Mother and Son Make The World Their Classroom for a School Year: January 27, 2015

This morning we woke to rain and overcast skies. After doing some laundry at our Rees Apts we packed and headed into town to mail back our backpacks full of items we had packed for the Melford Track. We were happy to now just be saddled with a back pack and a rolling bag. A foodie bellman at the Rees suggested that we go to Ivy and Lola’s, which he considered the best breakfast in town. It was in a great location, next to Sam’s favorite ice cream shop- Patagonia’s. The food and service were great. We were able to sit on the waterfront and Sam ordered the special, some elaborate BLT on a delicious soft bagel and I had tomatoe soup and a cheese toasty. Very tasty but Vudu Lagers is still my favorite breakfast in NZ :) We strolled around town and then it was time to head to the airport.

Without any issues we arrived in Sydney. The Sydney Harbor Marriott had someone pick us up and thoughtfully they gave us each personalized journals for our trip. Sam’s cover read “The World Seen By Sam” …super thoughtful. We made a quick change in our lovely room overlooking the Sydney Opera House and then headed to the LDS Temple in Sydney. We were able to serve in the temple and Sam had the sweet opportunity to do work for one woman’s father who had passed away. She came and asked Sam if he would assist her. It was very sweet and made our experience even more meaningful. After the temple we returned to the hotel, so exhausted from our day of travel and the 2 hour time change which made it 10:30 pm and we hadn’t had dinner yet. After a bite, we got a second wind and watched the Expendables, following which Sam fell asleep promptly. Off to bed for me.

Hope the rain clears, since we are supposed to do the Bridge Climb tomorrow. Trying to reschedule for Th when it might be a bit better. But can have no complaints after nearly 2 weeks of great weather in NZ. Excited to show Sam around Sydney and meet up with April Pazienza from Holton-Arms, an old high school friend and tomorrow with our new friends we met in Tanzania, Sammi and Jenna. Should be a quick but fun 2 days in Sydney.