A whole two weeks in Sydney, we've not been anywhere for that long, so although we would have liked to spend more time speeding down the East coast of Oz, its a proper treat to unpack our bags properly, and look forward to two weeks of being in the same place. Trish has even got a few shelves for us to use, so we can put our things away! Its the simple things that please so much after 6 months on the road. Its hard to believe that we are over half way through our trip now, and can't help starting to think about being back in the UK, even though, we're still away for 6 more months!
Anyway, we're in Sydney on the other side of the world, and having arrived late last night, only had a quick glimpse of the harbour, bridge and opera house in the dark, so head into the city from Trish's place in Bondi to take in the sites, and climb the Harbour Bridge. Only problem is, that its really overcast, and a bit rainy, so the effect of the harbour glistening, and the white opera house against the blue sky is somewhat diminished. However, not all is lost, we are here for two weeks after all.
After grumbling about the state of the weather for our bridge climb that same day, our hopes are answered and the skies clear to glorious blue, as the most stunning sunset while we are at the summit. Its an absolutely glorious experience, breathlessly beautiful with views as far as the Blue Mountains and to the coast as the sky changes through pink, orange and mauve to black. The climb down as the lights of the city come on is equally as memorable. It doesn't feel odd that we're climbing a bridge until we are back on the ground with a beer in hand thinking about what we have just done. Truly awesome.
Next day, Nicky comes out to Bondi and we go for a walk along the beach, and cliff tops to Bronte. Its a remarkable walk along the cliff tops with the mesmerising waves crashing in below on the rocks and surfers waiting for the wave of their dreams. Its beautiful all around here, with perfect weather for being outside, strolling, enjoying the scenery. Bondi has some great restaurants too, and we completely over-order at a gorgeous tapas restaurant opposite Trish's house. Sydney is fast becoming our favourite city on our trip, and thoughts turn to the inevitable, hmmm could we live here..? The answer is definitely YES.
Friday is another busy day, we're on the ferry to Manly in the morning, and the lingering blue skies mean that we get the beautiful photos of the Opera House and Harbour bridge that we had craved on our first day. Manly is a lovely little suburb, about 30 mins on the public ferry from downtown Sydney, and has another stunning beach. We take a walk around the bay to Shelley Beach which is a bit more protected so not so powerful waves knocking us over as in Bondi. Cant stay too long though, as we have to get home to change and the meet Trish and a few of her friends in the bar on the top floor of the Shangri La Hotel, for another amazing view of the harbour. Beautiful. After another great supper at the Lord Nelson pub, we've started the weekend off well...
Saturday is one of Trish's mates's birthday and he has chartered a boat to potter around the harbour for a few hours. Booze is cheap and the weather is once again perfect so we are in for a good day. It also seems that most of the guests used to live in Clapham at one time or another before heading down under mainly for a better climate. Even one of Trish's neighbours from the junction turns up. All very odd. There's sharks at large in the harbour, so we dont venture in for a swim, and anyway, the booze is too cheap not to make the most of it. After a late lunch in Wagamama, we head off to watch Mardi Gras. It just appears to be loads of people marching along the main street - we were expecting something similar to Notting Hill so are a bit non-plussed by it all Its a bit of a tearful goodbye to Nicky who decides to stay on and watch the rest of the parade, as we head off to Bondi junction to another party with Trish. Nicky is off to Adelaide in the morning, so its the last we will see of her until we get back to the UK. After a few more beers in the junction (its just like Clapham) we have to call it a night, when we cant find the next bar back in the city, and anyway, its been a good long session.
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