Come sail with me on a virtual cruise on Majestic Princess to Fiji!

[ellie1145]

1 hour ago, TRUEBLUE66 said:

Thanks Ellie,

                        Good to know from someone who has travelled there. 

Unfortunately you cannot take your own camera on the bridge climb. Guess they don't want accidents on the road or water below incase they fall! They take a group photo and you can purchase a package of others. You are in overalls and hooked to a line. I never told Kaye that we were doing it until we got there (panic)  but she loved it and wants to go again! Taken at a slow pace with commentary via headphones throughout. 

Would highly recommend to anyone without mobility issues as completely safe and the view from the top is Wow!

Cheers 

David 

 

Hi David

 

Of course, now I think about it the last thing they want is you dropping a camera or phone from a great height! Could be a real disaster for anyone below! 😉 

 

You have certainly whetted my appetite and if we are lucky enough ever to return to Sydney (and I am determined to do so if it is at all possible!) then this is one thing that’s on my bucket list. I’d love to do it. I did do the zip line on Allure of the Seas a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it (though I did find it hard to stop, and made a very ungainly finish, nearly leaving a dent in Allure’s superstructure! 🙀) so this should be something I could manage. 

 

But I guess I will have to do it on my own as DH has no head for heights and is always the ‘bag man’ at theme parks. Think I might end up divorced if I booked this and didn’t tell him ha, ha!🤣

[ellie1145]

The Rocks

 

 

 

The Rocks is a very historic neighbourhood, and is the place where European settlers stepped foot on Australian soil in 1788. It has a colourful history, and was, at one time, populated by convicts, soldiers, sailors, immigrants, ladies of the night (and day!), and street gangs. For a while it was a dangerous and rowdy place.

 

Early houses were simple and made of wattle and daub with thatched roofs. Later, these were replaced with buildings made of local sandstone, which is the origin of the name The Rocks. Its reputation as a rough area, dominated by the Rocks Push gang, lasted for over 100 years.

 

Indeed, Church Hill, which was the site of the first churches, became infamous when, in 1798, Governor Arthur Philips decreed that all convicts should attend church on Sundays, and they promptly burnt the church down!

 

In 1900 there was an outbreak of Bubonic Plague. Numerous attempts were made to demolish the area and replace it with modern high density residential buildings. But despite many homes being demolished, and even more removed to make way for the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this historic area was, instead, transformed and renovated in part. Thanks to significant support from locals many historic buildings were saved. However, there are still properties in need of restoration.

It stands in the shadow of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, on the edge of one of the world’s greatest natural harbours. 

 

With amazing views of the bridge and the opera house it is home to numerous hotels, including the 5 star Park Hyatt.

 

The Park Hyatt stands in the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is that curved building.

 

 

It has had a chequered history, but in modern times it has become a popular area for tourists and locals, who visit the open-air Rocks Markets to buy handmade clothes, and items produced by local artisans. As luck would have it, today is Friday, and it’s market day so you can stroll through the lanes, eat in the various restaurants, or simply indulge in street food. It has some of Sydney’s oldest pubs, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

 

Nowadays it is also home to the Cruise Terminal, which we have just left, and along its busy harbour front promenade buskers perform and people sit on the grass and enjoy the sunshine.

[ellie1145]

Let’s walk round The Rocks

 

One of the historic buildings we pass on our way through Circular Quay, en-route to The Rocks.

 

 

 

Refreshed, and eager to get going, we make our way out of the hotel and down to Circular Quay. The hotel is a 3 minute walk to this bustling area and close to The Rocks, which is our first stop. It’s incredibly busy, as it’s from here that you can pick up a train or one of the numerous ferries and catamarans that constantly sail in and out of the harbour.

 

 

 

We walk past numerous beady eyed and greedy seagulls and pigeons,  waiting hopefully for any scraps of food.

 

 

 

It’s a busy and vibrant area of Sydney, and we love walking along its streets, looking at the historic and beautiful buildings. There are people sitting enjoying the sunshine and buskers playing instruments. 

 

 

 

 

Sadly, we only have a short time to spend in this fascinating area but if you have longer you could join one of the Rocks Walking Tours, or every evening at 6.pm there is a Free Tour, starting outside the historic Cadman’s Cottage. It’s a great way to learn more about this area’s colourful past and to explore the lanes and buildings.

 

 

 

Built in 1816, Cadman’s Cottage is one of only a few original buildings from the first 30 years of the colony. It has served many purposes, from housing the government coxswains, to a water police station, to a sailors’ home. Originally it was situated on the waterfront, but with the reclamation of land during the building of Circular Quay it is now 100 metres away. John Cadman, after who the house is named, was originally transported to Australia for horse stealing, but received an unconditional pardon in 1814. He was the longest serving of the coxswains, and supervised shipping on the harbour.

