It was a beautiful day in Sydney! After sleeping in until 8 and eating a late breakfast, we made our way to the Opal Museum to learn about Australia’s national gemstone. Students saw a cutting demonstration and viewed a fossilized dinosaur that had become opalized. Look for a few surprises when your student comes home! Then off we went to Circular Quay for souvenir shopping before boarding the Captain Cook for our Sydney Harbor cruise. The kids enjoyed a delicious seafood buffet while taking in the sites and getting to know each other better.
Next we walked to the famous Sydney Opera House for our behind the scenes tour. We were fortunate to see places kept from the general public like scenery storage and stage lifts. As we toured the complex we learned that the construction didn’t go quite as planned. Mario, our coach driver, actually worked on the Opera House in 1971. Our expert guide entertained us with stories about chickens that flew into the orchestra pit and other interesting facts. The Sydney Opera House is an amazing feat of design and engineering. How exciting it is to see it up close and personal.
Next on the agenda was the Sydney Aquarium. The little duckbill platypus was a hit! – not to mention the dugongs, sharks, seahorses, and coral. The Lizard Lounge was the site for another filling dinner. It was great to hear so much laughter and animated conversations. All four leaders agree—this is going to be an excellent delegation. All is well Down Under! As they say here, No Worries!
Ron and Karla
