There is no other way to explore Australia without enduring this 14 hour flight. This is not an easy task unless you can afford first class. The first 3 hours are the worst when your body is crammed into this small seat. Three hours into the flight they serve you dinner, now keep in mind that it is now 4am Eastern time. After dinner, they turn down the lights and you try to sleep, hoping that the time will pass faster. Then you start realizing that there is no turning back and you must endure this for another 11 hours. By hour 6 into the flight you can't wait to hit the halfway point and know that it's all downhill from there. By the ninth hour into the flight you swear that you will never fly anywhere again.
Lucky for us we are flying Qantas and each seat has its own entertainment center built into the seat ahead of you. You can choose tv, movies, music, games, or watch your trip progress on the navigation system that tells your location, air speed and HOW MUCH LONGER ! By the tenth hour everyone is watching this. With 2 hours to go they serve you breakfast and wake anyone who was lucky enough to fall asleep. By now your body clock is so screwed up that and food sounds good. Keep in mind why I am writing all this. It's so I will remember what you have to endure if I ever wish to return to this place.
Only 1 hour and 18min to go. At this point you know that the end is near.
We are now 17 minutes out and are informed that the air traffic in Sydney is backed up and we will be another 20 minutes in the air. Finally at 6:30am on July 25 we touch down. It is 51 degrees and raining here. Not the prettiest of days but we don't care because we are on the ground. After an hour clearing customs we find Jesse waiting for us.
Jesse gets a big hug from Mom.
Sue and Amanda have worn special shirts for Jesse.
We then all board a BIG taxi to Jesse's house where we get to freshen up
and become human again.
This is looking off Jesse's porch. What a view!
We spot our first cool bird here in a tree out back.
Our motel room won't be ready till 3pm, so we catch a bus
and head into the city for some sightseeing.
What is wrong with this picture?
Here they don't yield, they just give way. Not only do they drive on the wrong
side of the road, they have two speed push button toilets that gives a whole new
meaning to going number one or number two.
We are not about to let a little rain stop us.
I am sure glad that Sue brought her big umbrella for us to all share.
We head into a old part of town called The Rocks where Sydney first started.
The famous Harbour Bridge.
People actually pay $250 to walk to the top of the bridge. If it was a nice day maybe.
When you"re as sweet as sugar these birds love you.
Their colors are outstanding.
Everyone gets a peck or two.
Standing in front of the Opera House.
Sydney on the water.
Weird bark on this tree.
The Opera House from the Bridge.
Some of the old buildings among the new.
Just enjoying being together.
Heading home. I think it's time for ice cream.
After a long bus ride back we check into our motel and have
a pizza party in the room and make plans for our next days' adventure.
See you all tomorrow.......
Love Prilly, Ralph, Sue, and Amanda......And now Jesse
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