Did the Bridge Climb!

We climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge today. It was not nearly as scary and strenuous as I feared. Despite the steady drizzle, the views were every bit what we had hoped. Sydney is a beautiful city!
Off to Ayers Rock in the morning!

Lord Nelson and Kangaroos

We spent the day on a harbour cruise and visiting Sydney's zoo. We had our first look at the special animals unique to Australia. And for Terry, we visited the historic Lord Nelson Brew Pub and enjoyed a few pints! Sydney feels very much like a Canadian city with a strong British heritage - rather like a much, much larger  and tropical Victoria! Also very safe, very clean and very green!

Touring Sydney

We spent the day touring the highlights of this amazing city. In the morning, we did a walking tour of the The Rocks and learned about the fascinating history of the early settlements and the penal colonies. In the afternoon, we did a bus tour of the surrounding areas culminating with a glorious barefoot walk on Bondi Beach.
Must once again stress the amazing view from our hotel - Sydney Harbour by night.

We made it to Sydney!

After more than 30 hours of travel time including a gruelling 16 hour flight from Vancouver, we arrived safely albeit exhausted in Sydney!

What a beautiful city - vibrant, tropical, historical and cultural. Did I mention warm? That horrible Ontario winter is a fading memory.

The harbourfront between the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House is lively and fun as well as amazingly scenic. Despite our tiredness, Bruce and I have already tried the local beers and wine in a few waterfront bars! :)

After a fantastic Italian dinner in The Rocks historic district, we are back to our hotel (with amazing harbour views ) for an early night to try to reset our internal clocks. Serious touring begins tomorrow!

Last Post Before Departure!

Just three days until we fly to Australia. We are busy packing, moving and saying our good byes.
We will miss everyone especially our sweet Abbey.
Thank you so much to Chris and Kailey for looking after her while we are gone.
She will be in the best of hands!

Next post will be from Sydney!
We will be cheering for Canada at the Olympics from Down Under!

Just a few more days...

Bruce and I are both now officially retired. I have found leaving WDHS to be much harder than anticipated. It was very sad to say good bye to all my amazing colleagues - some of whom I have worked with for nearly thirty years.

Farewell to you all. I am so grateful for the celebratory send off you provided and for the kind words you wrote in my good bye journal. I will remember you all fondly and think of you often. Please stay in touch!

Now... to the amazing future starting with the Kick Off Retirement Tour! We are on our way in just five days!

Three Weeks to Go!

With three weeks until departure,we are very busy preparing, packing and tying up loose ends. Bruce is in his second full week of retirement and seems very suited to his new lifestyle. I have two more weeks until I retire and complete my 30 year career in education. I am full of mixed emotions but know the time is right to start a new phase of life. Our exciting adventure will certainly alleviate any sadness I am feeling about leaving WDHS - especially the great students and my wonderful colleagues.