It’s hard to believe we’re in Syndey already. It’s even harder to believe this is the fourth time I’ve been here. It’s probably to do with the time of year that we voyage to this area, but I’ve never seen this city not looking lovely, perhaps it never does.
Our moorage this season is in Darling Harbor, instead of in the more well-known Circular Quay. Like most everyone I prefer the Circular Quay berth, because it means you can look out the window and see the Opera house. The first time I was here I walked out onto the sports deck and saw the roof of the Opera House black against the sunrise. It was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen. It still is.
I took IPM today so that my co-librarian could get out and see the city. I’ve been here three times, he’d never been once. He came back all exhilarated from doing the climb up the Syndey Harbor Bridge (something I’ve still never had the guts or the money to attempt), it was nice to see the Harbour City had worked it’s magic on someone else.
The side of the ship that my office is on doesn’t offer a view of the water. But I can see the vast expanse of the Harbour Bridge what seems like only a stone’s throw away. In reality it’s about a twenty-five minute shuttle ride to the Quay. The shuttle service will be finished for the day before I finish my evening shift, so I won’t see the harbor by sunset this year (it’s a twenty five minute shuttle ride, which translates into a very long walk if there is no shuttle!). But I have tomorrow off, and I refuse to stay confined to the ship in one of my favourite cities in the world.
It’s expensive, it’s sprawling…but I do so love Australia.