11th February Car to Melbourne Airport then Qantas Flight to Sydney and Shangri-la Hotel.

We awoke to a near perfect morning in Wheelers Hill, had breakfast and after showering packed for our short trip.

Ken still had work to do to complete the Profit and Loss for our church, completed this and several emails and then locked up the shed and side gates and put out the rubbish bin.

Our driver arrived at 10,15am and we had an enjoyable trip to Tullamarine and Melbourne Domestic Airport. Check in was very quick and we were in the Business Lounge by 11.25 am with QF 432 boarding at 12.00pm and departing at 12,30pm.

We enjoyed an excellent flight in seats 3A and 3C with a pleasant light meal. Arrival was ahead of schedule and we received a text message from Louis our driver. He was two minutes away.

The luggage arrived almost last on the carousel, we collected it, walked 40 metres as our car arrived. Jeanette got in and Ken waited whilst our luggage was loaded. Our journey from Kingsford Smith domestic terminal to the Shangri-La at 147 Cumberland Street was quick through the tunnel and into the heart of the city in 25 minutes. This trip usually takes 40-50 minutes, but a lot of traffic is off the road. Our driver suspects the while Chinese community is locked down and not working or driving. He said there is widespread concern as to the caronavirus out of mainland China

Our check-in was prompt and with the usual Shangri-la courtesy and efficiency.

We were taken to our room 2411 with a wonderful surprise as we look over Circular Quay, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the spectacular Opera House. Couldn’t ask for more, is is a stunning scene.

Our unpacking took 20 minutes and we observed that the Ruby Princess is in port before departing for New Zealand at 6.45pm this evening.

Ken decides to walk down to the Opera House and Botanical Gardens, takes many photos and thoroughly enjoys himself. The weather despite the forecast of heavy rainfall is a hot 33C with high humidity and is quite tiring. He is away almost 2 hours 20 minutes and returns to shower and change for drinks in the Blue Lounge on level 36 with wonderful views but we are unable to secure a seat with views. So we order drinks, take them back to our room, with our wonderful views and enjoy the late afternoon and early evening.

Jeanette has spent the afternoon sitting by the window taking in the views and overlooking the busy harbour..

We have dinner booked for 7.30pm at Q1 restaurant at The Grand Pullman and decide to walk the 15-20 minutes through Circular Quay after watching the Ruby Princess depart at 6.45 pm.

Dinner is very good with superb views over Circular Quay and back to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Ken enjoys a lovely glass of red wine. We use our Accor Card which includes a 241 charge. Very good meal. We catch a taxi back to the Shangri-La at 9.40 pm and return to the night spectacle of the Harbour and Opera House in all their beauty.

It has been a spectacular day with a sense of expectation as to our forthcoming cruise on the Majestic Princess.

Ken is hoping to rise early tomorrow to see the Majestic Princess arrive.