Ahoy !

I’d just been to see the Queen Victoria in all her splendour and glory to go cruising. Not on her stately decks or within her impressive foyers but on a non slip astro turf covered Sydney Harbour cruise line.

You may say, that’s too bad, The Queen would have been a fabulous cruise with all the trappings of the rich and famous, along with the style that no doubt suits my life. To be honest that thought had occurred to me as we boarded the good ship Captain Cook for a two night sojourn on Sydney Harbour.

After viewing our 8X8 cabin with the ubiquitous flannel bedspread I cast a longing eye back towards the Queen, imagining myself in my James Bond tuxedo throwing casino chips with abandon. The pasta from a can, dinner that night, did nothing to dispel my daydreams.

The next morning all of those doubts and comparisons melted away as we awoke to a sunrise illuminating the Opera House with our Coat Hanger rising majestically behind it. I know, too drippy, but how do you describe icons we see every day and perhaps take for granted and then see them, the way they should be seen?

Mao and Nelson may talk about the journey but why are we making faster planes if not to get to our destination quicker? The cruise was less about the mode of transport and more about opening our eyes to what we have, all to ourselves.

We had been at our destination and had not seen it. There is no harbour like Sydney anywhere in the world. The combination of natural beauty combined with architectural and commercial acumen has forged a binding link that will forever remain in our psyche as a city.

We cruised all day along various tributaries, marveling at the money it takes to live on the banks of this harbour until finally coming to safe anchorage in a northern cove. As we watched the Queen Victoria sail out majestically (what else could I use) on Saturday night to destinations unknown, I could not help but feel sorry for the passengers, because they will not see a more beautiful site on their travels, than Sydney Harbour.

After an avalanche of birthdays and anniversaries on Saturday night, Sunday continued the vista as we cruised through our 45th meal in two days. Yet the loosening of my belt could not distract me from the azure (there I go again) waters off Watsons Bay and the rich array of colours to be had in the lifestyles of the rich and motivated living out their dreams on the edge of beauty.

Do yourself a favour and be a tourist on the greatest harbour in the world. The mode of transport is irrelevant.

You won’t be disappointed.