Monday, July 21, 2008

The Taronga Zoo

Good Morning ! We started our day out by getting up early and getting ready for the zoo! We took our friend, the 333 bus, and were on our way. The bus got stopped by a police brigade that was blocking the street. This was really odd since we hadn't seen a single accident, etc all trip. Then, as were waiting to go, we saw it! The police presence was huge because they were leading the Pope's motorcade! The first three white Mercedes were full of cardinals and support staff, and then came the black limo/van! How do we continue to luck out with the Pope sightings?! (Thanks Holy Spirit!)

The ferry ride cost $4.20 for a one way trip across the Harbour to the Taronga Zoo dock. It was a short trip, but lots and lots of fun. The views were gorgeous from the ferry and we got a lot of great pictures of the city! (I can't wait to get home and go boating!) At the boat dock, we took a bus up the hill to the gates. We wanted to ride the Sky Cam, but because it was so windy, they closed it. (I don't think this upset Mary Jo very much. jk)

We walked all around the zoo and saw a lot of animals native to Australia. We passed out a lot of leftover swaps to the kids there on 'holiday'. It was fun until Eric got accosted by 30 kids at once.

We stopped at the Taronga Food Market for lunch~although a lot of the teens packed peanut butter and jelly from breakfast. We rested our feet for a few minutes (Why are all the zoos on hills?) and we were off again. We saw a really cute seal show and watched them feed the koala's. (The keeper told us that basically Koalas do three things: eat, sleep, and breed.) They are very cute, but kind of stinky. (They only eat Eucalyptus leaves, so they tend to smell like Vic's Vapor Rub. jk) We were disappointed that it is illegal to hold or pet Koalas in New South Wales, so we took a big group picture next to a stuffed one. (Silly, but great fun!) At the end of the day, we walked to the wharf to catch the ferry back to the city, along with about 400 other people. The crush to get on the ferries was kind of scary. I kept having visions of someone going overboard. Thankfully that didn't happen and we got back safely.

At the bus stop, three different buses passed us that we could have gotten on to get back to the hotel. Poor Patrick was starting to get a complex because they weren't stopping for him. One of them finally did, and away we went again. A very nice English man sat next to me on the bus and talked about what it was like to move to Sydney on his work visa. He had only been here for around 7 months, but loves it! He asked about my family, and if we were homesick yet. He was really sweet. When he was getting off the bus, he shook my hand, asked my name, and then said, "I'm Hans. It was nice to meet you." We got off at the next stop, and I had to run to tell the girls. You see, they had made up my foreign soul mate and that was his name. It was to funny!

We split up at the bus stop and all went to get some dinner. Andrew, Cathy, Christine, Emily, and I went down to a restaurant called Bondi Fresh. It was yummy pasta. . . .until Emily ruined it by telling me it was lamb meat. (Jk, Em!) Now most of the teens are playing cards and hanging out in the lobby, while Erich and I are trying to get the game plan down for tomorrow! We are going to try and see the inside of the Opera House, get some shopping time in, and let them swim on the beach. We'll see what happens.

I am excited that we have had another great day. I've been thinking about the past week, and how much we have relied on Saint Anthony. At some point, we have left plane tickets and a passport on the plane, a book bag on the ferry, lost a wallet, lost a camera bag, and lost a credit card. Every single thing we lost/misplaced was found after prayers. (I bet St. Anthony will be thrilled when we get back home. hehe)

We miss and love you all lots and lots. See you in a couple of days!
P.S. Matt, Did you find the checkbook? We are all dying to be in the know. hehe

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Everyone,

Well, it looks like it was another exciting day! Glad you were able to see the Pope one more time. The Zoo pictures were wonderful, hopefully not to smelly.

Thanks Patrick for calling Grandma - she called me this morning - she was very excited that you thought about her. Remember to get her a gift.

Andrew & Patrick - give us a call too. Love & Prayers to all.

Lorraine, Brent and Olivia

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you're all having time to just have fun. The sky looks amazingly blue in your pictures at the zoo. Hope it's not too cold to enjoy it. See you soon!

Maria,
DON'T WORRY. You don't need to babysit Thursday. Look forward to sleeping lots and lots when you get home!! And I'll talk to Fr. Pat about your article.
Love you,
Mom

Anonymous said...

Hi Gang!
The pictures look great, although the kids are looking tired (I can't imagine why! (Haha))
Caitlin, thanks for the phone call! It was wonderful to hear your voice! Daniel, Jared called and says "hi man" (his words not mine:))
Looking forward to seeing the 600 photos!
God Bless all of you and safe travels!
Love,
Mom

Anonymous said...

Hi all...loved the pictures - especially the group picture. So glad you're having a good time. Can't wait for you to come home and see all the pictures.Glad to hear that you're still able to get some 'fun' time in before coming home. Will anyone be brave enough to get into the water (Lori?) Have a safe trip home and give St. Anthony a break!

See you soon - Bob and Anna

Anonymous said...

hello to all! Thanks for keeping us up to date. It sounds like you won't have ANY trouble sleeping on the plane on the way home..travel safely, and take care of each other!
Love,
Aunt Victoria

Anonymous said...

Good Day Mates!

We are glad that you were able to have some fun at the zoo! They do have some strange looking animals over there! We are looking forward to seeing all of you soon. We pray everyday for all of you, and for a safe trip home. By the way Lori, I am planning on a homecoming dinner for you on Thursday evening. How does tuna casserole sound??? (jk)

Love,
George & Elaine

Anonymous said...

Hi Mom!
I loved the meercat picture! Aunt Kathy and I both loved it. Can't wait to see you in three more days!Miss you!
Love,
Taylor

Anonymous said...

HAS ANYONE NOTICED THEY LEFT LAX LATE AND MIGHT MISS THE DENVER FLIGHT? IT IS SUPPOSE TO LEAVE DENVER AT 6:51 BUT THEY DONT LAND UNTIL 7:08

JULIE JOLLEY