 

There are free tours of the house on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month from 9.45 am - 10.15 am (Covid permitting of course).

 

Edited September 9, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

Our hotel is ringed on the right hand side of Circular Quay, and is at the back of the Justice and Police Museum. 

 

We make our way along George St, which is full of historic buildings, and lots of shops. 

 

 

An arcade of shops

 

This shop sells some wonderful looking cakes and pies. A laminton is a sponge covered in chocolate sauce and rolled in coconut. It might also have a layer of strawberry jam or cream between two laminton halves.

 

 

The Market

 

 

 

 

Edited September 9, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

The Rocks Discovery Museum

 

 

 

We walk through the market and make our way to the Rocks Discovery Museum.

 

The museum is housed in a restored 1850s sandstone warehouse, and through a series of rooms, tells the story of The Rocks, from its pre-convict days to the present. Surprisingly, it is free to enter. 

 

Originally known as Warrane, Sydney Cove was the home of the original landowners, the Gadigal people. We see a model of a traditional bark canoe in this room.

 

The next room contains artefacts from the early days of the colony, such as pipes and beer bottles, and convict made bricks.

 

 

One of the most fascinating stories is that of George Cribb, a really colourful character who arrived in Sydney in 1808, as a convict, having been sentenced to 14 years for possessing forged banknotes. His trade was that of a butcher, and initially he prospered, but unfortunately he was a bit of a rogue, and was frequently arrested for such things as attempting to smuggle rum, or illegally selling meat, although he avoided being convicted several times. In 1823 he was accused of stealing cattle and bribing a witness, and again in 1827.

 

He married a lady called Fanny Barnett, another convict, in 1811, but unfortunately he was already married, and when his wife, Martha, arrived from England he paid Fanny an enormous sum of money (£300 which was equivalent to about $2000,000) to go back to England. Apparently, she absconded on her way home and ended up in Rio de Janiero. When Martha died in 1818, he married yet again, this time to a wealthy widow with 5 children (and a fair bit of money!) but his wife, Sophia left him in 1823 for his nephew.

 

He accumulated several properties, including a slaughter yard, a butcher's shop, and houses, but lost most of them, and his last appearance was in court in Paramatta, for cattle theft in 1830. He was even suspected of illegally producing alcohol but this was never proven, until his still was discovered some 180 years later down a well. He was finally declared bankrupt.

 

Whilst many convicts made good in Australia, it seems that George was one of those who, once a crook, was always a crook.

 

The third room charts the growth of the thriving port which grew out of the convict settlement, between 1820 and 1900. Finally we look round the room which shows the development of The Rocks from 1900 to the present day.

 

Although it is a small museum, it is very interesting and we enjoy our visit. The history of the colony is something that I find really fascinating. How people sailed halfway round the world, often in great discomfort in unsafe ships, coping with epidemics and the lack of health care, plus all the hardships of life in Australia, is amazing.

 

 

Feeling a little peckish we decide to eat at Ribs and Burger, which we have visited before on our previous trip. 

Edited September 9, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

A Walk Through The Rocks.

 

After our meal we wander round The Rocks.

 

 

“First Impressions“

 

 

The sculpture, “First Impressions” was commissioned in 1979. Made of sandstone, this relief sculpture symbolises the origins of the colony.

 

Governor Phillip gave small parcels of land to ex-convicts as well as soldiers and free persons, to encourage them to settle. James Ruse was Australia’s first settler. In 1789, he was given a free pardon, and a few acres at Rose Hill. He was also given livestock, farm implements, seed and convict labour to enable him to start farming.

 

In 1793, Australia’s first free settlers arrived, having answered a request for experienced farmers and mechanics. Between 1788 and 1830 over 63,000 convicts and 14.000 free immigrants arrived in Australia.

 

By 1850 this population had grown to 100,000. For every 10 men  there were only 7 women, so they would have been in great demand.

 

It is interesting to note that, now, Australians who can trace their ancestry back to those original convicts are beginning to feel a sense of pride in their achievements. Whatever their roots, these men and women often worked incredibly hard to make a new life in their new country, and they deserve to be celebrated.

 

 

 

 

We end up at this jewellery shop, where my DH buys me a beautiful turquoise and pearl necklace and earring set. The Japanese lady who serves us also made the jewellery. I am thrilled with it, and it is just the right thing to remember this amazing adventure by. Every time I wear it I will remember this wonderful holiday. 

