Our flight was uneventful but extremely long. We were happy to reach our destination. As soon as we got off the plane, a sniffer dog got on my trail and I was detained for a few minutes. I was asked by Border Control if I had any food with me. I had signed a declaration form saying I did not but had forgotten Bernie's unfinished turkey sandwich, purchased many hours ago in San Francisco. It was wrapped and put in my backpack, out of sight and completely forgotten. Unfortunately, the dogs found it. That lapse of memory could have set me back $400. but they understood and just took the sandwich away.
Our hotel was nice and well located. We went for many long walks around the city, which is quite beautiful. Unfortunately, it rained 4 out of the 6 days we were there. On one of the 2 sunny days, we went on a day trip to an island which is a Bird sanctuary. This island Tiritiri Matangi is uninhabited and stocked to preserve the native species. We had a very knowledgeable guide, Margi, a lady a bit younger than us. She explained that 25 to 30 years ago, the whole island had been stripped of it's trees and converted to pasture for cattle and sheep. As the farmers were all leasing the land the government decided that there could be a much better use for the island and terminated their leases. Volunteers were recruited to plant native trees and vegetation and, after 30 years, the results are amazing. Tiritiri is now a lush island with numerous species of native birds, no predators and no invasive weeds. Visitors must clean theirs shoes before embarking on the boat so as not to carry seeds or infected soil to this preserve. Walking on Tiritiri, our guide pointed out the many species of birds, several of which have lost their ability to fly due to the lack of predators on the island. Many of the plants are native to New Zealand, though several were imported from Australia. On one of the rainy days, we went to the aquarium. We saw many variety of fish, very large manta rays and cute fairy penguins.
The next day, we met up with Arnold, Freda's brother. He picked us up at our hotel and drove us all over Auckland, stopping at places where the views were breathtaking That is when we realized how beautiful the city was. Arnold then took us to his home where his wife Lorraine had prepared a sumptuous brunch with delicious dosas, great chicken curry, and many more delicious dishes. They had invited other friends and that whole day was very pleasant. It's was a really nice way to end our last day in New Zealand.
On Monday, we arrived in Sydney and it was so nice to be greated by our friend Amanda. We met Amanda in Spain in 2008 and she had not changed a bit. We all got into her car and went to Amanda and Paul's condo in Kiribilli. It is a beautiful place located right across from the Opera House. We can see the Sydney Harbour Bridge from their living room window. We are so lucky to be here. Amanda took us for a lovely walk around the area, trying to show us the lay of the land. She had also purchased Opal cards for us and loaded them so we could get onto the ferry or train or bus. That system works really well. There are no tickets to be purchased anywhere. All one needs to do is to tap one's card on the Opal reader on the way in and the way out. The fare is deducted from the card, and the balance displayed. It works seamlessly between busses, trains and ferries. The Opal card can be recharged at every station. On Sundays one can travel all day for $2.50, by ferry, train and buses, any amount of time or distance. Later that day, Amanda picked up her two grandsons and we all shared her de!icious lamb and eggplant stew with couscous. What a welcome on our first day. The boys were delightful and very entertaining. Xavier is 10 and Jackson 12. Paul and Amanda stayed at their daughter's place when they were in Sydney so we could have their unit to ourselves. They will be taking us to their home in Newcastle next Monday.
For the following 2 days, we walked all day soaking in the sites and the Australian way of life. People here seem to be very active. I guess being able to be outdoors 12 months a year makes outdoor activities a lot more of a daily routine. Sydney is a very beautiful city, loaded with very many green areas and gardens and this being Spring, the trees and bushes are all in bloom. The botanical garden is immense and one could walk there for a whole day. The Opera House is a magnificent building from every angle. The Aussies are big coffee drinkers and the coffee menus are so extensive that it keeps reminding me of Niles on the Fraser show who always ordered such complicated coffees. Travelling by ferry into town is a 7 minute crossing and only a 2 minute walk from the condo so it is very easy to go back and forth to Circular Quay. Amanda is being so nice to us, she comes over regularly, drives us to see other sites and goes back to her daughter's place where she is minding the boys since Sarah is out of town for work and the aupair is only on duty so many hours a day. Paul works in Newcastle.
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