New Year's Eve Morning

Another nice day. When I got up there were more cockatoos than usual in the immediate area- seven I believe in this photo.

Yesterday the kids and I went to the Aquarium and the little wildlife world (mostly bugs, lizards, snakes and such like) next door. Luckily (since the lines were quite long) I had bought tickets online so we hopped to the vip entrance, picked up our pass and went right in. We took some photos- mostly Julius tried, but as the flash was on they did not come out for the most part- too many reflections. But here are some:

Aquarium and Wildlife World

Particularly noteworthy for Hyatt people is the photo of Tom and Adam at work.

We went to wildlife world first and quite enjoyed that. On the top level I saw my first kangaroos and Lian and Julius petted a lizard and a snake. I had not known that Australia is home to many of the most poisonous creatures on earth- spiders and snakes among others. By the time we went to the aquarium (which was very crowded) we were quite tired. Still we particularly like the oceanarium filled with sharks, rays and various fish. At a certain point one goes through a tunnel where one is surrounded by them. We all wondered whether the sharks ever ate the resident fish. As the sharks are regularly fed perhaps they leave them alone.

We had meant to stop on the way to these at a department store to get a Wii game on the way in. However I forgot my map and we did not find it. But we came back to the town hall train station via a different route and fortunately found it and got the Smash Brawl. Lian and I were particularly hungry we noticed at the bottom level, two floors below the department store, Sydney Central food court. The kids spotted a McDonalds so naturally they had a happy meal. I had some curry. It was okay but rather bland. Trina tells me that most of the curries they have tried here have been rather bland. I suppose one would have to ask if one wanted the rather hot and spicey ones to which I am accustomed. It turned out that from this food court there was an underground shopping mall that extended back to the train station.

The kids' evening was occupied playing the new game. I gather (as I conked out) they stayed up quite late playing. I am still trying to get them up.

Tonight we may go and see the harbour fireworks show. It is meant to be rather spectacular. Next week we will be off and a trip to Queensland- to the great barrier reef and the outback.