A bit of Aussie History

 Rain was forecast yesterday so we decided to get a bit of culture by visiting the Anzac memorial and Hyde Park Barracks convict museum. Both were fascinating to a history buff like Dawn. 

The hammock room included 70 hammocks where men slept and were bitten by rats all night (the remains of which were included in the exhibits eww) 

We also went to the QVB shopping mall but didn’t actually go into any shops, tea there next time. 

And it didn’t rain! 

A former Watson and Watson’s Harbour

 

Very unexpected and exciting early meet up with these lovely people today for a cosy tea and scone, glad we made their Sydney lay over a bit more bearable.

Number one in the chowder challenge is Doyle’s on the Beach, Watson’s Bay. Delicious seafood with a fabulous view. Will we find one to beat it? Watch this space as we’ll definitely try! 

Spent the rest of the day walking around Watson’s Bay, beautiful place. 

Smashing view of the Opera House from the ferry on the way back to Sydney. 

Bridge Climb and Darling Harbour Crush

 Whilst Tim climbed the famous bridge Dawn went around The Rocks markets where there were some interesting foods on offer! 

Today’s tipple, choc n cherry negroni - yum!

We got into a crush of people at  the drone show where D showed her true Yorkshire spirit by telling off a young woman trying to push through the crowd, her parting shot being, “get yer big lips over there!” Oops! 

Dinner was delicious! Top crust chowder! 

 

NRL Preliminary final Storm vs Sharks

Only Storm fan in Sydney!

We had a quiet day today in preparation for tonight’s big game. We were going to watch in a pub but don’t think Tim could stand the pressure of being literally the only Storm fan in Sydney. He had a shirt delivered to the apartment and the concierges threatened to chuck it in the bin! 

Today’s fact, the aforementioned Barangaroo once broke her husband’s spear in half because he sucked  up to the colonising British ! 

Ferry to Manley

 

Took the fast ferry to Manly today. Put our big pants on and swam in the sea. Fell in love with this place.

Gorgeous journey back in the evening sunshine.

Today’s fast fact, Turkeys stroll on the beach at cabbage patch bay and have a good look in people’s belongings for goodies (definitely not cranberry sauce).

25 degrees and sunny

 Today’s fast facts…

Aussie pharmacies sell udder cream for new mothers (how to make them feel less bovine?)

Restaurants on circular quay employ a doggie patrol to ward off marauding seagulls.

You shouldn’t wear rimless spectacles in a very hot sauna because they get damaged beyond repair!

Pics of Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park, Botanic Gardens, Opera House and Harbour Bridge and lunch with enormous prawns.

 We were a tad overdressed today for brits (not for Aussies) the sun shone brightly on our walk around, Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour, Barangaroo and Marrinawi Cove.  Barangaroo takes its name from Barangaroo, a powerful Cammeraygal woman and leader of the Eora Nation who believe/d that when you walk on the land you leave a part of yourself behind. So Tim has left a bit of his snazzy new, New Balance trainers (wide fitting) along their path. Of course there were the obligatory stops for wine and cocktails along the way. Our final destination today was Coles supermarket for supplies. 

Tim has also spent a large amount of time researching pubs to watch the NRL game in without annoying the locals who support the opposing team! 

And they’re off!

After a taxi ride through torrential rain on a flooded M62 we spent the night at Manchester Airport drinking champers (thanks kids)/then very early on Sunday we boarded our first flight. Great start 3 seats to share, great food and the odd Singapore Sling (obvs).  Our 2nd flight from Singapore after a lovely walk in the butterfly garden at Changi wasn’t so great… a problem with air con caused a delay, phew it was hot!, thunderstorms caused a delay in landing and then a fight in the next room at our hotel meant we needed to change rooms but we’re here now and ready for our adventure to hegin…
 

It's all getting very real...