Sydney – Glebe, Darling Harbour

Went to the Saturday market in Glebe this morning. It's just a few blocks from Carmen. Clothes, trinkets, and food from all over the world. We hadn't had breakfast yet (the hotel recently stopped serving breakfast), so that was perfect. It's a nice neighborhood, with the same kind of terrace house as Carmen.

Then to the centre (siebiedie) on the way to the Museum of Sydney.

The Museum of Sydney explains the origins of the new Australia, how the land has been inhabited by Aboriginal people for 50,000 years, and the arrival of the British in Sydney in 1780, with 11 ships and 1,500 men, half of whom were convicts. The Aboriginal people suffered the consequences, were driven out, and were decimated by smallpox. Today, the Australian government recognizes the land taken, although Aboriginal people are still often marginalized in society.

Lunch on the grass opposite the Opera House. And another bride and groom on the steps. And three more in the botanical garden afterward! Beautiful spot.

Next to the Opera House is a huge botanical garden, where we spent a few hours wandering around. Many houseplants in the Netherlands thrive outdoors here. Carmen recognized several from her experience at garden centers.

Through the city center – deserted on Saturday – to Darling Harbour, where there's a drone show later that evening, and Carmen has arranged to meet up with friends. At 6 p.m., it gets dark quickly.

We ate at Darling Harbour and waited for the drone show, which turned out to start an hour later. The quay was bustling with activity, with hundreds eager to watch the weekly show.

It was great to meet Carmen's friends from the US. It was fun. Great group. Next week they're all going to Cairns too, and we'll be gone by then.