TRAVEL,  ACTIVITIES

A walk-and-go cruise in Australia and New Zealand (2) - Sydney Harbor

Although Australia has lifted the COVID19 entry restrictions, the cruise company Holland has very strict epidemic prevention measures. Not only does it require all vaccinations against COVID19, but it must also have a negative test for COVI19 within 24 hours before boarding. It also requires everyone on board to wear a mask unless they are eating. From the United States to Australia, there were huge crowds of people along the way, and most of them did not wear masks. It is almost impossible not to be exposed to COVID on the road. How to do it? Only strengthen my own immunity. I take two capsules of Airborne every morning to keep myself in good shape while traveling without getting cold, overworked, or rained. Keep the temperature in hotel rooms or ship cabins above 21C or 70F, wear masks in closed spaces and avoid close contact with other people for a long time. And after returning to the United States, take a good rest for a few days. It seems that these measures are very effective, and the whole journey feels good and energetic.

Due to jet lag, I went to bed early and woke up earlier. The hotel has a buffet breakfast, which is very convenient, simple and affordable, and coffee and juice are all available. I also really like the hot soup there.

Sydney, Australia's largest city, is also a cosmopolitan, diverse and prosperous city. Sydney has a population of approximately 5.5 million people and English is the official language, although many other languages ​​can be heard from around the world. Sydney is located on the east coast of Australia and is the capital of New South Wales. The urban area of ​​Sydney is located on the south bank of Sydney Harbour, surrounded by mountains and ocean, with picturesque scenery. Sydney has a rich cultural background and history, including Aboriginal Australian culture and European colonial history. The Sydney Opera House, Harbor Bridge and Sydney Tower are iconic buildings and attractions that attract many tourists. Sydney has a mild climate with four distinct seasons. It is hot and humid in the Australian summer (December to February). Sydney has two international cruise terminals, one at Circular Quay and the other at White Bay. I called to inquire about the cruise company and learned that it was Circular Quay. Because in the end which terminal may change at any time, just like the boarding gate of the plane often changes. I want to go to Circular Quay to confirm it first, so as not to panic temporarily.

Circular Quay is in the Rocks (The Rocks NSW), a historic masonry neighborhood of sand-paved alleys, dead-ends and courtyards in the heart of Sydney, on the edge of Sydney Harbour. The history of this area can be Dating back to Sydney's early settlements, it is home to many cultural and historical attractions. There are many museums, galleries, boutiques, pubs and small shops in The Rocks, making it an ideal place for visitors to learn about Sydney's early history and culture. People can enjoy food and entertainment here. I bought a stuffed koala bear with a baby koala on its right shoulder at the gift shop in The Rocks for our cute little granddaughter.

I took the train from Central Station (Central) to Circular Quay for three stops. When I got off the train, I saw the international cruise terminal. A cruise ship had just arrived, and people were dragging their luggage off the ship and walking towards the station. I went to the cruise terminal and asked a staff member what ship was on Saturday. She was very enthusiastic to find it for me, and then told me that it was MAJESTIC PRINCESS, and said with a smile that whoever has the largest ship would berth at Circular Quay, because the cruise ship departing from White Bay must pass under the Sydney Harbor Bridge. It seems that our Holland ship was smaller, so it's a pity that a good place was given to the big ship PRINCESS. I found out later that everything was the best arrangement. The cruise ship passing under the Sydney Harbor Bridge is a picturesque and fascinating scenery. All the tourists on the ship rushed to the deck, waved and cheered with the Harbor Bridge and the pedestrians on the bridge, and there was joy.


Image by Alistair McLellan from Pixabay

The Sydney Harbor Bridge is an iconic bridge and one of the main attractions in central Sydney. Completed in 1932, it connects Sydney's city center to the northern suburbs across Sydney Harbour. Visitors can walk, cycle or drive across the bridge and enjoy stunning views of Sydney's seascape and skyline from the bridge.

Image by Squirrel_photos from Pixabay

This time I wanted to walk on the bridge, and when I got to the rock area, the bridge was right in front of me. Just can't see the elevator on the bridge. There happened to be a British couple who also wanted to go on the bridge, so we walked together and quickly found the elevator to get on the bridge. From the bridge, we could see the International Cruise Terminal and the Sydney Opera House.

Image by Pascal Beckmann from Pixabay

The Harbor Bridge is the only bridge that can be climbed. From a distance, I saw many people slowly moving up the bridge ridge. At high altitude, the sea breeze must be howling. The people climbing are really brave and full of adventurous spirit. Of course, a glimpse of the peerless beauty will make them unforgettable for life.

It's a pity that when we walked on the bridge, the weather gradually became gloomy, and it was going to rain heavily. Everyone was rushing back. A mother was playing and running with a little boy, so cute.

After getting off the bridge, I went to the Mercantile Hotel for lunch. It was my favorite fish and chips. At this time, it was raining heavily. I was secretly glad that I did not encounter such heavy rain on the Harbor Bridge.

After lunch, it rained and the sky cleared. I immediately started walking along the sea to the opera house. The Sydney Opera House is one of Australia's iconic buildings and one of the most famous opera houses in the world. It sits on the edge of Sydney Harbor, and has a distinctive sail-shaped roof design. People can enjoy world-class performances here, including opera, ballet, concerts and plays. In addition, the ground floor of the opera house is a rest area and restaurant, surrounded by many beautiful parks and restaurants, it is an ideal place to relax and enjoy cultural activities.

Image by reinhardcwieland from Pixabay

Looking towards the International Cruise Terminal on the way to the Opera House, it was very beautiful.

Image by Tobi from Pixabay

Sydney has countless fun places, Bondi Beach, Hyde Park, Sydney Tower, Wollongong, Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens, Darling Harbor, Taronga Zoo, Jenolan Caves, Nan Tien Temple, Centennial Park, Queen Victoria Building, Chinese Garden and Chinatown, Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Harbor National Park, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, University of Sydney, Sydney St. Andrew's Cathedral, Circular Quay, Sydney Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney Museum, St. St. Mary's Cathedral, Mrs. Macaulay Seat, Sydney Wildlife World, Wollongong City Gallery, Rose Bay, Sydney Observatory, Three Sisters. So many interesting places, where should we go tomorrow? I'm still a kid at heart, going to Taronga Zoo tomorrow.

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