It is a little before 7:00 pm on Friday and I am back in my room after a busy day in Sydney.

After arriving at the hotel and grabbing a quick breakfast in the executive lounge, I headed over to the convention center to set up the booth. Setting up the booth took very little time. I was in and out in an hour. After walking around a little I returned to the hotel around 11:00. The front desk said my room was still not ready. I went up to the executive lounge to grab a Coke and asked up there if they can get me a room and they did in a matter of minutes. My bag was brought up and I took a much needed shower.

I headed out around noon. I was really surprised I wasn't tired yet. I started walking and walked through Hyde Park. I stopped in at the New South Wales Art Museum. The price was right (free) and I even took a one hour tour. I really liked the work of Sidney Nelson, one of the Australia's most respected artists. They also had a great exhibit by German artist Anslem Kiefer which I really enjoyed. I learned a little about Aboriginal art.

After the NSW Art Museum, I walked through the Royal Botanical Gardens. I went through a few different exhibits such as an Australian rain forest and Asian garden. The Garden ends at the Harbor and the Opera House. I plan on taking a tour of the Opera House tomorrow.

From the Opera House I walked over to Circular Quay and bought a ferry ticket to Manley (this was recommended in a few guide books). The ferry ride over took about 30 minutes and the water was a little rough. Manley is a beach town, but since it was in the low fifties, it really didn' t feel like much of a beach town. I took a short walk to the beach. I watched over 30 surfers and then walked down and dipped my fingers in the Pacific Ocean.

The ferry ride from Manley back to Sydney was really rough. The ferry has occupancy for 1100 people and I couldn't believe how much we were being rocked. The water in the harbor was really rough, there were white caps. The waves were easily 4-6 feet. I think I felt more comfortable on the 14 hour plane ride from San Francisco to Sydney then the 30 minute ferry ride.

Since it is winter here, sundown is early. It was dark by 5:30. After getting off the ferry from Manley I walked over to the Rocks and then decided that I was finally getting tired so I turn-around and headed down George Street and walked to my hotel.

I know I need to stay up for a couple more hours before going to sleep so I don't wake up in the middle of the night. I don't have much of an appetite. I may head back up to the executive lounge and grab a few appetizers and a glass of wine or two.

Not much on TV, lots of Australian Rules Football (ARF) on TV and also in the sports page. I watched about 5 minutes. I would much prefer if they showed soccer rather then ARF.

So, my Friday is coming to a close and you'll wake up in a couple and have your entire Friday ahead of you. That is about it for now. I will try to call tomorrow, or if I wake up in the middle of the night, I might call then.

It is a little before 8:00 Friday morning (6:00 Thursday night in DC). I am sitting in the 36th floor executive lounge at the Hilton Sydney. I just had some fruit, a couple of muffins, and a very good latte. I took a quick glance at The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper.

I flew business from Dulles to San Francisco in a 777 (love it) but flew coach from San Francisco to Syndey - and I survived it. I took an Ambian and I think I slept for a solid five hours so I really don't feel tired.

It is chilly in Sydney, around 55 degrees - if that warm. Since I carried my luggage on, I got through immigration and customs in less then 20 minutes and hopped into a cab to come to the hotel. My room is not ready so I am up here for a quick breakfast.

I am going to go over to the convention center soon and set up the booth. That way I will get it out of the way. From the 36th floor, Sydney is a beautful city. I am looking forward to exploring it today and tomorrow. i'll write more later.