The Last Few Days of the Visit

Last Sunday, my four American guests and I were a bit tired of squishing into a car (perhaps I mean I was a bit tired of squishing into a car) so we stayed local after all the parish Masses and visited Featherdale Zoo. While the more famous Sydney zoo is Toronga Zoo, it is built into the side of a cliff, along Sydney Harbor. I have never been to it, as it is quite pricey. With my guests, I thought it might also be a challenge to go up and down its notoriously hilly paths. Further, Toronga Zoo has animals from all over the world, which you can see at most any other zoo.

So we kept it local, both location-wise (as Featherdale is 20 minutes away from the friary) and fauna-wise (as most of Featherdale's animals are Aussie, if not all of them). It's a lot smaller, less costly and can be seen in about an hour. The place is all flat, too, And you get pretty up close to the animals. You can even feed the wallabies.

Here are some shots of the many, many birds that the park houses (1-22). I think we saw a few of these colorful feathered friends in the wild last week at Canberra (1-3). This pair seemed to be getting frisky and began "necking" in public! (6) Doesn't this egret look regal(8)?My godmother spent forever trying to capture this stork on film (10). (The patient camera gets the picture!) And check out these huge pelicans; they seemed to strike a pose (11). This pair looked perpetually upset (12). I just happened to snap this purple eyed beauty (13).

By far, my favorite is the cassowary (14-15). The colors on the neck and head of this bird appear so unreal. You'd think that something like this is fantasy! Makes me wonder what color the dinosaurs were! The other thing I like about this bird is its size—it stands about 4 feet tall! I'm told it can kill with a kick from its powerful legs as they have claws that stick out in front like daggers!

Here is my series on the park's various kookaburra, the Aussie "kingfisher" (16-19). And now come the" march" of the "fairy penguins" (20-22). At one time these penguins were nearly extinct, but thanks to conservation efforts by Aussies, they are doing very well today. They are so cute, standing less than a foot tall! In the wild, you can see them near Melbourne.

And now, some of the furry animals: a flying fox, held by one of the zoo keepers (23); this little baby wallaby was shy at first, only exposing an arm (24) but then he warmed up (25-26); some varieties of kangaroos (27-29); the famous koala (which aren't bears at all but marsupials) (30-31); and the cutest as all get out--the wombat (32-33), which made me think of my brother Ignacio, who wants me to bring him back a live one. (Wish I could!)

On the last full day in Australia, Monday 23 October, we had lunch at Il Lago with Pina, Soo and Juanita (and her famous laugh) (34). Then went to see Sydney's most famous beach: Bondi Beach (35-42). The weather was not cooperating, as it became windy and cooler. I had hoped we could wander among the "Sculptures by the Sea" exhibit, which is on for the next two weeks. However it was too chilly so we stopped for a few pictures and then headed home.

I can't lie, I miss my family and friends who are like family. Australia seems bigger and vaster and further away without them. However, I am loved here! So many came up to me later this past week and asked about my visitors and if they were still here. When I shared that they had left for home, they understood my feelings. But one wise woman shared, "Father, you have so many mothers here, who love you and will care for you!" Isn't that sweet? God is good, and the people here are very kind to me.