Even though the clocks were turned back last night, I slept in, so by the time I’d grabbed a cappuccino and croissant in the atrium my first lecture of the day was George Sranko’s 11m00 a.m. “More Amazing Creatures of Oz”.
I couldn’t resist that graphic, but George actually spent most of his lecture on birds and crocodiles. That got Ted really excited about seeing and hearing some of the incredible variety of birds, and me really psyched – and maybe a wee bit wary – about our upcoming crocodile cruise. That said, some of the birds – like the 2 metre/6ft tall cassowary with its stiletto-like claws – can be almost as dangerous as a crocodile. George reiterated that these birds are the closest thing to dinosaurs that we have on the planet – and they can definitely overpower an adult human. The casque on their head is reminiscent of the head shape of a pterodactyl.
However, venom did come into the discussion, with the final part of the presentation focused on Australia’s venomous snakes. Snakes in Australia are far more venomous than anywhere else; the deadliest snake in the world is the inland taipan, native to Australia.
The huge 5 pound cane toad, originally introduced from the Caribbean to counteract the sugarcane bug, is one of the most poisonous toads in the world. George’s advice?
While there’ll be no toad-licking in our future, there was a lot of lip-licking when we realized today’s special lunch station was a trio of HUGE pizzas, constantly being replenished to satisfy everyone’s craving.
Then it was time to sip Prosecco and read until the afternoon lecture by Suzanne Rieger on “Beaches, Buildings, and the Beauty of Sydney”, followed by our Sydney port talk.
We’d hoped to meet another couple for dinner, but must somehow have gotten our wires crossed. We’ll try again.
We set an alarm to get us up at 5:30 a.m. tomorrow in order to catch the sail-in to Sydney Harbour, and then be off on a 9 hour excursion to the Blue Mountains.
Calling it an early night made sense.
Rose and Ted’s Excellent Adventure 
I’m envious of your excursion into the Blue Mountains. If it hasn’t happened yet and you see this, ask your guide if they can remember a novel from the 60s — we would call it YA now — set in the Blue Mountains among settlers and loggers there. Kind of a Little House on the Prairie, Aussie style. I’m sure it’s out of print and fashion, but it’s haunted me for years — we lived in Sydney when I was in 7th/8th grade and got it from the local library. I’ve researched it but no luck yet! The huge trees fascinated me among other things. Have fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Could it have been Mary Grant Bruce? Also known as Minnie Bruce. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Grant_Bruce
LikeLike
Thanks Norman. I’ll check into it. I’ve certainly known the word Billabong for a long time — that could be why. I can picture the cover of the book I remember — a deep forest of eucalyptus type trees. I don’t recall it being part of a series. I’ll keep researching and take a long look at Mary Grant Bruce. thanks again!
LikeLike
Marius! I am dying to hear more about being an HR manager in a cruise ship. It feels like a good last stint in HR before retiring for good. If you happen to run into him again, would love to hear what he thinks about it!
LikeLike
If I see him again, I’ll do that. In the meantime, you could check put Viking’s jobs page on the web.
LikeLike
You’re missing the Vikings vocalists Beatles show? It’s their last performance.
LikeLike
Yup. Have seen their Beatles show and already said our goodbyes.
LikeLike