Sydney

I am again seriously contemplating hiring myself out as a rainmaker. At first it was flattering that Melbourne was so unhappy at my leaving. It was less of an honour to have Sydney show the same weather as a welcome, but what can you do?

Sydney 01

My cousin Kenneth flew in from Toronto to spend the week in Sydney, and I do believe he is the only person I know who would fly so far for a short holiday! We visited the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, watched some of the Mardi Gras spectacle, found great little Asian restaurants, relaxed at Bondi beach, and chilled at Vibe hotel after Kenneth decided that hostel life just wasn't doing it for him. I think there was a grand total of two sunny days in the week, and fortunately they coincided with my beach days. While Kenneth explored the City, I took the ferry out to Manly and set off on a 10 km coastal walk there (to The Spit). Before I left Melbourne, my friend Anna had said that was the best thing she did in Sydney, and I could certainly see why. It was beautiful. I enjoyed the walk and, even more, my little siesta at Castle Rock beach midway through. Wondered for perhaps the millionth time why my ancestors chose to stop at the prairies...

Sydney 02

On Saturday morning, Kenneth and I said our goodbyes, and Ali picked me up to head to the Blue Mountains for a few days (see Blue Mountains entry). After my abseiling adventure, I went back to city life and clean laundry (yay!). I've been staying with Ali, and it's been great to catch up again.

And now, here I am on the NSW Central Coast, visiting with "the ladies" Julie and I met in Kakadu. Have been hearing about Pauline's new project helping disabled people to surf and Viola's trip to India. Pauline and Viola have a knack for spoiling me, and I must say, I do enjoy it! Tonight we went for dinner with Sarah (Viola's daughter) and Luke (Pauline's son) at Cafe La Soul (Pauline's daughter's restaurant), and it was absolutely lovely. You can't beat an evening filled with good company, good food, and good wine!

Sydney 03

* * * *

Back to Sydney, and the rain even held off for once. I went for coffees, wrote in my sorely neglected travel journal, lazed in the sunny harbourfront park near Ali's place. For my last night in Australia, we met up with a couple of Ali's friends at the Opera Bar--not a bad spot!! Thought it would be fitting to have a pie or an Aussie burger or some such thing for dinner, but instead of forcing Ali to Harry's Cafe de Wheels (again), we opted for mussels at the Belgian Beer Garden. Yum. Then, after a scenic ride down the freeway (having caught the wrong bus), Ali and I capped off the night by polishing off the better part of a packet of tim tams. Ah, tim tams...

Sydney 04

For the grand finale, Ali took me to the beach this morning before my flight. I don't know if Sydneysiders realize how lucky they are to be so close to the beach, but they should! And then, it was off to the airport. Goodbyes, and promises to keep in touch, and suddenly I was on the plane. The sky was pretty clear most of the flight, so I looked out the window at the red desert, watching for my last glimpse of Australia. And that was it, my year in Oz. A tremendous year.

Sydney 05

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