After a cold, wet three weeks in New Zealand we landed in Sydney. It was warm and the sun was shining! What bliss! The taxi dropped us off at the apartment we were sharing with my sister and brother in law, the latter waiting outside with the access code to let us in. My sister had prepared an evening meal. What a pleasure to unpack our bags and not have to go out looking for a salubrious restaurant and one offering a gluten free option!
The next morning I awoke to the delicious smell of bacon and eggs! My sister is the early bird. I’m the night owl. She had been up for a couple of hours so was beginning to get impatient to start our sight seeing! We walked to Circular Quay and caught the ferry to Manley. Sailing towards the Sydney Opera House was spectacular. It glistened in the bright morning sunlight, a feat of architectural beauty, the pride and joy of all Australians. And who could blame them?
Disembarking in Manley we walked along the esplanade and saw school children having surfing lessons! Some other classes were being held on the beach which I thought such a good idea. Getting outside in the fresh air and soaking up much needed vitamin D! I wondered if those children realised how lucky they were! No pasty white faces to be seen, all were tanned and healthy! We had a drink at the New Brighton Hotel before heading back to the water and catching another ferry to Watson Bay. I’m not a particularly good sailor but the ferry rides were great. I could see land on either side so this also made a difference!
The thing that I remember the most about Watson Bay was the enormous sole I had for lunch! I have never seen one so big and was convinced that I would never finish it! But I did and it was absolutely delicious! We weren’t in any rush so we lingered over our meal before heading back to Sydney and another quiet evening. A pleasure as my sister and I had a lot of catching up to do! She had proudly become a grandmother for the first time, not once but twice! Both sons wives had given birth within a few months of each other. An adorable little boy made his entrance first, followed by a petite, beautiful little girl! I couldn’t wait to meet them!
We visited the Opera House, climbing the stairs to the top. The usual tourists taking selfies or in groups was the only downside to another glorious sunny day. From the Opera House we walked to the Botanical Gardens and saw our first kookaburra of this trip. He was perched on a tree stump staring across at the cameras pointed at him, flashing continuously. He ignored them, slowly shifted his position, without a care in the world, then flew off out of sight!
We caught a taxi to ‘The Rock’ where we had a light lunch before my sister and I went shopping for clothes for her two new grandchildren. We were spoilt for choice! As the new ‘Great Aunt’ (ouch!) I wanted to see them bearing gifts! Shopping completed we headed back to our apartment to get ready for our evening meal. It was fun going out into the throngs lining the wharf. The atmosphere was electric! For a small town girl I really enjoyed the buzz and bright lights of a big city! A rare treat and not to be missed!
The following morning we caught a taxi to Bondi Beach which was another unforgettable experience. There was a 1.5 kilometre ‘Sculptures by the Sea’ walk which was so different and very enjoyable. The sculptures were in glass, resin, wood, metal and a whole lot more materials. The imagination of some of the artists was astounding! There was a vintage truck made from palm fronds and seed pods! All along the walk there was something for everyone. Stunning bronze statues glistened in the sunlight, glass shards tinkled and sparkled as the sea breeze gently wafted around the exhibits.
Our first visit in our hired car was to the Blue Mountains. We booked a ride on the Blue Mountain Scenic Railway. This is the steepest passenger railway in the world with a 52 degree drop into an ancient rainforest on the Jamison Valley floor. My brother in law knew about the steep drop. The rest of us didn’t! The experience literally took our breaths away! Spectacular didn’t come close!
Wild fires had started burning in a number of areas outside Sydney so we had been warned that some roads would be closed. A haze hung over our apartment when we returned home that evening and we could smell the acrid smoke. Little did any of us know that these fires would still be burning weeks later and swathes of this beautiful country would be destroyed! Devastating!
Our last night in Sydney was wonderful. We joined the masses of residents and visitors sitting in bars opposite the beautiful Sydney Opera House. Soaking in the atmosphere as I sipped my gin and tonic I recalled the last five weeks. We had experienced so much, met so many wonderful people, eaten delicious meals and seen so many cultures living happily together. Hong Kong was different! Not somewhere I’d like to rush back to until the country resolves it’s political issues and I’d feel safe!
We headed for Brisbane after spending a night in Newcastle with my brother in law’s sister. She was generous to a fault and welcomed us into her beautiful home my brother in law had built for his mother many years ago! We had one last week left to enjoy the warmth of Australia before flying home to an English winter and Christmas. I was going to meet my great niece and nephew! I couldn’t wait! š
Jenny Burrell 