Sydney

We awoke this morning at 4:45am in preparation for our cruise ship's entry into Sydney Harbour. It was still dark but the sky was starting to show the first signs of morning. I went out onto our vernanda and the bright lights from the skyscrapers of Sydney could just be seen, so I hurried Steph and the kids and we were up on the top deck about 10 minutes later. The kids were determined to see this epic last stage of the cruise, and the momentous end to the Journey that started back in Mid September, however the lack of sleep from an exhausting last evening at Kids club was taking its toll, and we had few smiles! (as you will from the pictures below)

 

three large tug boats appeared from behind the headland destined for our vessel, and another water cannon boat behind them, with its water cannons blasting high into the sky from three directions. This honour was sadly not due to the anticipated arrival of the Cole family, but because the Celebrity Solstice, our ship, was making its first appearance in Sydney. This grand ceremony provided at such an unlikely hour, did however make us all feel very special, and as the tugs turned around and tucked into our sides and front, just as the bridge and opera house came into view I doubt there could be a more dramatic way to be greeted by our new country.

 

 

The sun rose over the opera house as we enjoyed a cup of tea from the deck, before returning to bed for a couple hours sleep in time for our departure at 10:00am

Might have to find a place on the wall for this one!