Çap edildi: 26.11.2022
Our cruise is almost over. We will reach Australia in Brisbane. We take a taxi to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. It is the largest and oldest koala sanctuary in the world. It was founded in 1927.
Even the smallest ones don't get disturbed during their afternoon nap.
There are several species of kangaroos in the park. The smallest ones are the wallabies, they look gray and stand shyly in the background. On the other hand, the big red giant kangaroos curiously seek contact.
It's crazy how close we are allowed to get to the animals here. Even the dingoes are led on a leash through the park.
We had a beautiful day here in the park.
Now we are taking the bus back to downtown. We can buy the ticket directly from the bus driver with the credit card, or at least that's what the internet says. But that's not the case. The bus driver only wants cash. Now we are standing there without money. The bus driver takes pity on us and lets us on anyway.
Arriving in the center, we are greeted by city traffic. Skyscrapers line the river.
Here and there you can see old small houses from the past. They give the city a nice charm.
In the last few weeks, we have enjoyed the service on the ship. There was almost always something to eat, so we could even satisfy our ice cream cravings in the afternoon. We regularly participated in poolside games, where we often won sparkling water, jewelry, and champagne. Swimming in the pool was part of our daily routine. It was also the highlight for the children. For us adults, it was puzzling during happy hour or the evening program with diverse singers, dancers, and musicians.
Shortly before the end of the cruise, we take part in a boat contest. We build an ark out of milk cartons and chopsticks that can carry as much as possible and still look good.The moment of truth has come. All participants gather at the pool, where the jury is ready. With starting number 5, our boat goes into the water. To test the load-bearing capacity, one can after the other is loaded, but after 11 cans, our ship starts to list and sinks.
We have arrived in Sydney! Thus, our cruise ends after 34 days and more than 12,000 km.
We had a lot of fun with my parents. Together, we experienced a lot and created new memories. We will never forget the time and are very grateful for it!
Together, we first go to the hotel where we will spend two days. After an endless wait for a taxi, we made it to the wrong hotel. Yes, exactly, there are two Holiday Inn's on one street and we ended up in the wrong one. With all our luggage, we walk over to the other hotel. When we arrive there, a room is already ready for us so we can put our things away. Since we don't want to waste any time, we take the train to the center of Sydney.
We notice what a big city means again along the waterfront. There is a hustle and bustle on the promenade, in the bars, and restaurants.
And indeed, the letter is found, and the joy is great.
Our tour takes us to Hyde Park and St. Mary's Cathedral. Just as we enter, a choir sings beautiful heavenly songs. In front of the cathedral, Christmas trees are decorated in colorful.
We walk through busy streets where street musicians play their best songs. In the historic mall, we are looking for a restaurant, but unfortunately, it is already closed. So we make a detour to the grill house for burgers.
Another long day comes to an end. But tomorrow we can explore the city with new energy.Today starts with rain and cooler temperatures. It doesn't feel like going out. But we make use of the day and take the train to Central Station. It's not as crowded here on a Sunday.
We walk through Belmore Park and explore Chinatown. The picture with the typical Chinatown gate is a must.
Just as we arrive at Pyrmont Bridge, the bells ring and it opens. The highest point of the bridge is simply turned.
When we arrive at Circular Quay, we want to visit the oldest district "The Rocks" as the last point of the day. In doing so, we pass a special exhibition by Louis Vuitton. It is about the designer, the creation of the brand, and the development over the years.
We stroll through the market where there are many handmade products of good quality.
The mood is slightly gloomy. Because tonight at the hotel, we have to say goodbye to my parents. While they fly to Singapore tomorrow at noon, we will take the first flight to Darwin, in the north of Australia.