 

 

 

These naughty birds are everywhere, foraging for food in the bins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 9, 2020 by ellie1145

[azbirdmom]

Love the bird pictures!  And the shopping 🙂 

[ellie1145]

Our last glimpse of Majestic Princess.

 

 

As we stroll back we are drawn to the promenade, where we see Majestic Princess in all her glory, getting ready to sail on her next cruise.

 

 

It is quite sad to see her so near, and yet so far. I’d give anything to be able to hop back on her, but sadly, someone else is probably already in ‘our’ cabin. 

 

 

 

 

 

This catamaran is docked in front of Majestic Princess. There barely seems room for it to manoeuvre back out of the dock.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The catamaran backs slowly out of her dock, slipping close by the bow of Majestic Princess. 

 

As it turns towards the open harbour, the catamaran is dwarfed by Majestic Princess. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This gentleman is receiving a fair bit of attention from passers by. 

 

We walk back to the Sir Stamford, and pop up to our room to drop off our shopping before we set off again to explore Sydney.

 

The Justice and Police Museum sits beneath the hotel.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 10, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

Off we go again! Hope you’ve got your walking shoes on!

 

 

We make our way out of the hotel and up the road towards Hyde Park, one of our favourite places in Sydney, passing many famous buildings on our way. 

 

St Stephen’s Church

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Hospital

 

Parliament

 

 

 

The Mint

 

The spire of St Mary's Cathedral in the distance.

 

 

Edited September 10, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

Hyde Park

 

In front of the park is the statue of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s consort. 

 

 

Hyde Park is a 40 acre urban park in the central business district of Sydney, and is the oldest public park in Australia. It is bordered by various buildings such as the Supreme Court of NSW, St James Church, Hyde Park Barracks, Sydney Hospital and St Mary’s Cathedral.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Like our own Hyde Park in London, this park is an oasis of calm in a busy city centre, and we love walking through it, especially today as it is a beautiful sunny day. It offers plenty of shade from its over 580 trees, and is famous for its fig tree lined avenues.

 

 

Originally a place where local aborigines hunted ducks in the swampy marshes, it has become many things over time, from common land where livestock grazed, to a place where sports took place. It now has a considerable number of memorials, which are interesting to explore.

 

One of our favourite places is the Archibald Fountain, which was built in honour of Australia’s contribution to World War 1 in France. 

 

 

The fountain was named after J.F. Archibald, the owner and editor of The Bulletin magazine. In his will he bequeathed money to build this fountain, to commemorate the association of Australia and France in World War I. His only request was that it should be designed by a French artist.  Francois-Leon Sicard completed it in Paris but, sadly, never saw it in place in Sydney. The fountain is classically designed with groups of sculptures representing Apollo, Diana, Pan, and Theseus, of Minotaur fame.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apollo holds a lyre in his left hand, water falls out of the nostrils of horses into the first basin, and six tortoises throw jets of water into the largest basin, as well as dolphins.

 

 

 

 

Edited September 10, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

 

Palm Trees line some of the avenues

 

 

The Westfield Tower is visible from the park.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The park is a popular place to exercise

 

The birds seem to enjoy it, too, seemingly unafraid of human visitors.

 

 

 

 

Edited September 10, 2020 by ellie1145

[TeaBag]

I'm loving my walk around Sydney, Ellie.  Your flower pictures are spectacular.  The detail on the Foxgloves is amazing.  The jacaranda trees are also gorgeous.

[PaulS]

For those of us in the northern hemisphere, it is strange to see beautiful weather and flowers at the same time as the Christmas decorations that were in one of your pictures.

[ellie1145]

14 hours ago, TeaBag said:

I'm loving my walk around Sydney, Ellie.  Your flower pictures are spectacular.  The detail on the Foxgloves is amazing.  The jacaranda trees are also gorgeous.

So glad you are enjoying our final day in Sydney. 
 

The colour of the jacaranda trees was spectacular. The petals were like confetti on the ground. So pretty.

[ellie1145]

11 hours ago, PaulS said:

For those of us in the northern hemisphere, it is strange to see beautiful weather and flowers at the same time as the Christmas decorations that were in one of your pictures.

It certainly does take a bit of getting used to, doesn’t it?

Being also used to cold weather at Christmas, it does seem odd that we are walking around in summer clothes in November. Mind you, we’ve experienced warm Christmases in Florida many times and have revelled in the heat! 😎

 

But I think many Australians prefer a BBQ to a full Roast turkey dinner at Christmas.

[RLK33853]

 

But I think many Australians prefer a BBQ to a full Roast turkey dinner at Christmas.  - you are certainly correct in that Ellie!!!

