We didn't know

When we rode the ferry to Manly that it was the day for the Melbourne Cup, a three minute horse race that Aussies dress up and go out for. Several Trip Advisor highly ranked restaurants were closed; others you had to be dressed to the nines AND have a reservation. We managed, just the same, to walk the main streets, check out the beach, and have a lovely Italian meal.

Returned and walked to the Opera House from the wharf. What a magnificent building. The "sails" are tile work! Cool. Greg noticed three Indian men pointing at him and talking excitedly. One boldly walked up to him and asked if his friend could take a picture of the two of them. Good natured Greg said sure. After they walked off he checked for his wallet to make sure it wasn't a scam. Nope. I'm apparently married to a celebrity. 

Walked uptown to St Mary's Cathedral and Hyde Park. Caught the train back to the airport and figured out our route for the next morning. Nice hotel. Quick sleep then left for Cairns early.

3-4 hour flight but getting up at 4 a.m. and finding out when we touched down that we had passed a time zone so that was really 3 pretty much made us worthless for the day. Settled into our second home swap, bought some groceries, chilled.

Few more pictures: https://picasaweb.google.com/115749256765182993897/DownUnder