The Oosterdam shore excursion folks are offering a special 4-hour private car tour of Sydney when we arrive. The cost is only $949.00 and they provide an English-speaking guide. And here I was expecting to have to learn Australian straight off.

Oh, here we go! Elenka has been reading over my shoulder and says we can take public transit for $2.50. She also thinks the language issue won't be such a big deal. I tell her that I know some Australians and it is a big deal. Then she tells me that she's pretty sure we don't get to keep the car when the ride's over. Balls! With tax it'll be more than a thousand dollars. Of course we get to keep the damned thing. I must remain calm and promise myself not to gloat after seeing the smile on her face when we ditch the interpreter and driver.