Sydney for the Day Sabatinis at Night

We miss the sail in.  We check the bridge cam and sure enough we are docked and the sun is shining, but there is a risk of showers.

Nothing planned until noon, but I want to go ashore and explore our old town.  

check these booths for tours first thing

tourist information booth

The pier is a great spot to explore.  Lots of shopping, and all made by those selling it.  If you are interested in an independent tour there are two booths right at the gangway that can sell you tours, but get off early to secure a spot.

There are not a lot of taxis here but the ones that are here are keen to do tours.  I did hear some people state later that they took a taxi and the driver did try to say the meter was the price per person.  Note this is NOT the case, it is per ride.

But the terminal has free WiFi, tourist information, an atm, washrooms, lots of great shops and a wonderful restaurant called flavour.  

Walking to town is easy, but a bit uphill, and around 10 min walk.  Now Sydney's town center doesn't have a whole lot to do for tourist.  There is a museum, and a few shops, and restaurants and quite a few pubs.  Really the main sites to see here are further afield.

Head out to Louisburg, Baddeck, Cabot Trail, Glace Bay Miner's Museum - but do a tour here.

Today four of Bernie's 7 siblings are coming in to meet us for lunch, along with a niece and nephew and great niece.   We had a wonderful visit with all of them.  Many who we have not seen since we moved a year and a half ago.  

Also Dominique showed up after she finished her shift and crew drills.  It was lovely for her to meet the family and they all hugged her and said she is now their family too.  How sweet.

We left with Dominique and went and grabbed a drink with her before returning to the ship.

Bernie has a nap and I get a cocktail and head up to the top deck to enjoy the sailaway.  It is very picturesque!  

Tonight is dinner in Sabatinis but not until 830.  So we have a nap and head down for dinner.  Note when trying to make reservations no time slots were available.  Just show up and talk to them as they seem to have open slots that don't show up on app.  

Dinner was amazing.  We love the new menu and really missed it on the Majestic.  Service was outstanding.  Some of the best we have ever had.

Of course after a big meal we can't go to sleep, plus we had a nap.  So off we go to Skywalkers where we dance the night away.  And there were quite a few people there.  

Sydney, Nova Scotia

Wow is it ever weird sailing past your home.  Sure we have sailed in and out of Vancouver but we lived a distance inland.  We literally sailed by our home.  We could faintly make out the 2nd floor.  

We docked at 9 am but we are not in a rush to get off.

A coffee is in order.  Bernie grabs some breakfast and we wander off around 11 am.

We did have an issue with our safe.  It stated the battery was low.  We called the front desk and someone from housekeeping came to change but it ended up the batteries were just a little loose.  

What was funny is Captain was walking by when I opened the door (his cabin is nearby) and he said "Vickie what did you break"  I said my safe but you can charge my Medallion for the repair!   Love Captain Marco, so friendly and approachable, and he is always making his presence known.  He is not competing with the cruise director like some Captains, he is professional and serious but still fun.

Once ashore we met up with our nephew who came to bring us two things we forgot.  Bernie's IPod and earphones and my gloves.  Then he drove us to Sobeys so we could pick up some Halloween candy for the crew.

Watch your step from that second floor

We walked back and i was busy taking pictures that could be used in future Port Lectures from a passengers point of view. 

You know.   Walkway to town, shops, Tim Hortons, Casino, statues, etc.  I have recently applied for some Canada New England Destination Expert jobs on a few cruise lines and I want to be prepared.   

There is no port lecturer on this voyage and I really think it is a loss because there is so much interesting history, culture and sites to see that many have no idea.  

While walking around we were searching for Remembrance Day poppies to bring for those on board. We saw a woman with one and asked if she had seen anyone selling them. She had not and as she walked away she ran back and gave us hers to give out onboard. Now that is what is amazing about the people here. Best people. Proud to call myself a Caper.

After about three hours we were back on board.

It was hard to hear guest complaining that there was not much here.  I got a defensive feeling and want to be protective but I know their comments are because of lack on knowledge.

There is so much to see here but you need to be informed and plan accordingly.  If you just get off and walk around you are not seeing much.  And the fact we are here on a Sunday and many shops downtown are closed.  

So if you are ever planning a visit to Sydney make sure to explore.  Visit the Cabot Trail, Baddeck, tour our Coal Mines, enjoy our musical talents, enjoy a craft brew.  Check out our local crafts and amazing seafood.  

Back on board we stopped in to see Simone Smith the assistant Hotel General Manager.  We brought her some All Dressed potato chips and she is now supplied with storm chips.  Yup storm chips.  People here stock up on chips when there is a storm in the forecast.  You hunker down with your storm chips and a cold beer or wine and you are all set.  So hey live like the locals I always say.

We are back on board and Bernie is reading and I am catching up on things.

I need to move as I am in Explorers and trivia is starting in a half hour and they are flocking in and they are eyeing my table with desperation.  So off I go so they can have a comfy couch and table.  

Loving ships!