I think we're acclimating to a whole different world - Bob did such a great job choosing our lodging in Sydney.

It's well maintained - spacious - and close to all the public transportation. I think our circadian rhythms are on track with Australia. Thursday, our only plan was to ride the ferry and go to the Wild Life Park in Darling Harbor. We now know our way to Circular Quay (pronounced "key" - and can't wait to ask how they pronounce "quail") so headed there by bus and then transferred to the Ferry going to Darling Harbor.  Large and small - the harbor is open to all sizes of watercraft from single party speed boats to huge ocean worthy ships to local ferries (both private & public). It's amazing they are all navigating together without incident.  We actually surprised ourselves by walking home from Darling Harbor (with a bit of re-direction by Peter, aka Crocodile Dundee who just happened to be walking up the sidewalk while we were looking at our map). 

 

Circular Quay versus Darling Harbor: Circular Quay (home of the Sydney Opera House, the Harbor bridge, botanical gardens and many, many shops) seemed more touristy where Darling Harbor appeared to cater to working people whose offices were close by. We arrived about 1230 , therefore, many working people were having lunch (I only think they were working people because they were dressed in suits and dresses versus the casual dress at the Circular Quay).  We stopped for a beverage at harbor side restaurant where I tasted my first Australian beer - Carlton Draught - quite good.  

 

Today's featured photos are Bob with animals or close facsimile's of animals. (including one for now and teaching myself how to create a collage) He was able to walk right up to a grey Ibis along the Darling Harbor boardwalk and share a bench with him. We were quite fascinated by Rex, the saltwater crocodile in the Wild Life Park - he's a massive reptile and glad that we were separated by many layers of glass. We also had the opportunity to see Koalas up close and listened to the Zookeeper talk about their qualities - contrary to how cuddly they look - they're actually quite crabby and like to be left alone (sort of like me when I'm low on sleep).

 

It's Friday already - we're off to the Hyde Park neighborhood to explore - there is a very large festival there that just started this week and the Railway museum (for you MIke!). 

Hyde Park is a much smaller version of the London Hyde Park...more about that tomorrow.