Sydney
After a few relaxing days it was time to buckle up and head
to Sydney for four nights. The drive down from Nelsons Bay was pretty full on
with the freeway being quite busy but with very picturesque waterways,
beautiful wide rivers and enormous lakes along the Central Coast.
On arriving in Sydney we parked the van in one of the nicest
locations and cheapest parks we have
found and only 15 min from the city. We had arranged to stay with Jim’s old school
mate John Dillon and his family in nearby Riverview so we quickly got organised
and headed for the city. After catching
a train towards the bridge we got off and walked across the iconic
structure and did a quick tour of the
rocks area. On arriving at John’s we were
warmly welcomed by Michelle, Abbey, Jack and Billy the wonder dog. The Morcom boys were back in the presence another boy to
change the dynamics and toys. We all enjoyed a bit of space being out of the van. A good
night followed with Jim and John catching up after a very long time.
On Saturday John drove us to Bondi showing us the sights on
the way there and back. At Bondi we
walked around the headland to Bronte and back. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t suitable for
a swim on the beach but Jim swam half a kilometre in the Bondi baths because it
was ‘ what you need to do’ in Bondi, before we enjoyed lunch at the Bondi RSL Club.
On Bondi heading for Bronte beach
On Saturday night we caught up with Colin and Joan Gorman
and some of their family in Artarmon. Col and Joan are long time family friends
and lived in Jeparit before moving to Sydney many years ago. Jim last visited them as a 12 year old in 1977.
Chrissy had met them once – at our wedding in Perth in 1992 – the last time we
had both seen them. It was great to see them and they both looked
great for their age. Many stories were
shared and emotional speeches given.
Sunday involved another walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and around the Opera House, which together are
amazing sights to see. We then caught the ferry to Manly where we had
a picnic on the beach with John and Michelle and kids, Michelle’s parents and
Tony Flynn, another school mate of Jim and John’s who lives in Sydney. The beach
was busy, with plenty of people and wild conditions. Half of the beach was closed
off due to strong currents so we had a
swim between the flags.
Street theatre at Circular Quay
Sadly on Monday it was time to bid the Dillion’s farewell. We all enjoyed their company and kind
hospitality – we headed back to the van park for our last night in Sydney. During the day we walked through Hyde Park,
with it’s huge walkways and superb trees, visited the magnificent St Mary’s Cathedral and the World War One
memorial. We then went to Chinatown and had a Yum Cha lunch which was an
experience. From the moment we walked in we were bombarded with delicious
dumplings, spring rolls and all sorts of goodies. Highlights were the mango
pancakes, the spicy bbq pork and the prawn dumplings. At the end we were very
well fed and having no idea of the cost etc a little lighter in the pocket than
expected, but it was lots of fun! Kurt
developed a taste for Chinese tea, and
Jordy was pleasantly surprised at loving the flavours of such unusual
food. What a great cultural experience
Sydney has been!
The colours of Hyde Park
Sadly on Tuesday we move on to the Nation’s Capital. We have had a great time in Sydney and have
left plenty of things to do when we return, which won’t be long.
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