Up to the alarm and a cool morning. No water in one toilet (N gets locked in, though not for long) and not much in the other. On the road back to Queenstown with a couple more stops on the incredibly scenic drive. Breakfast along the water in a park in Queenstown, then time to leave the Jucy Van behind. Thanks for being a great base of operations! To the airport and the plan to Auckland. In Auckland, much to do! Return cell phone, pay departure fee… to the plane to Sydney. Goodbye, New Zealand! We hope to be back again someday. Land in Sydney, taxi (finally) to Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel (above). B carries all 9 bags up two flights of stairs. Tiny room and shared bathroom, but there’s a REAL BED. Quick food and pints of Three Sheets, brewed there, then off to explore The Rocks and more pictures of Sydney Harbor. The Rocks—very old buildings, cools spaces. Walk to the Opera House itself—harbor is beautiful at night. More pix, and then the walk back to the Lord Nelson—time to buy some six packs for home and quick calls to the moms before collapsing into bed.
 
Where everyone knows your name Tuesday, January 8, 2008