After breakfast we pack, leave our bags with the concierge and head off to nearer sites. These are mostly around the World Square area.
We start at The ANZAC memorial, which immediately brings tears to my eyes. It is a thought-provoking reminder of the sacrifice made by our distant cousins, in many cases against their will. Nearby there is a sculpture of huge bullet cases specifically on the issue of Aboriginal conscription.
Incidentally, Australia has had an epiphany in terms of its previous shocking wrongdoings and we come across many instances where First Settlers are honoured and respected.
Moving though the park we find Captain Cook (well, his statue) and then a previous mayor’s recognition of the French association in the war (of which I know nothing, must find out more.) At the top of Hyde Park we visit the classic looking St Mary’s cathedral which despite how it looks, is really very young - no part is even 200 years old.
We take a turn around the Art Gallery of NSW which has a modest classical collection (only one Canaletto - my favourite, and one Monet - Hubby’s favourite) and then do a few in the modern section. A short but very satisfying visit.
Finally we wander around the BGs for the last time, enjoying a quiet time as there’s no-one else willing to brave the torrential rain like we Yorkshiremen are. Preparations are in full swing for this evening’s opera in the park so we hope the weather improves for the city!
Our last morning in Sydney would have been nicer without heavy rain but it’s good for the city after six months of drought, and although not enough to solve the fire crisis we’re told it does slow down the spread.
Time for a taxi to the new cruise terminal on the other side of Darling Harbour, and with delightful serendipity our driver has opera playing for us!
After a speedy embarkation we’re in our cabin and unpacking (we have a lot of Holland America points so it says ‘priority’ on our bags) before we grab a second lunch in our lounge (suite guests have a dedicated lounge just across the hallway called Neptune Lounge.)
Emergency drill is quite speedy so we then take a wander round, it’s been five years since we last sailed in this class of ship so a gentle reminder is needed. We pop into the Pinnacle Grill to make ourselves known to the Maitre d’ and her staff.
Sail away on the after deck is peppered with rain spots and we enjoy a chat with four friends from the train and swap Sydney stories (they did La Boheme the night after Carmen) and discuss the ship as they are HAL virgins, before heading forwards to get the best vantage for passing under the bridge.
It should be noted that large ships won’t fit under the bridge so one wonders if the new terminal is a good idea, but we get a view that most cruisers won’t as we approach and then pass under this iconic engineering masterpiece.
Soon it’s time to dress for a cocktail party in the Neptune Lounge where we meet with others in various states of attire, and then descend five floors to Pinnacle Grill for dinner.
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