OUR SEVENTH CONTINENT

Well, the 11 days went quickly, and the flight was excellent.  We were able to sleep for 5+ hours, so our time in Sydney was useful time.  We walked 2 km to the harbour area by a route through the Botanical Gardens.  Then we went on an hour Harbour Cruise, which would have been really nice except that it was foggy and it rained throughout.

When we walked back it was a tropical downpour and we were both soaked even with my Gortex coat!  It rained all night, and there was a lot of flooding in NSW.  Today was dry when we left.

We've found Australia very expensive--like $4.50 for a cup of coffee; $39.00 for 2 dinner entrees, without side plates at an additional $6.00 for green beans, or carrots, etc.  We bought 2 pastries and 2 yogurts for breakfast and paid $16.50.

Oh, well, we are on our way to NZ, where it should be more reasonable.  Today the seas are a bit rough, but we don't need sea-sick pills yet.  We'll be at sea 3 days before we reach Auckland.  It is nice to be settled in one place for 43 days; our inside cabin is an unusual layout, and quite cramped.  We've found a place for everything, so we'll manage just fine.

G'day!