There are a few absolutely beautiful cities in the world and Sydney is at the top of the list. The harbor, the Opera House, the parks, classic homes, and the people. We've spent 2 and a half splendid days here.
The first morning we drove through Sydney’s eastern suburbs, including lovely walk along Bondi Beach. (Photo by Darrin Ford)
 Bondi Beach (photo by Darrin Ford) |  Debbie and Marg sitting on the famous Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair (photo by John Menard) |
We then headed to Circular Quay home to one of Australia’s most famous icons, the Opera House. We took a walking tour of the nearby “The Rocks”, the historic district which boasts some of the oldest buildings in Sydney. Some of the original European settlers camped here amidst the rocks of the sandstone ridges, giving rise to the area’s name. Because many of the first Europeans to arrive were exiled convicts, this area’s history was unusually colorful.
The day continued with lunch, a cruise around Sydney Harbor, and a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. Our pedometers were melting down by that point! Fortunately we had the evening free. Most of us just had a light dinner and glass of wine at the hotel - too tired to explore the nearby eateries.
The day continued with lunch, a cruise around Sydney Harbor, and a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. Our pedometers were melting down by that point! Fortunately we had the evening free. Most of us just had a light dinner and glass of wine at the hotel - too tired to explore the nearby eateries.
 Opera House (photo by Darrin Ford) |  Mary Ann and John at Bondi Beach (photo by John Menard) |
| Several of us have had bad colds and one fell on the stairs, so we've had significant first-hand experience with the Australian medical system. Fortunately the medical care is readily available, top quality and very inexpensive. We're on the mend! |  Our group with the Sydney Bridge and Opera House in the background. |
 View from the harbor cruise |  John and Terri - siblings |
Today (Tuesday) our itinerary said, "You have a full day at leisure..." It didn't turn out that way. Darrin took us on a walking tour of the city including a walk across the Harbor Bridge for those of us who were up to it. A few took the day off to recover from illness and injury and rest up for our upcoming two weeks in New Zealand.
 Our excellent guide Darrin is like a walking encyclopedia! |  Kookaburra (photo by Dave Amick) |
