The flight to Sydney Bankstown shows an estimated time en-route of approx. 3.5 hours - a rather middle distance on our trip. However, after approx. 1 hour flight time we have to pass the Bass Strait for approx. 1 hour which shows fresh water temperature at about 15°C. Even from flight level 190 it would be impossible to glide to the saving shore in case of an engine failure (airfields are near the coast on both sides). So, owing security again it becomes very tight in the cockpit: Life raft between PIC und Co, dry suites, life jackets and pouches with the rescue equipment.  

You need to get used to the approach to Bankstown airport(with approx. 376000 aircraft movements the number 2 behind Perth Jandakot). The radar controller clears us in IMC to descent into non controlled airspace and to perform a "visual approach". This airfield with three parallel Runways is a real airman's Eldorado. Two of the Runways are approached constantly in parallel.   

Sydney, everyone thinks first of Opera and Habour Bridge. However, the whole town is a festival for the senses: the lively activity in the harbour basin, handicrafts in Darling Habour or „The Rock“, the markets in Paddington or the surfers on Bondi Beach – you never get bored in this city.

No corner seems to be too small to not be able to accommodate a nice restaurant (with fantastic food), a bar or a cafe.

This time we are extremely lucky with the choice of our hotel. The “Habour Side Apartments” are located in the small suburb Mac Mahon's Point, directly at the harbour basin facing Harbour Bridge and Opera. From the corner windows we have a spectacular view on Darling Harbour and conveniently the ferries stop directly in front of our door.

While we enjoy the view during breakfast it rustles in the kitchen. A bird flew in by a narrowwindow gap. We intend to help him to find his way out. However, he already knows that way but has a different plan: he requests a part of our breakfast. Two parrots are lined up in front of the kitchen window to join him. We get rid of number 1 bird and close the window to remain trouble free.

In the evening "VIVI:D Sydney a festival of light, music and ideas" completely pulls Sydney in his spell. The New York performance artist LaurieAnderson (supported by her husband Lou Reed) transforms Opera and parts of the town into a gigantic stage. The Sails of the Opera seem to come to life by the projected pictures. The full moon and the mighty clouds illuminated by both sides make the scene somehow surrealistic.