Saturday - again no plans - took my time getting up and then caught the bus to the city and updated my blog and caught up on my mail. Strolled down to 'The Rocks' where they hold an open air market on the weekends - none of your tack here - lots of craft stalls under canopies selling things from aboriginal jigsaws (Yes I was tempted) to hiring a Harley Davidson for the day. There were lots and lots of goodies to taste and I tried them all (fudge, jams, coated nuts). I nearly bought a huge strawberry covered in chocolate but at 1.50 each - I refrained.
I've got quite good at resisting the temptation to buy - I remind myself of the painting I bought in Nepal and the difficulty in packing it in the rucksack.
Also visited Cadman's cottage which was the cockswain's house built in 1816 and then I had an Aussie size (real) beefburger in a cafe overlooking the harbour.
Sunday Got up late again (I'm getting lazy) and it had been raining so instead of going for another walk to Mrs Macquirie's chair by the Botanic gardens I decided to visit the Aquarium at Darling Harbour. Found my money off voucher and off I went. Arrived to find that most of the tourists in Sydney had the same idea but I was not deterred and queued for a while to get in. It was better than I expected - loads and loads of fish, small penquins and views of the seals and sharks from under the water. I spent ages just mesmerised by the size of the sharks and the Stingrays and to look at them directly above you was something else.
Lunch at a Cocklebay wharf restarant - lasagne with a spinach and feta cheese salad was really nice and only cost a fiver.
Decided to pop into the internet on my way back so you're all up to date.
Nice to get a comment from you Phyllis - hope all is well.
Spoke to Rubes Dave and Ceri this week which was really great
Love to all
Sue xxx
Saturday, 30 August 2008
Friday, 29 August 2008
Friday - Blue Mountains tour
7.25am pick up from the hotel ny Michael the tour guide and driver - very nice man around my age who was funny, interesting and well informed with his commentary on things we passed, history of Sydney, the flora and fauna, and animals of Australia.
It was a small coach with only 20 people in the group so it was easy to chat to others.
First stop was the wildlife park where I held a lizard, got photographed with a koala, fed the kangaroos and saw a huge crocodile which I thought was fake until it moved it's mouth.. There were beautiful birds particularly the white and blue pheasant who displayed it's full plummage for us.
We then drove to a local park where Michael showed us the finer technique of boomerang throwing - AND 'my boomerang came back' - was well impressed and received a round of applause from the group.
On the way to the mountains we passed warning signs for Kangaroos crossing the roads and also a fire warning sign which showed the level of liklihood for bush fires - today it was Low - you;'ll be pleased to hear.
Got to the mountains and stopped for lunch at a motel - hot buffet which I wasn't expecting and the food was really good. Then on to Echo point and a view of the 3 sisters and the valleys below. Apparently the 3 sisters were turned to stone by their father who didn't want them mixing with some lads from another village - he had an accident and then couldn't turn them back. My photos can show the awesome (new word) views from the lookout point.
Off to the scenic world where we took the Skyway across the canyon, then took the scenic railway (bit like Alton towers) down the cliff face into the valley below. Walked through the woods, past a mine with all the history replicated and then under the rainforest canopy back to the cable car which brought us back to the top of the mountains.
Another drive to Govetts Leap where there were more spectacular views of the mountains, waterfall and valleys and then to Leura where there is an amzing candy shop - wall to wall and floor to ceiling full of sweets and chocolates - I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. We were running late so only a short stop at Leura (probably just as well) - it was a lovely village with lots of quaint shops and tea rooms.
Finally drove through the Olympic village and then to the ferry cruise on Matilda back to Circular Quay - what a full day. I'm exhausted just writing it all up and I'm sure there's things I'll have missed
Quiet day today!!
Love Sue
xxxxxxxxxxxx
It was a small coach with only 20 people in the group so it was easy to chat to others.
First stop was the wildlife park where I held a lizard, got photographed with a koala, fed the kangaroos and saw a huge crocodile which I thought was fake until it moved it's mouth.. There were beautiful birds particularly the white and blue pheasant who displayed it's full plummage for us.
We then drove to a local park where Michael showed us the finer technique of boomerang throwing - AND 'my boomerang came back' - was well impressed and received a round of applause from the group.
On the way to the mountains we passed warning signs for Kangaroos crossing the roads and also a fire warning sign which showed the level of liklihood for bush fires - today it was Low - you;'ll be pleased to hear.
