Day 47 – Sail the Tasman Sea

On our last sea day before arriving for an overnight visit to Sydney, I was determined to take it somewhat easy today. I did want to attend a few lectures, either in person or on Viking TV, and I wanted to bring the blog up to date, but that was it. OK, I guess that’s not exactly taking it easy, but that was my plan.

At breakfast this morning, Tim and I said goodbye to Shelter, one of our favorite waitresses. Shelter is from Zimbabwe, and she will be leaving us in Sydney for a well-deserved vacation. Shelter has always looked after us, and her smile brightens every day. We will miss her.

Tim, Shelter, and Sarah

It was then time to attend Guest Lecturer Nitza Lowenstein’s talk on the “Sydney Opera House.” She provided a thorough history of this landmark and explained how it has become a monument for the people of Australia and the world. I’m looking forward to a tour of this icon tomorrow.

Sydney Opera House: Australia's Spectacular Iconic Treasure

Back in our room, Tim and I watched George Sranko’s lecture on “Devils, Crocs, and Amazing Creatures of OZ.” So many things in Australia want to kill you, but according to George, the most dangerous creature is rental car drivers! Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me!

Devils, Crocs, and Amazing Creatures of OZ

Our special culinary event for lunch today was a Trio of Pizza Station. By the time Tim and I arrived, the World Café was packed, and the line for pizza snaked around the corner by the Aquavit bar. I had never encountered a line this long at any other special event in the World Café. Either pizza is the favorite food of every passenger, or the Americans on board were simply craving a taste of home. Although we love sampling cuisines from other countries, sometimes simple foods like pizza are what we need.

Everyone Pitched in at the Trio Pizza Station

After lunch, I wrote a bit and then went to hear Suzanne Rieger's lecture about “Beaches, Buildings, and the Beauty of Sydney.” Sydney is one city I’ve always wanted to visit, and her talk only further whetted my appetite. The Port Talk on Sydney that followed gave me even more information about all that awaits us in the cultural capital of Australia.

Beaches, Buildings, and Beauty of Sydney