Phil was our tour guide once again! What a sport! We walked to Darling Harbor (lots of Pilgrims) and I saw the scariest commercial ever. In honor of "World Youth Day" a jumbo screen was set up in the middle of the harbor. As we walked up, there was a commercial, or really a calling, for young men to join the priesthood. The video was produced so well, I almost felt like joining up...Rusty took umbrage with that. We rode the monorail, visited the Queen Victoria Building (restored from the turn of the century into a shopping center), and had a sugar overload at the Lindt chocolate cafe (I highly suggest the ice cream and waffle combo. with chocolate sauce).
Phil needed to leave, and saw Russell Crowe on the way back. Although Phil may not like the guy, share the wealth would you? We also saw the Yellow Wiggle (the one who had to quit due to health problems) walking around Darling Harbor and a cute young television reporter. All these stars in one day. Who knew?
Art, Rusty and I hopped on the ferry instead of paying for the exorbitant price of the actual harbor tour. All the views at half the fee. Then a few pints at Sydney's oldest pub.
After dinner, we went to a drag show and saw the ugliest drag queen we have ever encountered (and I'll remind people, we have attended several Mordecai is a Drag parties, no offense girls).
The next day, Art had to fly back to America. We hopped back on the ferry to the Toranga Zoo. A small zoo but a great place to see kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and platypuses. 
Rusty and I were waiting on a curb for a light to change. Several minutes passed and all cars were stopped at the traffic lights. A hush fell over the city. Suddenly motorcycle cops rushed by leading a Bentley sporting the papal flag. Yes, we almost got run over by the pope. We think he was going to the Prada store for new red slippers. If the pope runs you down in the Bentley, do you automatically receive an indulgence? Speaking of the pope, he did issue indulgences to any pilgrims praying at the World Youth Day. Hmmmmmm... Quick update, the Aussie courts decided that the law against "annoying" pilgrims was unenforceable and not legal. Hooray!
After the pope, we climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge. There was nothing better than standing at the top of the Sydney Harbor trestles during a spectacular sunset evening. The sun set into brilliant colors of pink, orange and red over the hazy Blue Mountains. Truly a magical and reflective moment. The guide was personable, knowledgeable, and seemed to enjoy getting to know each person. We shared the words of Michael, another friend that had suggested the climb, "going up everyone looks terrified, coming down everyone looks like they've had multiple orgasm."
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