Got to the mountains and stopped for lunch at a motel - hot buffet which I wasn't expecting and the food was really good. Then on to Echo point and a view of the 3 sisters and the valleys below. Apparently the 3 sisters were turned to stone by their father who didn't want them mixing with some lads from another village - he had an accident and then couldn't turn them back. My photos can show the awesome (new word) views from the lookout point.
Off to the scenic world where we took the Skyway across the canyon, then took the scenic railway (bit like Alton towers) down the cliff face into the valley below. Walked through the woods, past a mine with all the history replicated and then under the rainforest canopy back to the cable car which brought us back to the top of the mountains.
Another drive to Govetts Leap where there were more spectacular views of the mountains, waterfall and valleys and then to Leura where there is an amzing candy shop - wall to wall and floor to ceiling full of sweets and chocolates - I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. We were running late so only a short stop at Leura (probably just as well) - it was a lovely village with lots of quaint shops and tea rooms.
Finally drove through the Olympic village and then to the ferry cruise on Matilda back to Circular Quay - what a full day. I'm exhausted just writing it all up and I'm sure there's things I'll have missed
Quiet day today!!
Love Sue
xxxxxxxxxxxx
Thursday - Darling Harbour
Have my routine now - breakfast, library to load photos and then the bus into the city to see where it takes me. Have to go to woolies internet to update my blog and check email as the library has lots of restrictions on different sites.
Walked to Darling Harbour today where there is an Aquarium, Maritime museum and lots of cafes/restaurants like the waterfronts in Bristol and Cardiff Bay. It was nice to wander around and just sit on the boardwalk feeding the birds who come right up next to you - no fear.
Then went to the Chinese garden - a hint of the orient in the midst of the city. Again it was a lovely place but I imagine it is much nicer in the summer when the trees and flowers are in full bloom - it's only just springtime here so a lot of the trees are only just in bud and there is a crispness in the air even with the sun out.
Home earlier today as a full day on Friday - Blue Mountains tour.
See ya
Love Sue. xx
Walked to Darling Harbour today where there is an Aquarium, Maritime museum and lots of cafes/restaurants like the waterfronts in Bristol and Cardiff Bay. It was nice to wander around and just sit on the boardwalk feeding the birds who come right up next to you - no fear.
Then went to the Chinese garden - a hint of the orient in the midst of the city. Again it was a lovely place but I imagine it is much nicer in the summer when the trees and flowers are in full bloom - it's only just springtime here so a lot of the trees are only just in bud and there is a crispness in the air even with the sun out.
Home earlier today as a full day on Friday - Blue Mountains tour.
See ya
Love Sue. xx
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
The Bridge and Whale watching - Wednesday
Wasn't sure what I'd do today so I went to the visitors centre down on The Rocks to book a few trips. STill couldn't decide so just booked a day trip to the Blue mountains for Friday.
As the centre was near the bridge I decided to stroll up there to take a look at the view but ended going to the Pylon view building which tells you all about the construction of the bridge. It was started in 1924 and opened in 1932 - the workers had no safety harnesses and I read that one man fell into the water and survived - his boots split and ended up around his legs. AMazingly (that word again) ony 16 men died during the construction. Was good to see the harbour from so far up and to watch the walkers on the bridge doing the actual bridge climb
I walked back down to the harbour and met 'Captain Cook' of the cruise tours and started chatting with him - interesting man who knew England, Bristol and even guessed that I came from Newport - spooky. Anyway (I keep using that word as well) I asked him about the whale watching and the next thing I know I was on a boat crossing the harbour heading out to sea to look for whales.
The sea was really choppy but I kept a calm exterior as the boat literally 'jumped' over the waves and people around me were throwing up into the bags provided. I'm not the best where water is concerned but this was quite an exhilarating experience in a perverse sort of way. And worthwhile in the end as we spotted a humpbacked whale and tracked it until we got a relatively good view of it. They are migrating south but August is coming to the end of the migration so the whale trips will finish soon.
Was worn out again by the end of the day so popped into the local Thai restaurant for tea and then back to the hotel to put my feet up.
Maybe a quiet day tomorrow!!
