27th December 2012

ZOO Day!

We got up at an unprecedented time of 6AM and caught an early train to Sydney from Wentworth Falls.
There was a lovely man at the station, who sold us tickets at the cute station, who explained how to get to the City and the Zoo.

Wentworth Station

Sarah enjoying the train journey

He posed for a photo (coming soon) and then gave us all free drinks. This set us in a good mood for the day, and just as well too. It was a long trip into town and different people got on and off the Blue Mountains Line.  When we arrived at Central Station it was a good deal of nearly two hours later.  The journey itself was enjoyable and we got to see the mountains today as it was clear!  Yippee. We then had to catch a train to Circular Quay  and Ben was by far the most animated.  He couldn't believe he was actually in Sydney and now and then we all pinched ourselves that we had managed to drive across the nation to be in Sydney...Amazing and we are so thankful that we made it safely.

On the Ferry to go to the Zoo.

So then we arrived at the Quay and there was the ferry to take us across to the zoo.  We couldn't believe the numbers of people already waiting but wewere fortunate to already have our all day tickets and so we could miss that line ( to get on the ferry).  The trip on the ferry was amazing and the kids and James went to the front and took pictures of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.When we arrived(12mins later) we caught a bus up to the the main entrance. The Zoo was absolutely packed with people, and the weather was a pleasant 22ish degress and sunny. We spent a few hours at the Zoo and saw a seal show (awesome!!!), gorillas, chimpanzees, condos, reptiles, a big komodo and even had a taste of native honey, from non stinging bees. After walking down and around and up and down we finally left and we then caught the ferry back to Circular Quay and found a food hall for lunch.

Dinosaur Theme

One eaten and now the next...

Keepsakes from the Zoo - a Snow leopard

Watch out for the snakes!

We took a walk back down to the Quay and walked around to the Sydney Opera House.  Loads of people there, all enjoying the warm weather and taking as many happy snaps as possible (which is exactly what we were doing).

We found time after that to enjoy an icecream and drink from HJ's - which seem to be everywhere and headed off to find Centrepoint tower.  This was an interesting walk and we enlisted the help of a few strangers to help us on the way.  Some girls initially helped us and we going the right way but we got side tracked and then asked a guy who lurched away and said he can't help  - Sarah got upset for her mum - but Naomi loudly exclaimed after him that she wanted directions - they are many people on the street homeless and asking for money, but that's what society does - is to look away....

Anyway, a lovely Sri Lankan looking woman not from Sydney helped us on our way and we made it!  We went up to the top of Sydney and were amazed at the views and that after finally staying still for a little while, realised how tired we were.  So after spending a bit of time there (that justified the money spent on going up) we went back down again.  We went through Victoria 'something' building which took us back to town hall station and got back to central station in time for the 5:18pm train back to the Blue Mountains.  (On a side note - we found a Krispy Kreme donut place and got a treat! )

Then we made it all the way back home, met Roy - who had had a lovely day rejuvenating, took showers and now heading off to bed - smelling and feeling much better!  We now know why Roy lives up here in the hills - it's because it's beautiful and clean and fresh and less noise and less people - shall I go on....  Very thankful for the time in the city but also glad to be out of it.

So goodnight and God bless.  love the Wheaties

PS  Thanks mum for the gift today - we really enjoyed the Zoo (and the whole day).xxxxxoooo