This week, Neil and I have been in the three largest cities in Australia. The first stop was Brisbane. It is a gorgeous city that has a wonderful botanic garden and miles and miles of bike and hiking trails winding within the urban landscape of a vast downtown expanse. We met many friendly Aussies and they wanted to know all about “the states,” mate.
Next, we traveled to Sydney and I must say it is the most impressive city in which I have ever been. The Sydney Botanic Garden, near the opera house, was remarkable and we later explored St. Mary of the Cross Roman Catholic Church. It was the most substantial church (read: largest) we have visited since we left on our trip from Great Britain.
We were in Sydney two days. The first day we walked about three+ miles into the heart of the city and upon our return it started to rain and then rained dreadfully hard. We were soaked to the bone when we returned to our Ocean Liner. This metropolis of Sydney is vibrant and beautiful. We docked right in the harbor amid the downtown sector of the city. It reminded me a little of the harbor liveliness of downtown Baltimore, MD. There were lights everywhere and it was a beautiful sight—right around the Sydney Opera House and its wonderful architecture.
On our second day in Sydney, Elise Lang’s mother and her husband (Jan and Rodger) met us at Warf 5, and we took a water taxi all the way to Abbotsford. There they treated us to a lovely meal at the Sydney Rowing Club. In addition to a fine meal, we saw a wall with the names of about forty people who over the years had represented Australia in the Olympics from this Rowing Club. It was terrific to see Jan, who has been to the Salado church several times and is planning to visit again in just a few months (editor’s note: unfortunately, all photos of us with Jan are on her phone, but will be forthcoming, probably).
Finally, today we walked around downtown Melbourne, which also has, like Brisbane and Sydney, a large botanic garden downtown. Known as the design and fashion capital of Australia, Melbourne is a hub of trendy eateries and museums. Founded in 1835, it is the second largest city in Australia—after Sydney, of course. Pretty nice place.
We miss everyone on the home front and try to keep in touch with the US news as best we can. So far, people on our ship have been reasonably healthy and we hope this trend continues. See you soon!
Sincerely, your friends,
David and Neil (editor/photographer)
David and Neil's Excellent Adventure 
Good morning travelers,
Looks like you guys continue to have a great time and are meeting many nice people. You know, the world is just full of nice people. I have never been anywhere that this was not the case.
In reference to Jan, Elise Lang’s mother, her granddaughter is in our Church confirmation class. She along with the rest of that group, well they are just a delight. They are so attentive and they are all good kids.
One more mention concerning the confirmation class — it was so coincidental that I knew several of their family members. Years ago I had driven two of the (now parents) on Methodist trips. Several trips in fact. Also I had been Rotary friends with grandparents in Killeen. I have two confirmands and one of them is Wesley Engleking.
Neil, just to let you know, we can fix that opera problem. Now we know where to take David when you two return.
Jerry & Elaine
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLike
So glad you are continuing your adventures. Back here in Texas (and in the U.S. in general) we are experiencing life like we’ve never known before. Social distancing and living life largely in our own homes is proving to be quite an interesting thing.
I hope you continue to have a great time and remain relatively unaffected by COVID-19!
Godspeed, my friends!
LikeLike