Thanks for all the comments - really love hearing from you all. This leg is much more 'on my own' so good to know I still in touch with the world
Love Sue
As the centre was near the bridge I decided to stroll up there to take a look at the view but ended going to the Pylon view building which tells you all about the construction of the bridge. It was started in 1924 and opened in 1932 - the workers had no safety harnesses and I read that one man fell into the water and survived - his boots split and ended up around his legs. AMazingly (that word again) ony 16 men died during the construction. Was good to see the harbour from so far up and to watch the walkers on the bridge doing the actual bridge climb
I walked back down to the harbour and met 'Captain Cook' of the cruise tours and started chatting with him - interesting man who knew England, Bristol and even guessed that I came from Newport - spooky. Anyway (I keep using that word as well) I asked him about the whale watching and the next thing I know I was on a boat crossing the harbour heading out to sea to look for whales.
The sea was really choppy but I kept a calm exterior as the boat literally 'jumped' over the waves and people around me were throwing up into the bags provided. I'm not the best where water is concerned but this was quite an exhilarating experience in a perverse sort of way. And worthwhile in the end as we spotted a humpbacked whale and tracked it until we got a relatively good view of it. They are migrating south but August is coming to the end of the migration so the whale trips will finish soon.
Was worn out again by the end of the day so popped into the local Thai restaurant for tea and then back to the hotel to put my feet up.
Maybe a quiet day tomorrow!!
Thanks for all the comments - really love hearing from you all. This leg is much more 'on my own' so good to know I still in touch with the world
Love Sue
Queen Victoria Building & Hyde Park
Tuesday - Thought I'd go and investigate the Queen Victoria Building which turned out to be an amzing shopping mall. The interior had all the original windows and architecture and the shops were all in keeping with the style. I know I keep using the word amzing but for Dave and Laura who like their labels, this was a shoppers paradise - Dior Versace Ralph Lauren Jiigsaw Gucci and many many more. There were at least 3 floors of tasteful shops and restaurants, which were great for window shopping - certainly not boring - there was even a grand piano on one of the floors.
Off then to Hyde Park to see the convict barracks and the Anzac war memorial. Sydney seems to have a big affiliation to the UK and LOndon - there are loads of monuments of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert - even streets named after them and many more streets with the same names as London. I even went in to a huge woolworths that sold fresh food (veg etc) - more like an Asda than Woolies. It even has a massive internet cafe where I could do the blog and check mail.
Back at the hotel - picked up my laundry from the chinese laundry down the road and picked up fish and chips for tea.
Off then to Hyde Park to see the convict barracks and the Anzac war memorial. Sydney seems to have a big affiliation to the UK and LOndon - there are loads of monuments of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert - even streets named after them and many more streets with the same names as London. I even went in to a huge woolworths that sold fresh food (veg etc) - more like an Asda than Woolies. It even has a massive internet cafe where I could do the blog and check mail.
Back at the hotel - picked up my laundry from the chinese laundry down the road and picked up fish and chips for tea.
Monday, 25 August 2008
Sydney Opera House & Botanic Gardens
After a good nights sleep I went back to the harbour to do some sight seeing properly. Got on the bus with my cheap rate ticket and was down at the harbour in no time. Listened to an aboriginal man playing his digereedoo. He seemed to be naked except for some white body paint and a strategically placed yellow cloth. I could have posed for a photo with him but there were too many in the crowd to risk entrusting my camera to one. I am getting very trusting though with my camera - the form is - I ask them if they would like me to take a photo of them (the japanese are usually a good bet) and then I ask them to take one of me.
Walked along the circular quay and stopped for lunch at Rossini's - a nice Italian restaurant with views of the Bridge. Had chicken crepes and vegetables which was lovely and far too much for me and then I wandered to the Opera House. It is an amazing structure and the views of the harbour and the bridge are much better close up. I was going to book to have High tea which comes with an opera singer but at 140 dollars (70 pounds) I thought it was a bit OTT.
After the Opera house I strolled through the Botanic gardens next door. As I stood at a small bridge (built in 1819) a big 'bird' flew over and when I looked up I saw that it that it was a fruit bat and the trees were full of them and I mean loads and loads of them in all the surrounding trees. So when you look at the latest photos and wonder what you're looking at - now you know it's bats hanging from the branches.
Suddenly my day was gone and again I had walked my socks off. Time to catch the bus back and have a nice cuppa, put my feet up and watch a bit of TV.
By the way - it's sooooooo goooooood to have a decent cup of tea/coffee with real milk - can get my calcium levels back up.
Love Sue xxxxxxxxxxx
Walked along the circular quay and stopped for lunch at Rossini's - a nice Italian restaurant with views of the Bridge. Had chicken crepes and vegetables which was lovely and far too much for me and then I wandered to the Opera House. It is an amazing structure and the views of the harbour and the bridge are much better close up. I was going to book to have High tea which comes with an opera singer but at 140 dollars (70 pounds) I thought it was a bit OTT.
