This is going to be an account of a short visit as the air quality is appalling. (11 times worse than ‘hazardous’, apparently). It’s got a bit better this afternoon as the wind has got up but this morning was awful. This is a cruise ship parked at Circular Quay in front of the bridge.

I had a bit of a look round The Rocks, including the museum. Quite interesting history, especially how some of the convicts really dug in and made a success of their lives.

Then to the Botanic Gardens – cough, wheeze – which are very pretty and would be more appealing without the layer of smoke.

Whilst in the cafe, I noticed that the local mynah birds have learned how to activate the sliding door – although the pigeons can’t. I got accosted by ibises. (Apparently also known as ‘bin chickens’) There were some drinking and, to complete the theme, there was a picture in the Art Gallery of New South Wales painted in 1880, also with ibises.

Nice gallery of Aboriginal and Torres Islander’s art as well.

Off to the opera this evening – although not in the opera house as they are doing The Nutcracker for Christmas for most of December.

The opera was Farnace by Vivaldi performed by Pinchgut Opera. Two and a half hours of fabulous singing with everyone swearing vengeance on everyone else then, as Vivaldi didn’t finish it, thirty seconds of swearing to peace and tranquillity. I won’t burden you with the full plot but I do think that it is taking the idea of blood feud a bit far when you not only want to kill the hero because his father killed yours (and your husband), but also his wife (your own daughter) and son (your grandson). I also had a nice chat with the retired politician sitting next to me about opera, autism and the dire state of current politics.