TOALT Phase 2

On to Sydney!

I had never been south of the equator, so I was anticipating what it would be like to have summer in January.  It felt weird to pack short-sleeve shirts and knee-knockers while wearing Cuddleduds and sweats!

We were also concerned about the effects the bushfires might have on our visit, but the only evidence in Sydney proper was occasional bad air quality from the smoke.  In the end we are glad we were able to support the local economy because, between the fires and Coronovirus, many people had cancelled their trips.

Within hours of our arrival we were surveying the area around our hotel in the old part of Sydney.

Sydney Opera House viewed across Circular Quay

And less than an hour later ...  On our way back to the hotel I tripped on a curb and face-planted on the cobblestone sidewalk. 

Libby in the ambulance

Miraculously the lense of my glasses did not break, but the temple piece got stuck in my head.  Five hours in the ER to determine if I had a concussion, then released with just a bandaid on my forehead. 

I have to commend the citizens of Sydney for taking such good care of me.  Passersby immediately came to my aid, told me not to move, directed SIL to put something under my head, ordered Alex to hold an umbrella to shade me, forebade anyone from giving me anything to drink, and called the ambulance.

Needless to say, I wasn't up for much activity the next two days.  SIL, on the other hand, had booked a Bridge Climb on the Harbour Bridge which proceded in spite of the rain.

Climb group at the apex

A jubilant SIL on completion of the Climb

The next day we boarded the Noordam and departed under the Harbour Bridge on our quilt cruise around New Zealand.

So long, Sydney