Day 29 October 26

Saturday, Oct 26: Today we got up with many plans for the HO-HO bus. It is a quick walk to the bus stop. It is apparently Oktoberfest here in Sydney, LOTS of celebrations around the city. A nice set up here at The Rocks for later today. So arriving to our stop a bit early, 2 other couples were waiting as well. Finally the bus came but it just drove right by us. Another 1-15 minute wait and the next bus did stop. We decided we would do the "blue" line today and go out to Bondi Beach and stop at a couple more bays after that. I forgot to say it started to sprinkle and it is humid this morning. The sprinkles didn't last long. With some confusion because our bus changed from the "red" line to the "blue" line with no real explanation. It was fine with us because the necessary switch to the other line didn't have to happen. No worries, we arrived as planned at Bondi Beach and walked around the shops in the area, had lunch, looked for a particular shop we never found and decided to get back on the bus. Keep in mind, they run every 15-20 minutes. We, and many others, waited over an hour in the hot sun before the bus arrived. No explanation but we were told if we were unhappy to contact the company. People were pretty peeved and one man in front of us said he called the company and there is no answer. Well, we are on the bus now. Thankfully, we all made it on the bus. We were cautious about getting off at the other two stops we wanted because the driver could not say when another bus would follow. Regardless, we were pretty drained from the long wait standing in the sun. We got off at the point to switch back to  the "red" line and back to The Rocks area where our hotel is. This stop has staff that was exasperated and shell-shocked with unhappy passengers. They assured everyone the next "red" bus was only 10 minutes out. At least our 25 minute wait had partial shade! By now all we can think about is getting back to our hotel room. It seems most of our day has been spent waiting for buses, that is not accurate but it started to feel that way. We dropped into the EZ Mart and got some cheese, crackers, and fruit to have later, with wine or without. Regardless, of the unplanned waits, we enjoyed the experience at Bondi Beach and consider this a successful day! 

A Royal Caribbean ship was in port today. They departed about 6p. The Golden Princess left last night at 7p

The Oktoberfest fun is going strong this Saturday night. It is great hearing people having fun and seeing them in their fun hats, etc. 

Lunch with a Bondi Beach View

Fish and Chips - at Lamrock

These Beautiful Purple trees are all over Sydney

View of Sydney Coming from Double Bay