Monday 2nd April

Went to the Sydney library first, a huge impressive building and discovered we could get free wifi so could sort out our return airtickets/seats. Then went to the Hyde Park Barracks Museum. An excellent set up, telling the story of the establishment of the settlement and the stories of the convicts. In the past convicts were not mentioned much in the history of Aus but now they are recognised as an important part of this countries past. This museum was brilliant, made all the more so for us by a party of school kids going round with guides animating and bringing the past to life. This building was first used as a staging post for newly arrived convicts, then a barracks for women sent out to be 'wives', then as a place of refuge for elderly and demented women and lastly as a magistrates court. Such an interesting morning. Also popped into St James and St Marys Cathedral which are just next door. Had our picnic lunch in the botanical gardens and then back to the library to sort out our tickets. J had to checked email and discovered had to reapply for one of his Edexcel jobs by tomorrow ( a usual occurrence ). It ended up taking J all afternoon so I went went off had a wander around and then ended up walking around in the botanical gardens. They are so beautiful and run along side the bay. Ended up having dinner the hotel. J and I then had a walk down to Circular Quay. I walked MILES today!!!!!

Tuesday 3rd April

The last day of our holiday so decided to have a relaxing day and went over on the Manly ferry . A beautiful sunny day. Hired bikes and went for a ride up the coast for a short distance and then walked to Shelly Beach and spent the rest of the day on the beach and swimming. We started our holiday in Aus with a day at Manly so seemed right to finish it there. Popped into Coles on our way back and got our picnic for tonight. Walked over to Mrs Macquires point, had our picnic and then watched La Traviata. The stage was planned to be floating but then they realised it would move too much and the performers were likely to get seasick so they sank pylons to secure it. I have to say it was a really enjoyable performance in a stunning setting and a great last night for our trip. We sat there not quite believing we were looking out over Sydney harbour with all the lights, the opera house and bridge. The weather today has been lovely, ending with a warm evening. Walked back to the hotel- got really good at navigating our way around this area!

Wednesday 4th April

Really mixed feelings this morning. Looking forward to going home and seeing the family again but also sad that this trip is over. The time has gone by so quickly. We have done and seen so much, coped with floods and cancelled flights and had such fun. The other day someone asked us what was the highlight and J and I looked at each other and couldn't answer- there have been so many different experiences all special in there own way, and some challenging! Be warned we have 100s of photos!!!!!! Now all packed up and waiting for the airport shuttle to begin the long haul home.