Forgot to mention... We stayed at Pier One. It's an Autograph Collection property under the Marriott group and I got some deal through Marriott Rewards, but can't remember what we paid. We really enjoyed it and it was in a good location.

all great suggestions, you've given me some direction to research. Thank you all for the input, ready for more if anyone has it.

With only four days, I'd skip the Blue Mountains if you've ever been to any mountains in the US. They are heavily promoted, but a tad bit underwhelming until you realize that most of Australia is virtually flat.
They aren't even really "mountains" per se, but more one plateau being geologically pushed up onto another causing some dramatic cliffs. Its a nice view, but if from the US wouldn't be on my list of must dos.

With only four days, I'd focus on the downtown and other areas mentioned, like the beach areas. I would add a visit to the botanical gardens (giant bats that live in the trees and come alive each night) as its near the opera house and free to walk through, in addition to seeing all of the unique foliage and other birds you just don't see anywhere else.

Don't they expire in 2017?

Nope, expire this year in April.

Check out the Holiday Inn in The Rocks. Unless....you want to make it special, and you're a wide-body captain. In that case, there is a Hyatt with direct views of the Opera House. Photographers show up there in the morning to take pictures of the sunrise over the Opera House. Stunning!

An interview with EB: (free account needed)

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/ar...-elect-421593/

I've seen worse at the helm. There will never be another RA, I think most would agree. At least in this article, our future CEO says things that to me indicate a continuation of the current culture. Again, I've seen a lot worse. And RA will still be on the board to give his opinion. I've heard EB speak, and he's got a good handle on the business, and he's sharp, very much unlike a few previous execs. GH is now the number 2, and he's been a major factor in DL's success. I'm just saying, we are always one CEO away from disaster in this business. I think we are still one CEO away, fortunately. I don't speak for the company or for our union, but I am encouraged that there were meetings this past week with the negotiators and further meetings are scheduled. I'm encouraged that both sides are saying they want an agreement. Again, I've seen worse. I think we are well positioned to achieve a good contract going forward, and I think given the company's need for some changes, that will happen sooner than later. I have no concern over the 321 rates because from a negotiating standpoint it was to be expected at this stage. I don't consider it a bellweather for future agreements. We need to keep an eye on scope, improve our QOL, an of course increase compensation. I trust JM and his team to achieve the most they possibly can, in a timely manner. I am behind their efforts 100%. Keep the faith, good things are coming.

Who likes Cuban food????

flyallnite, thanks for posting something reasoned and positive re: the contract negotiations and the upcoming leadership transition. It's a nice counterbalance to those who say the Company, ALPA, and the rest of the world is out to get us and that we should stock up on fresh water, canned food, and ammo...and take what's rightfully ours.

Hey, positive negotiations and stocking up on water, food, and ammo are not mutually exclusive! The profit sharing check will sure buy a lot of 5.56, 9mm and .45!

Good on ya! satchip!