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We are spending four days in Sydney after Singapore. Our B&B is very centrally located and comfortable, though a bit old fashioned. Highlights, in no particular order: Sydney Botanic Gardens, a large park with a long frontage on Sydney Harbour, ending up at the famous Sydney Opera House. Relaxing strolls under shady eucalyptus trees, and among gorgeous lush foliage. Lots of exotic birds-Sacred Ibis, brilliant white cockatoos, and even flying foxes, a batlike creature, hanging upside down in their hundreds from the treetops. The Sydney Opera House, of course: we saw a brilliant production of Carmen there, with John and Caron Palmer, who've lived in Sydney for about 12 years, having moved from London. The harbour views from inside the sails of the opera house were spectacular after dark. The opera was preceded by delicious dinner at Aria, one of Sydney's many great restaurants. (Our B&B was a few blocks from Crown Street, renowned for the long run of wonderful restaurants, with terrific Asian cooking--Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, fusion of the above--a speciality.) The National Gallery of New South Wales has a good representation of works from Europe, but more especially from Australian artists from the early 1800's to present and a large collection of Aboriginal art - very interesting as they paint (still) on tree bark and their palette is limited to only two or three colours which are derived from natural pigments. Hyde Park Barracks, a beautifully restored building on the edge of the Botanic Gardens, presents the history of Sydney through the story of the convicts and immigrants who passed through the building. We searched the interactive database but found no Etheridges listed among the convicts from England, though there were 6 or 7 Websters listed. When we asked where to buy stamps, we were told that we could use the post office in the Parliament building, which wouldn't have a long line. We were dubious but decided to try it, and sure enough, after going through security we were allowed to roam at will through most of the building, which does house a small post office! Because Sydney harbour is so vast, ferries are an integral part of the transportation system, so we took several ferry rides, which were a real pleasure on a sunny, breezy day. One trip took us to Watsons Bay, where we ate at (the very touristy but good) Doyles Seafood, right on the beach. Then we walked up and over the cliff to see the Pacific, all turquoise waters crashing into the rocks below.Next up is our three day train journey across the continent.
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