More Darling Harbour

Couldn't resist taking more photos from a different angle.  Sydney has wonderfully artistic sculptures and fountains.  Notice Hanna seems to have an affinity for that tower!

Australian National Maritime Museum

The museum was offering free admission until Sunday night because of the school break. We managed to get there 1/2 hour before closing.  Our favorite displays were the beer can boat, the Sperm Whale teeth with carvings, the lighthouse light and the 10 ft long model ship.  The boats outside were pretty neat too but we didn't go into any of those.  We figured we didn't have enough time to justify spending the money to tour them.

Sydney Fish Market

This is one of those places that we have wanted to go to for awhile. Ray thought it would be a nice short walk.  But notice the photos.  Walking......still walking......  Ray's a man with vision. That's what I love about him.  He knows where he wants to go, just doesn't count on all the detours and deadends that get in the way of his ultimate goal, therefore, taking him twice as long to get there (and that seems to be OUR life story).    Luckily a young Aussie boy was outside playing in his yard and was able to give us some real directions.  But hey, if we had taken public transportation like I suggested we wouldn't have seen that part of Sydney.  ;-)  Anyway, I'm glad we can now cross the fish market off our list of places to visit.   I don't think we will return even with public transport!  There were many warehouses filled with shops and restaurants but we didn't find it any cheaper than Paddy's.   We ended up buying a seafood platter which included baby octopi, clams, squid rings (like onion rings, but not fried), cod, and skewered prawns on a bed of chips (french fries).   The Octopi were not too bad but not something I would eat again, the texture being a bit of a turn off with the suction cups on their tentacles.   The squid was kind of rubbery,  the prawns were pretty good.  Hanna and Emma were the only two to try the cream cheese clams and they really liked those.  Overall, I think Ray and Hanna enjoyed the seafood the most!  Tessa wouldn't touch it, she felt like throwing up just looking at it.  Marra spent her time under the table taking photos.

More Bondi Beach Photos

There is always something new to see or do at Bondi.  We have watched the series on television called Bondi Rescue so I was more paranoid this time about letting the girls go in the water.  I went in with them and it wasn't as scary as watching them jump the waves themselves.  In fact, it was quite fun!

Bondi Beach

This is one of our favorite places to visit.  This time we meandered along the walking trail and were in awe of the beautiful scenery.  Hanna took some great shots of the waves but the photos didn't quite capture the experience.  There is a man that lives up along the cliffs.  Notice the pet cow that he needs to feed by donations.  You can read his story here: http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/times-up-for-caveman/2007/03/14/1173722530504.html

A Toddler's Perspective

Budding photographer!

Marra decided that she wanted to contribute to the blog.

 

More Darling Harbour

I believe it has rained every day for the past 11 days.  It started out sunny last Saturday but by the time we left it was looking quite stormy.  If I use my imagination a little bit, I can almost imagine being back in New England.  

Darling Harbour

Last weekend we walked to Darling Harbour.  I have often wondered where all the families are and this may be one of the places.  It was a great place to let Marra just run around and be a toddler.  They had a playground, paddle boats, some kind of kids bungee jumping, Chinese Garden, Imax Theatre (I think it said the biggest screen in the world?) and the Sydney Aquarium (all to be experienced at a future date when we win the lottery :-).  The sights and sounds of Sydney are just amazing.  I really should record some and put sound bites on the blog.

Wiseman's Ferry

What a beautiful drive to Wiseman's Ferry.  Despite our cramped quarters in the car (Jodi would be proud of us ;-), the drive was unforgettable.  We had to ride the Ferry to go to the campsite, drive over a suspension bridge, not to mention drive on the wrong side of the road.  When I think of Australia I think Outback, not beautiful green hills and forests.  It's nice to see more of Australia besides the touristy areas.  I wish I had had a better camera!