Monday 19th - the Botanic Gardens and last day in Sydney

The LLW was determined to revisit the Botanic Gardens and to ascertain if the famous Lotus flowers were in bloom. The weather was mixed but sun was forecast from time to time and since the LLW was informed that the Lotus flowers only came out in the sunshine and that the first sunny period was due in 30 mins, Ray was in trouble for not being ready to leave quickly enough.

However, after a very fast forced march, down through the Central Business District, along Circular Quay and past the Opera House we arrived at the Japanese garden and sure enough the flowers were open so another major international incident was avoided. Coffees at the cafe within the garden were in order and normal service was resumed.

It was already very warm and as the day progressed the sun appeared more frequently. Again we walked miles from the Botanic Gardens through Hyde Park where we had a very good view of a Kookaburra (which are terrestrial tree kingfishers I would have you know!) , and then down through the shopping area encountering the huge Christmas shopping crowds and then across the Pyrmont Bridge to the other side of Darling Harbour where we had a snack and enjoyed the views.

The main store in Sydney, David Jones had some interesting window displays for Christmas and of course there were crowds of children outside admiring the displays

As you can see from the photos below, the sun had reappeared and all clouds disappeared. Very warm but since it was Monday the area by Darling Harbour was quieter than normal and our bar/cafe was almost empty.

Back to the hotel to sort out some admin issues and to pack ready for our 04:30 departure tomorrow to the airport. We are flying with Quantas to Auckland were we begin the next leg of our trip in the maui Camper Van.

Dinner at a steak house in Cockle Bay and then final check ins etc before an early night. But not before more fireworks, this time photographed from our bedroom window! See you all in NZ dear readers.