Day 2 – Exploring Sydney

We started the morning off with going to the Sydney Wildlife World. The kids had a great time & were able to touch a few koalas – Amanda’s highlight of the day, mine too!!!






The part I didn’t like there was seeing all the deadly creatures Australia has – they are ranked in the top for not only having the deadliest creatures but having multiple spots in the top ranks……don’t think I could live there!

Case in point....

A bird dangerous..now come on...

Need I say more!!! :)


Another highlight was watching the kangaroos fight - I guess siblings in the kangaroo family fight too, must mean we are a 'normal' family....however, I don't think as a parent I could sit back & watch my kids fight like the kangaroos do...ouch!






We had a great time at Wildlife World!! It was a great place to see many of Australia's native creatures along with getting up & close with the koalas - a great way to start the day!




After some lunch sitting by the Harbour, the boys went on a Jet Cruiser (speed boat that drives really fast & crazy - they make you wear raincoats) ride along the Harbour. Amanda was too short for the ride (go figure..even Renee got to go....) so we decided to have some fun ourselves with a train ride around the Harbour, Starbucks & a carousel ride. Ron & the boys said the Jet Cruiser was a blast & they all came off a bit wet!!
After dinner we decided to get some Krispy Crème for the next morning’s breakfast. Upon arriving, we discovered that they closed 1 minute prior to our arrival – bummer! We will have to try again tomorrow night.
We only got a taste of Sydney today but from what we saw, it is very pretty with lots of stuff to do & some great restaurants.

Day 1 - Trip to Australia

We left for the airport at 6:30pm on Sunday, December 21st. We were taking an overnight flight to Sydney. The kids were really excited to embark on our Australian adventure & they were also excited to have their friends joining us. The Rockett’s, Dave also works for GM China, decided to come along after hearing about the trip & looking for a place to go for the 2 week break. They have 3 children, Matthew 12, Adam 11, & Renee 6.


Justin, Renee, Amanda - Denise in the back


Dave, Ron, Tanner, Adam & Matthew (white shirt)

We were hoping that the kids would get a bit of rest on the flight as we were landing in the morning & heading out to do some sight seeing. Happy to report, the kids did great!!! Justin & Amanda slept pretty well & our usual non-flight sleeper Tanner managed to get about 2 hours rest. Even with little sleep the kids kept up once we landed.
The flight was 11 hours long, the food was disgusting but the ride was smooth. The weather in Sydney was a nice change from Shanghai – warm, blue skies & NO funky smells around!!
After checking into our hotel we headed to Darling Harbour to look around & get a bite to eat. The area was beautiful with lots of shops & places to eat. After taking in the sites for a bit, we decided to head to Target to SHOP!!!



However, once arriving & taking a look around, I was greatly disappointed….. It was not like the good ‘ol USA Target. The clothing selection was not all that good, they did not have a HABA section (which meant I could not stock up on the toiletries I am running low on) & the toy section was very slim. What a HUGE disappointment :( I guess I will be waiting until I get to the USA this summer – I might just set up all our meetings/playdates at Target as I may be there our whole trip home!!!
For dinner we had reservations at Phillips Foote (a restaurant known for their good steaks), a recommendation from a friend who used to live in Sydney. At this restaurant you grill your own steaks – kind of like a buffet because you pick your meat, then salad, potatoes, bread, sides – but then you have to grill your own steak. Ron did an excellent job at grilling.
The day was long but the kids did great, even after the disappointment at Target! Tomorrow will be a full day of exploring!

Quick Update

Merry Christmas & Happy New Years!!!!

No, we have not forgotten about our fellow bloggers while in Australia. Our hotel in Sydney did not have internet included in the room price & the cost to get on-line was extremely expensive. We figured we could get online in Cairns but luck was not on our side. The hotel in Cairns did have internet service and the cost was reasonable, but the service was not working the entire time we were there, as due to the holidays they weren’t working too hard to try to get it fixed. We feel so out of touch with everyone!
We had a great trip and we will begin our blog updates soon – stay tuned!!!