OZ II

So here is installment #2 of our trip to OZ.  Mostly more photos but I will try to add a bit of anecdote for each moment. It was a great trip overall, but in general realized for myself big cities are not where I am my best.  Of all cities, Sydney and Melbourne have to be two of the best and the brightest and most colorful.  Due to the fact that people get paid pretty well there, many are out spending their monies in cafe, out for drinks, a meal, lots of livelihood.  Our last day in Sydney found us visiting some of the more historical sights, like the Rock, famous for being the first settlement of the British prisoners sent to settle this land.  When you learn the history of a country settled by convicts and bad guys 

(and gals) and the survivalist attitudes they brought, it is pretty impressive what they were able to do with this once wasteland.  

The Rock, so aptly named for the stone you see in the background, which served as the foundation for this neighborhood.

When we sat down for lunch this day, kids were mesmerized watching these candy makers pull the colorful sugar into small round pieces.

Me and mom sharing a moment post lunch

And then we spent the afternoon touring the Opera House.  Impressive architecture as well as engineering to make this building happen.  Unfortunately the architect struggled and eventually had to leave the job, never to return, never to see this amazing structure in all its glory.
Here is a view from inside the House looking at the Harbor Bridge.

Here is the cafe and hallway inside.

Like the innards of a great whale, the concrete and steel and wood find magical ways to meet and support this structure.  5 different halls to accommodate all sorts of artists, musicians and performers.

Taking in the scene….

Such a handsome young man in the midst of it all.

And the usual antics on the ferry back to our hotel.  Just another day in the life...

One last parting view

And then we arrived in Melbourne, hit the ground running and within an hour we had tickets to go see Wicked.  Melbourne is a smaller city than Sydney, very colorful, youthful, tons of sports enthusiasts and sporting venues, lots of small lanes full of boutiques, cafes, funky shops.  A Chinatown, a Little Italy, Greek town, and a few other beach side communities.

Needless to say, we loved Wicked!  Amazing show that adds so much to our understanding and enjoyment of the Wizard of Oz.

Here was one of our favorite lanes where we ate belgian waffles, drank yummy flat whites, bought some hip new clothes and passed the time away.

And later while Linda went off to some museums, I took kids to the famous Melbourne Cricket Grounds.  Like any big stadium, it had its own story to tell.  This one in particular served a dual purpose for both Australian Rules Football and Cricket.  We took the official tour and tried to imagine the frenzy when the teams are in full play.  The best part for me was rediscovering that the Olympics were held here in 1956.  As we passed the outside of the building, there was a plaque to all the medalists of those games, and there, carved into the stone, was the name of my dear friend Bob Clotworthy, gold medalist in springboard diving that year.  Bob and I taught together in Albuquerque years ago, and how great to see his name featured as one of the best of the best!  My kids were impressed!

The lights on the field are there to help the grass grow as this time of year the sun does not shine here.

In the basement of the Cricket ground is fantastic sports museum with all sorts of sports paraphernalia .  Best for us was the experiential section where one could race a bike, play some netball or rugby or Aussie Rules football.

Maggie the netball star!

and we then took in the Melbourne Aquarium, sharks, crocodiles, penguins, poisonous snakes and spiders.

In order to get to the market we desired, we hopped on this tour bus which allowed us to see the city from above.

And finally we got to Queen Victoria Market full of great produce, meats, seafood, cheeses, tea, desserts, and then some.

And one glance up, we saw something only in Aussie.  Though did not get to try any kangaroo….

Early morning over Melbourne, rowers on the river, hot air balloons overhead, it is a really nice place to be!

Before we left this town, we bussed out to St. Kilda's beach where we walked around, a bit aimlessly, taking in the local color.  Nice walk down the pier, run along the jetty, a beautiful skyline.

Thank goodness for Jack we found our bus back home.

And our final lunch, it was a treat indeed!

After the 8 days, we were tired and happy to be going back to our home in the Mount, but loved our time on this immense diverse continent.