Sydney - day 2

Had the best breakfast buffet of my life this morning. Everything one could imagine was available, including Lichee fruits, which are pretty yummy if not slimey. Then we took the ferry to Taronga Zoo, across the bay. The sun finally came out, and it got nice and warm. We saw many animals, including many native to Australia. I was excited to see the famed platypus: half mammal, half duck(?) Couldn't take its picture, though! Also fun to see potaroos and other outback hopping animals. What a strange place this is to have evolved such creatures. Saw the koalas, kangaroos, emus, wallabys, wombats, and, the tasmanian devil - scurrying around so fast in its pen. Man, the elephants, giraffes, and zebras had fantastic views of the city - wonder if they appreciate it?

Returned to the city and wandered around "the Rocks" area. Interesting shopping - we found some aboriginal art for our entry. Relaxed at a cafe, and headed back for a soak in the hottub. Walked to Darling Harbour for dinner, and discovered that Sydney is so damn beautiful, it just keeps getting better! Had dinner at a Malaysian restaurant, and then walked to the casino. We quickly lost some money at blackjack, and came back "home".

I've been jotting down some notes. Australia is very similar to America in many ways, but here are some things that differ. "Way out = exit"; look right (or get hit by a car); half flush and whole flush toilets; it is an urban legend that water goes down the drain differently - it goes down clockwise; Fries = chips, Chips = crisps; "mind your head"; "no worries"; red hair, freckles, sunburn; five Starbucks and counting...; hazelnut Snickers (mmm); "Carpark lifts" - two words familiar, but not; outlet switches - down = on; no left turn on red arrows; "females/males" bathrooms; Princess Mary just got married to some Danish royalty - made quite a stir.

That's it for now. Had a lovely day "on holiday" today. Sydney reminds me of many cities rolled into one.
-Carol