days 19 & 20

We spent another interesting day in Sydney- going around the city on an open topped bus- proper tourists! We got on and off at will and saw the Opera House close to and the bridge and then returned to Darling Harbour where we visted the Maritime Museum and Nigel explored a replica of HMS Endeavour. There was also dragon boat racing crews from all over the place. This morning we flew out - to Ularu (Ayers Rock) The flight was amazing - the land was so red and arid with many dry river beds . We flew over the rock and got to the hotel where the heat is incredible. The hotel is called the Outback Pioneer and that is an apt title. This evening we have been to see the rock at sunset- and we shall return at 5.15am tomorow to see sunrise. The colours are fantastic and the whole appearance is magical. Australia is loud and brash- and tiring - but it has a strange fascination for us- and certainly we have been glad to have been here. The end seems very near now- but we've four packed days to come.