December 10

We started off the morning at a small coffee place around the corner from our hotel and discovered they offer free wifi. That seems to be an unheard of concept here in OZ! They want to charge an arm and a leg for internet access. Looks like we'll be regulars here while in Sydney.

We jumped in a taxi and headed for massage appointments that Jeff had arranged before our arrival. It was good planning on his part, as he was in need of some work, especially on that right ankle. Cheryl enjoyed her massage as well, though was somewhat sore from the "workout" later in the day. On the way to the appointments, we had an "amazing race" moment (Pete, you'll know what we're talking about!). Cheryl noticed that there was a blinking light in the dashboard of the taxi and then realized it was the fuel symbol. The fuel gauge was on the big 'E.' And by the way he was driving, Cheryl was unsure we were going to get to the appointment :) But all turned out well!

We visited the Sydney Opera House yesterday and took their "Essential Tour." We were able to see several information videos throughout the complex, as well as go into each of the 6 theatres. For anyone with an engineering background, this is a place to visit. It is definitely a feat of engineering. For the large theatres (one in each building), they are a complete building within a building. Their air conditioner units are suspended from the outside structure so that the vibrations don't resonate within the theatres. The insides of each theatre is beautiful, with the wood used, the acoustics and the design. We learned a lot about the designer (who died just a week ago and he had never visited the completed opera house - as the government dismissed him from the project in the mid-60s and he never returned to Australia) and his son who is now working at the Opera House on renovations that are being completed inside.