July 10 - Bondi Beach, Opera House

What a great day we had today! We started off the day at Bondi Beach, the world premiere site for surfing. We were told that some people will fly into Sydney just to go to Bondi Beach to surf and then fly home again.

It was the picture perfect day to have surfing lessons at Bondi. The temperature wasn't too cold, although we did all have wetsuits just to ensure that our bodies wouldn't get too cold in the water.

We also took a 2 hour cruise in the harbour of Sydney. The cruise took us past the Opera House around the light houses and even under the Harbour Bridge.

After the cruise we walked over to the Opera House and were able to have a tour inside. We even had a special treat while we were touring! The personnel at the Opera House were setting up for tonight's performance of a special group of students from throughout the world but mostly the United States. They were a string orchestra, and while we were there they began practicing together so we were able to hear the wonderful acoustics of the main performance hall.

Dinner was at a darling little restaurant just down the wharf from the Opera House. We had the most spectacular view of the Harbour Bridge at night and of Luna Park.

There was a cruise ship at the wharf when we were pulling out today. I didn't pay a lot of attention when we left on our cruise,  but when we came back I looked at the name on the ship. It was the Carnival Spirit, the same ship that we took on our 25th wedding anniversary 15 years ago. That year was its inaugural year. What are the chances that I would see it today?

Tomorrow were headed to the Blue Mountains.









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