Today it was time to disembark from the cruise ship and get settled into my hotel for the next couple of nights. The unexpected time in the city yesterday was very beneficial allowing me to have some idea of the city layout. It made it easier to get started today, having some idea of where things are located.
The disembarkation was quite early, and I had to be off the ship around 8.15am. I waited for another friend also to disembark before we headed for the hotels. A quick stop at his to drop off his luggage and then on to my hotel, where I was surprised to be able to check in right away. After a stop for coffee, we headed a little out of the city to the fish markets.
Sydney Fish Markets
The first visit for the morning was to the Sydney Fish Markets. The timing turned out quite good as we decided to make this a stop for an early lunch as well. I must say it is a much more interesting and inspiring fish market than the one I saw on Apia in Western Samoa.
Getting to the Sydney Fish Markets is not overly difficult and only took around 25 minutes. It is definitely within walking distance of the city if you are so inclined, and the option I would usually choose. However, to make it easier for my friend we took the light rail.
Darling Harbour
After lunch, we caught the light rail back and made a stop at Darling Harbour. The area would have been a great second option for lunch, and there are many other attractions here as well. Including The Australia National Maritime Museum, Sydney Wildlife World, Sydney Aquarium, IMAX Theatre and Chinese Gardens of Friendship. However, we did not make any stops here just walking through the area to see what was here.
Bon Voyage
From Darling Harbour, we made stops at both our hotels before walking down towards Circular Quay. We explored the area a little following around the foreshore of Sydney Habour under the Sydney Habour Bridge and found a spot to get a drink. There was some time we needed to fill in while waiting to see the MS Volendam departing Sydney.
Although it is a little sad seeing a ship departing without you. Especially when you have been onboard and enjoying the ship so much for 26 days. But at the same time, it is also a great opportunity to capture an image of the ship with a landmark, such as the Sydney Opera House.
While wandering around the area of Circular Quay, we also capture some night time photos. The one below is fountain not far from the ferry terminals.
Tomorrow is going to be an interesting day, exploring the city with a few other friends from the cruise ship. I am not quite sure on where we will be going, but it should be a great day.
