The weather promised to be cloudy so we headed in to Sydney in convoy to Darling Harbour to the Maritime Museum. Poor (big) Sarah had to work so we left her behind. Protests from Tom as he wanted to travel with Axel, Alana and Finn in their car but we knew Sarah would miss Tom too much ;) I.e. Kick up a big fuss at being left behind with boring Mum and Dad.
Darling Harbour looks impressive with the towering buildings and the narrow water way. First stop is the swirly water fountain which all the kids love. Can see a few boats in the water which obviously belong to the museum
We opt for the submarine and the battle ship as we reckon this will please the kids the most. There is a replica of Captain Cooks Endeavour which made the trip in 1770, alas won't get to see it this time. First the Vampire, can't remember exactly it's function but it was a battle ship that didn't see much action. The australian navy was formed about 1909. The Vampire was refitted in 1981 and they retired it in 1985 and it acted as a training ship for a time before getting to the museum. So whose clever idea was to refit it and then almost immediately retire it ?! Anyway the kids raced around it, would have preferred a slower pace but I am the boring one who likes to read about where they are ;) Rob fits in the kid category. I always like comparing the officer quarters against where the lower ranks go, I know where I'd like to be. All the beds even the captains looked very short and narrow, is there a height restriction for navy personnel ?! I don't think a life at sea was ever meant for me. I'd have to be up in the captains lounge drinking tea from a china cup. Picture of Liz 2 was on the wall.
Aye, aye matey.
Captains log, star date ...it looked like this seat was ripped out of a Fiesta!
Rob tries to blow up a Sydney landmark...
Officer's room.
After an hour on the battle ship, and the time approaching 1pm, the were rumblings of discontent among the younger members of the party, protests of I'm hungry started with Tom (and then Finn). Anyway they were persuaded to hang on a bit longer for the submarine. We queued up as they only allow 50 on at time. Another race through but this time I was glad not to be delaying, felt very claustrophobic. The submarine was in service up to 1998. Up to 60 men were on board at any one time. the bunks were narrow and short again, After seeing the loos and washing facilities, my first thought was that it must have reeked with 60 blokes living in such cramped conditions. It also reminded me of being in a long haul journey on a plane. The elderly guide, ex navy gave a very colourful description of what happens to your lungs if you come up too quickly from the deep, chests ripping open and lungs spewed out, nice. In an emergency there was a pipe running along where the sailors could breathe as they waited 2 at a time to escape out the hatch, scary. I'd hate to be number 60.
The Hunt for Red October...
Even Tom has trouble getting into a sailors bed..
Really glad to have visited the sub, its a first for me. Tom thinks it's so "cool". Maccas for lunch -again, much to the delight of the kids, hey its fuel and Darling Harbour food court is now mobbed since we first went to the museum.
Boring old me who actually reads brochures/leaflets spots that we can get parking for 12 dollars all day when visiting the museum instead of the normal 30 plus :)
Another walk around the harbour, an ice-cream listening to a chap playing acid diggerydo (10 dollars for an hour long CD, think I'd prefer to shoot myself) and we decide to head back to the 'burbs and catch up with Sarah and her mum Christine.
As it's been years since I walked a dog, I offer to walk the two dogs with Sarah. It's a chance to get out and have a chat and to get a few minutes away from the kids ;) Sarah has Alana to shadow and Tom has already acquainted himself with the TV so we make our escape. We are having a grand old time until a pit bull terrier off the lead with no obvious owner in sight makes a play for Mosely the golden Labrador and starts to hump him, bit of a scary moment as the pit is aggressive and starts following us. There is a kids playground nearby so you have to wonder how irresponsible some people are. Anyway rant over, we practically run away from the pit and make our way home. Our very gracious hosts lay on a BBQ and we double our vegetable intake for the entire holiday;) Tom actually eats half a chicken kebab, now that's a first.
Lots more booze and some PS3 action later, it's bed time.
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