Now Wilson has always told me that he knows how to sail, and I never really doubted him, but it was about time that he proved this claim.  And that's exactly what he did Friday at the Sydney Cove Rotary Club's annual charity regatta.  After donning ourselves in those oh-so-flattering Rotary baseball caps (see exhibit A), the event organizers put us to work welcoming the regatta participants and loading the yachts with the day's rations of beer and wine.  Our volunteer efforts in the morning were certainly rewarded, as skippers Rob and Sue welcomed us aboard their 47-foot luxury sailboat "Shiralee" for the duration of the race.  Shiralee was among the ranks of some of Australia's most famous racing sailboats, many of which participate in the annual Sydney to Hobart race.  Needless to say we were humbled by the opportunity, and I was particularly excited to be on a sailboat for the first time in my life.  

When Rob called for assistance managing the sails, Wilson jumped at the chance and was placed in charge of the starboard foresail sheet (translation: the rope on the right side that controls the sail in the front).  Apparently the sailing community speaks an entirely different language; I quickly learned what "tack" means once I flew from my comfortable upright position into the floorboard as the boat heeled (tilted) to one side at a very steep angle.  And then I almost flipped over backwards into the shark-laden harbour when we tacked in the opposite direction.  Eventually I got the hang of it and Wilson proved to be a competent sailor.  In fact, he's planning to crew with Rob and Sue this Wednesday evening during their weekly sunset race (which will be good since he has ample free time now that class is over).

After a good night's sleep and a morning swim, we made our way into the city to catch a train to Katoomba, a town in the Blue Mountains.  What was supposed to be a two-hour train ride turned into an hour wait, then an hour and a half bus ride, and then another hour train ride due to track repairs.  But, as we stepped foot inside the Lilianfels resort, we knew our destination would be well worth the travel.  Auntie Beth and Mary had given us this getaway as a Christmas gift last year, which is the only reason we were lucky enough to be spending the night in this elegant boutique establishment.  Quite frankly, it was one of the most pleasant hotels I've ever stayed in - our room was charmingly decorated in a raspberry-colored toile motif to boot!  It looked a bit like my room at home...

I must also highlight the 3 course gastronomic masterpiece that was our dinner Saturday evening at the award winning Darley's Restaurant, and I do not exaggerate.  As the fog rolled through the mountain vista in front of us, Wilson and I consumed the finest meal we've eaten since arriving here in Sydney.  Just to make your mouth water: twice baked local goat's cheese souffle with shaved fennel and pea sprouts to start followed by milk-fed veal with white asparagus, swiss brown mushrooms, local walnuts, and black truffle butter.  And then, just before our tummies expired, a warm Belgian dark chocolate tart.  Delicious.

The fog began to clear in the morning and we were able to fully enjoy the splendor of the mountains, including the Three Sisters rock formation (that's me, the fourth sister, above).  We finished the morning with a leisurely bushwalk before making our way back to Sydney, fully relaxed and rejuvenated.  After recounting these experiences to Mom and Dad via Skype, Dad commented on how rich our experience has been thus far.  He's exactly right, but it's only because of the profound generosity and support of our families, the Rotary community, and the other friends we've made here in Australia.