  The play was excellent, and what a wonderful way to end our Sydney experience.

 

Day 10

We were up early and out of our hotel at 4:45 a.m. for our morning flight to Christchurch.  I love Quantas Airlines.  The stewards and stewardesses are very friendly, and we have had wonderful meals on all of our flights.  It reminds of flying at its best years ago. 

 

When we arrived in Christchurch we were whisked away to the International Antarctic Center just in time for the feeding of the Little Blue Penguins. For nearly a century, the city has been a center for exploration and research of the “Great White South.” During the drive to our hotel, we took a brief city tour. The vegetation here reminds me of the Seattle area with the camellias, rhododendrons, daffodils, and trees all in bloom. It will be a relaxed night so hopefully we can recoup from our busy pace.