08.04.2026

After over 20 hours of flight time, a 4-hour layover in Singapore, and an 8-hour time difference, we landed in Sydney today around 6:15 AM. The formalities were quickly handled, and both suitcases arrived! The transfer to the hotel went smoothly, and we were able to get a feel for the size of the city and the left-hand traffic. It is bustling! We could check in immediately, as the room was booked accordingly. The body was quickly refreshed. We changed clothes, and then set off on foot. We are staying very centrally, so everything will be within walking distance. At 9:30 AM, we ventured out in sunny weather with a temperature of 25 degrees; it is winter season. We were immersed in the hustle and bustle of people, old buildings next to skyscrapers. We visited the Queen Victoria Building and the Strand Arcade - two beautiful shopping centers over several floors in the Art Nouveau style. Many boutiques and cafes invite you to stroll around. Then we headed to the harbor, passing through the old district 'The Rocks'. Here too, many small houses from the 19th century that have now become restaurants or shops. From there, we had a good view of the famous opera house and the Harbour Bridge from the 1930s. Ibis were 'picnicking' on the green areas. No one in Sydney goes hungry. Around 1:15 PM, we passed by St. James Church, where the lunchtime concert - as every Wednesday - was about to begin. Today's program featured a young concert guitarist. We engaged with it, from Bach to Piazzolla, old and modern. For us, it was a 'challenge' as the music 'settled' onto our tired eyes.

On the way back, we also passed the Town Hall and St. Mary's Cathedral - also two impressive and massive buildings. The latter was adorned inside with beautiful flower arrangements, surely still from Easter time. We are exhausted, need to sort ourselves out and get into the new rhythm of time, and catch up on some sleep.