1st day in Sydney, Australia, March 1, 2023

On the first day, we set off on our own and first went to the Opera House. It was just a stone's throw away as our ship had just docked in the central ferry port. The ferry port is a very busy harbor. There is never a moment when at least two ferries are not coming and going.

The Opera House is well-known to everyone, and we realized that the shell is made of ceramic 'tiles' on site.

Afterwards, we walked through the botanical garden right behind the Opera House. It is very large and stretches across two bays. In the end, we went to a very nice museum of modern art.

In the afternoon, we took the fast ferry to Manly and went to the beach there to swim. Manly Beach is a bit less central than Bondi Beach, but it is bigger and more beautiful.

In the evening, we went to the oldest district of Sydney, The Rocks, to eat at an Italian restaurant. We had checked out restaurants online beforehand and this one appealed to us. The location was a bit quirky (in a backyard where construction was going on), but the food was amazing. Shortly after we arrived, a large queue also formed.

After dinner, we strolled through the city center and then took the tram (light rail) back to the ship.

In Sydney, not only the Pride Parade but also a Pride Month is currently taking place. Throughout the city, flags, posters, and artworks are displayed, events are taking place everywhere, almost all shops are decorated with rainbow items and have special sections.