 

We have visited family just south of Sydney several times at Christmas.  Seafood is king and I forget the amount of shrimp purchased at the Sydney fish market on the days previous to Christmas, but it is in the millions of kilograms.

 

Christmas dinner is outside in the beautiful weather and when we are there, they make their seafood extravaganza and we make a turkey and the trimmings (you have to order a turkey as they aren't readily available).  Nothing like a great feast!  

 

Ray

[cnd crsr]

 This walk through The Rocks and up George Street has brought back such wonderful memories.  When (notice I didn't say IF) we get back to travelling, a return trip to Australia is a priority.

 

Gail

[ellie1145]

7 hours ago, RLK33853 said:

 

But I think many Australians prefer a BBQ to a full Roast turkey dinner at Christmas.  - you are certainly correct in that Ellie!!!

 

We have visited family just south of Sydney several times at Christmas.  Seafood is king and I forget the amount of shrimp purchased at the Sydney fish market on the days previous to Christmas, but it is in the millions of kilograms.

 

Christmas dinner is outside in the beautiful weather and when we are there, they make their seafood extravaganza and we make a turkey and the trimmings (you have to order a turkey as they aren't readily available).  Nothing like a great feast!  

 

Ray

How wonderful to visit family in Australia at Christmas, Ray. It sounds like you had the best of both worlds, turkey and a seafood extravaganza! And with sunshine too! 

 

I very much hope that it won’t be too much longer before you are able to repeat your visit to family. 🤞

[ellie1145]

7 hours ago, cnd crsr said:

 This walk through The Rocks and up George Street has brought back such wonderful memories.  When (notice I didn't say IF) we get back to travelling, a return trip to Australia is a priority.

 

Gail

 

Am so glad you have relived your previous visit to Sydney. It’s a wonderful city and a wonderful country. Like you, we hope to return just as soon as we can. So we have fingers crossed for both of us. 🤞

[ellie1145]

 

We cross the road and make our way to the shops. I take a last look round Woolworths, and buy a couple of snacks for the flight. There are more beautiful jacaranda trees lining the street. 

 

A rather stern looking Queen Victoria looks down on us from a height. 

 

We also find a camera shop where I purchase a lens cap for my Sony camera as, unfortunately, I lost one on the cruise. 

 

Then we walk back to the hotel, through Hyde Park, retracing our steps. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What an amazing building this is.

 

 

 

 

 

Here we are back at the hotel.

 

 

 

 

[ellie1145]

Would you like a last adventure????

 

I couldn’t leave Sydney without sharing a very special view of this beautiful city, so I have unpacked my Tardis, and tomorrow I will take you for a final bird’s eye view.

 

It’s a little late so it must wait until tomorrow, but if you are game then be ready to enter my Tardis for a whistle stop tour of Sydney as you have not seen it before.

 

And don’t worry, we will be back in time to do online check in and to take a final night time look at Circular Quay and the Opera House, and we won’t miss our flight to Singapore.

 

Goodnight, sleep tight, see you in the morning.

[Westaussie]

18 hours ago, ellie1145 said:

But I think many Australians prefer a BBQ to a full Roast turkey dinner at Christmas.

Usually yes but not one year when it was 43C in the shade here in the West!  We set everything up indoors to be in air conditioned comfort!  Did take me a few years to get used to Christmas in summer but wouldn't have it any other way now.

 

Thanks Ellie for this blog.  Enjoying your Sydney photos though feel sad that we should be there next month for a week post cruise which, of course, is not happening.  Vera

[cnd crsr]

I am ready...  I can hardly wait for the bird's eye view trip over Sydney.

 

Gail

[ellie1145]

10 hours ago, Westaussie said:

Usually yes but not one year when it was 43C in the shade here in the West!  We set everything up indoors to be in air conditioned comfort!  Did take me a few years to get used to Christmas in summer but wouldn't have it any other way now.

 

Thanks Ellie for this blog.  Enjoying your Sydney photos though feel sad that we should be there next month for a week post cruise which, of course, is not happening.  Vera

 

Wow! That certainly is hot! 🌞

 

Am so sorry to hear that you should have been there next month, Vera. So many broken dreams. But hopefully you will get there one day. We have not given up hope, although we do think it will be a long time coming. 

 

So glad you are enjoying the blog and the Sydney photos. 

 

[ellie1145]

6 hours ago, cnd crsr said:

I am ready...  I can hardly wait for the bird's eye view trip over Sydney.

 

Gail

 

Well, Gail, I’d better get on with it then, hadn’t I? 😉