After the Opera house I strolled through the Botanic gardens next door. As I stood at a small bridge (built in 1819) a big 'bird' flew over and when I looked up I saw that it that it was a fruit bat and the trees were full of them and I mean loads and loads of them in all the surrounding trees. So when you look at the latest photos and wonder what you're looking at - now you know it's bats hanging from the branches.
Suddenly my day was gone and again I had walked my socks off. Time to catch the bus back and have a nice cuppa, put my feet up and watch a bit of TV.
By the way - it's sooooooo goooooood to have a decent cup of tea/coffee with real milk - can get my calcium levels back up.
Love Sue xxxxxxxxxxx
Sunday, 24 August 2008
Hello Sydney
It was a 9 hour flight and arrived at 11.40 OZ time (9hours ahead of UK) As we approached the airstrip I could see the Opera house and the Bridge - they looked smaller than I imagined. The the plane landed and the airstrip was right next to a strip of water and then it crossed over a main road as I could see the cars driving down into an underpass. - Bizarre again!!
The taxi to my hotel was costly and the hotel I booked didn't appear brilliant as a first impression but now I've settled in (and faffed) have decided it will do for the moment - it's clean, not too expensive and is located in a community type location. I got internet access this morning in the library - it cost 1 dollar to join and internet access is free so I'm now a fully fledged member of the community. There's a launderette close by and lots of shops and places to eat. The bus stop is right outside the hotel and I've bought my cheap ticket so I can get around easily - much cheaper than taxis.
Sydney is probably a lot like london and yesterday I walked from the hotel all the way to the harbour where the Opera house and Sydney bridge are. It took me about an hour but I got to get a feel for the place even though my little legs were somewhat tired by the time I got back. There I was in my thin trousers and t-shirt wondering why everyone else had jumpers and their coats on - it was a sunny day but as I walked on I realised how cold it actually was compared to Thailand. I swiftly bought a hooded top at a cost of 3 pounds so a bargain and a life saver.
I also popped into the 4 seasons hotel which looked very grand to see if they had any cheap rooms - I could get a suite that overlooked the harbour sights for 500 dollars (250 pound per night) - Decided to pass
On route I stopped to listen to the Salvation army playing and then saw a statue of Queen Victoria. The Opera house and Bridge are quite a sight and I've explored them today but will tell you about that in my next blog.
Was very tired at the end of the day but had a look at some of the information I picked up - there's loads to see and do but I'll have to plan my days.
Laura - meant to mention that this is shoppers paradise - thousands of shops and lots of designer stuff - very much like London.
That's all for now. I'm sure I won't be bored here - broke but not bored - its definitely London prices here
Love Sue.xx
The taxi to my hotel was costly and the hotel I booked didn't appear brilliant as a first impression but now I've settled in (and faffed) have decided it will do for the moment - it's clean, not too expensive and is located in a community type location. I got internet access this morning in the library - it cost 1 dollar to join and internet access is free so I'm now a fully fledged member of the community. There's a launderette close by and lots of shops and places to eat. The bus stop is right outside the hotel and I've bought my cheap ticket so I can get around easily - much cheaper than taxis.
Sydney is probably a lot like london and yesterday I walked from the hotel all the way to the harbour where the Opera house and Sydney bridge are. It took me about an hour but I got to get a feel for the place even though my little legs were somewhat tired by the time I got back. There I was in my thin trousers and t-shirt wondering why everyone else had jumpers and their coats on - it was a sunny day but as I walked on I realised how cold it actually was compared to Thailand. I swiftly bought a hooded top at a cost of 3 pounds so a bargain and a life saver.
I also popped into the 4 seasons hotel which looked very grand to see if they had any cheap rooms - I could get a suite that overlooked the harbour sights for 500 dollars (250 pound per night) - Decided to pass
On route I stopped to listen to the Salvation army playing and then saw a statue of Queen Victoria. The Opera house and Bridge are quite a sight and I've explored them today but will tell you about that in my next blog.
Was very tired at the end of the day but had a look at some of the information I picked up - there's loads to see and do but I'll have to plan my days.
Laura - meant to mention that this is shoppers paradise - thousands of shops and lots of designer stuff - very much like London.
That's all for now. I'm sure I won't be bored here - broke but not bored - its definitely London prices here
Love Sue.xx
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