24 Hours in Sydney

View of Sydney from The Observatory

“I can’t believe how off-balance and dizzy I felt earlier,” I said to Mary, the marine scientist who works at the Sydney planetarium.

“Well that’s normal,” she said. “You are, after all, standing upside down.”

G’day from down under!

It’s an amazing feeling to know you’re flying over the equator to the other side of the world from a 777 at 36,000-feet. My friend Heather, who’s with me on this journey, slept soundly after a few cocktails and a Ativan, while I spent my 14-hours exploring all parts of the new VAustralia plane. On my journey through the classes, I met families from all over the world and shared a nightcap a few cast members from “Home and Away,” a very popular TV drama in Australia. Approximately 14-hours later, we arrived Sydney safe and sound and made our way through customs where we met Habib, our (very informative) driver who took us to The Observatory Hotel.

The rooms weren’t quite ready, so we took advantage of the spa area for a shower and change of clothes. A hot cup of coffee later and a quick rest hour on the hotel’s sofas, and we were ready to explore our area of Sydney, known as The Rocks. We made our way to the The Observatory and Planetarium, where we caught of glimpse of the sun from a super-powered telescope.

Peering at the sun

Jif, an astronomer, explained how the night sky looks from this part of the world… I can’t wait to see it later this week during a star-gazing hour at the planetarium.

Our rooms were finally ready. The harbor view is amazing and the space is spectacular. Off to dinner for a Touheys New and a pizza, then back to bed to attempt to regulate the jetlag.

Side note: Travel is nothing if not an adventure. Thanks to everyone who checked in to ensure we were safe following the tsunami warnings placed on Australia. Our thoughts and prayers are with those Chile.