Two Watsons in Australia (July 26)

Is Australia ready for two of us?  We will find out.
Kaleigh flew in Thursday morning to spend some time in Australia.  What better chance if Dad is here!
I met her at the airport.  Man, that was early.  The plane arrived at 6:15 so I got to see south Sydney and the train system early in the a.m.
By about 6:45 she came through the door into the waiting area.  Let the fun begin.
I had rented a car, so next stop was to pick it up.
Had a lot of issues there although the people were quite helpful.  First of all the reservation did not go through.  Hmmm.  Then the fact that I have forgotten my PIN for my credit card did not help, but we got around it all.
Right hand drive world here we come!  I got to the house safely.  Unfortunately we had to go back to the airport as Kaleigh arrived on one flight, but her suitcase was coming on the next flight.  I made it twice to the airport without issue.

Six Degrees of separation .... Not even! (July 15)

After our walk along the Nepean we stopped in at the Penrith Rowing Club for a drink. While there a friend of Mick's came in. I was introduced to him...a former rugby player and now a sports broadcaster. He, his wife and family were moving to Ireland later in the week. Later Mick said he worked for the BBC. I wondered if he knewy friend Bob, a sportscaster for the BBC. Before leaving I did have the chance to ask my question. Turns out they know each other quite well. They will be seeing each other after the Games.
Sixteen thousand kilometers from home. What are the chances that this would happen? Crazy!

Walking along the Nepean

Soon after arriving in Penrith we went for a wall along the Nepean River. It has quite a history. It has seriously flooded the area a few times over the last hundred plus years. It has been the site of many rowing courses. Just up a few kilometers were the rowing courses for the 2000 Olympics.
Crossing the Nepean was significant in Australian history. It was from here Australian explorers set out to the interior.

Being the tourist 4

In the Botanical Gardens I walked up to Mrs. Mcquarrie's chair. Then down through a Japanese garden.
I ended up at Government House. By now the sun was behind many of the buildings and it was getting cool.
I continued walking south to Hyde Park. Many weddings were there for photos. I also saw the ANZAC war memorial.
Along the way I also saw The Nee South Wales State Library.
While I wanted to continue on I decide to head home to rest, etc. I could always return later at night.

Being the tourist - 3

From the Opera House I walked along the bay to the Royal Botanical Gardens. It was lovely out. Many people were out walking. Others were sitting or lying on grass. It reminded me of a warm, early spring day in Toronto, but it was mid-winter, sunny and 19C!
Walked by Watson's Bay, up to a point which gave great views back to the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. At times as I walked through the park it was hard to remember I was in a large urban centre. I often made comparisons to Stanley Park in Vancouver.
At one point I saw lorrikeets. They were very tame eating right out of people's hands. I heard they were around and this was the first time seeing them in a more natural setting.

Being the tourist - 2

Walking along the Quay further I saw the Sydney Opera House. I really am in Sydney! What an impressive place. That roof is amazing. What I found intriguing was the tile inlays in the roof. What a beautiful setting! Right on the Harbour with the bridge behind.

Being the tourist(Sat.) - 1

Sydney awaits!
Being the tourist today.
Took the train in to Circular Quay. Got out! What an amazing site. Sydney Harbour in front. To the left of me was the Harbour Bridge. Lots of people!
Walking along the quay saw a busker swallowing a balloon. Don't ask me where it went. I don't want to know!