Day 4 - Thursday, March 19 - Taronga Zoo and shopping too!

Hello friends & family:
Not to sound repetitive, but it's another beautiful day here in Sydney. Today we set off to the Toranga Zoo, a mere 12 minute boat ride away. As we boarded the boat we saw something that for us, was an unusual sight. Boarding in front of us were two ladies (I'm assuming this, as how would you know for sure?)in full black chadors...that's the completely black head-to-toe robe with only the teeny eye slits. Accompanying them was a lovely lady with a beautiful bright pink dress and head scarf. The contrast was jarring. Willie naturally asked them "Where are you from" and they replied "Fiji". A man from Houston behind us muttered "I don't believe it".

Toranga Zoo is magnificient! As you wander around the many exhibits, you have the view of the city and the harbour in front of you - a truly lovely setting. A brand new elephant exhibit is being developed (maybe "Save Bill" from the LA ZOO controversy can resettle here where he's wanted). We saw the most darling Koalas clinging to trees. Did you know Koalas are only found in Australia? They do not nest or seek any shelter - they live on Eucalyptus trees. Like the kangaroo, the mothers carry their young in their pouch. They only have (1) baby a year - called "Joeys" who remain in their pouch for at least 7 months, and then hang all over her back until they are ready to "separate".

Oh, and speaking of kangaroos, we saw them too, but they were less appealing, snoozing on the ground and eating carrots! We really walked & walked & walked around the zoo, and after a few hours we were exausted and hot, so we returned by boat to our hotel. After a rest, we decided it was time for some serious shopping, so we headed off to Strand Arcade in downtown Sydney - a beautiful 3 story building built in 1891 in a Victorian design- my photo will not capture it's beauty - you'll have to trust me it was really something special to look at. Inside are over 75 beautifully laid out speciality stores. Then we crossed the street to Queen Victoria Building - another masterpiece of architecture, described by Pierre Cardin as "the most beautiful shopping centre in the world". In previous times, this Byzantine building was a concert hall, a city library, and municipal offices. In 1984 it was completely refurbished as a shopping center with over 200 stores. We didn't have time to visit the big department store in Australia is David Jones, which according to the business section of today's newspaper, is doing quite well despite the economic downturn! Sydney is a city full of people out & about at all hours of the day and night, and they were out shopping, eating, and drinking cappuchinos in full force tonight!

Willie and I returned to the Park Hyatt for an early night. Stay tuned for tomorrow -our last FULL day in Sydney.