Good news. Today our duo was joined by Diane, who has arrived at 6AM as predicted; alas, she couldn't have picked a worse time. Outside it's been absolutely miserable all day. The rain has been incessant, the kind that's powerful and determined, where it makes you wonder how the heavens can hold so much water. But what rendered it much, much worse, is the persistent gale-force wind, which bends the strongest trees and against which, no umbrella stands a chance. It's a veritable tropical storm out there, the roads are flooded and the river in front of our apartment looks as if it is ready to overflow its banks.
In short, we knew from the start that our first of the two days in Sydney was going to be spent entirely in the apartment, from which I have taken the photo above.
It would be too bad if we came all the way across the globe and miss seeing Sydney Harbor, with its iconic Opera House and Bridge, but that is a possibility, because if this weather persists, it would be unthinkable to venture out to see the sights.
As lovely as our condo is, it is somewhat isolated, so we skipped lunch and munched on cashew nuts that Diane brought from home. Eventually, hunger got the best of us and Eric and I mustered the guts to walk (run, rather) to the Novotel across the street for dinner, while exhausted Diane was making-up for jet-lag by staying in bed. We couldn't get seated properly in the restaurant, which was super busy as the hotel guests were not going anywhere, so we took a seat at the bar, which had only a snack menu. Oh well!
There was a large contingent of fire-fighters from New Zealand staying at the Novotel; obviously here to help with the fires that have ravaged this coast. Looks like their work here will now be cut short and they will soon be on their way back to Auckland or Christchurch.
I should give you an update about Gianna's cat, Charlie. He did get a second operation a couple of weeks ago, which corrected the previously botched-up one, and he has been recuperating. He has however developed an unrelated issue, which requires that he stays under veterinary care, at least for the time being. Consequently, Gianna did not make the trip. We will miss her greatly, and all three of us here root for Charlie to overcome his difficulties once and for all and restore much-needed peace of mind to our daughter.
Hope to have a more exciting post for you tomorrow.
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