Monday, November 30, 2009
Day 9
This morning had another new addition to our normal routine. Jen made blueberry pancakes! They were so delicious!
Today Leslie and I were going to explore Darling Harbour. It was one of the areas on our double-decker red bus tour that we really liked and it seemed that there were quite a few places that we could go. Rob and Jen were going to run some errands in town, so after dropping Jen off at her stop, Rob dropped Les and I off in Darling Harbour.
The first stop was the Sydney Aquarium. We spent what was about two hours there before we went to the nearby Maritime Museum. After the museum and opting out of an IMAX movie, it was $30, we went to the Chinese Gardens. We both decided to do the audio tour at the Chinese Gardens, but after Les somehow kept playing the conclusion of the tour (even though we were at the beginning of the tour) and realizing the guy on the recording talked way too much, we shut ‘em off.
Hunger was starting to set in after the Chinese Gardens, so we stopped at a nearby place called “Pump House” were we had tapas and shared a steak sandwich. The last stop of the day in the Harbour was the Powerhouse Museum. Rated one of the top 10 things to do in Sydney, it turned out to be a pretty cool place with a lot of interactive exhibits. We went through the museum at a fairly decent pace since we only had about an hour and a half to see what we could before they closed. One of the highlights was when we got split up and each decided it was best to stay put in case the other walked by. We were each waiting for each other on opposite ends of an exhibit for about 15 minutes. Ha!
After the museum, we took a ride on the monorail system that connects Darling Harbour and the downtown area. We took one loop all the way around before getting off at a stop where we knew we could catch a bus home. The rest of the day was a typical evening in Bronte, accompanied by “Bad Boys 2”. I love that movie!
Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha goin’ do, whatcha goin’ do when they come for you?
Today Leslie and I were going to explore Darling Harbour. It was one of the areas on our double-decker red bus tour that we really liked and it seemed that there were quite a few places that we could go. Rob and Jen were going to run some errands in town, so after dropping Jen off at her stop, Rob dropped Les and I off in Darling Harbour.
The first stop was the Sydney Aquarium. We spent what was about two hours there before we went to the nearby Maritime Museum. After the museum and opting out of an IMAX movie, it was $30, we went to the Chinese Gardens. We both decided to do the audio tour at the Chinese Gardens, but after Les somehow kept playing the conclusion of the tour (even though we were at the beginning of the tour) and realizing the guy on the recording talked way too much, we shut ‘em off.
Hunger was starting to set in after the Chinese Gardens, so we stopped at a nearby place called “Pump House” were we had tapas and shared a steak sandwich. The last stop of the day in the Harbour was the Powerhouse Museum. Rated one of the top 10 things to do in Sydney, it turned out to be a pretty cool place with a lot of interactive exhibits. We went through the museum at a fairly decent pace since we only had about an hour and a half to see what we could before they closed. One of the highlights was when we got split up and each decided it was best to stay put in case the other walked by. We were each waiting for each other on opposite ends of an exhibit for about 15 minutes. Ha!
After the museum, we took a ride on the monorail system that connects Darling Harbour and the downtown area. We took one loop all the way around before getting off at a stop where we knew we could catch a bus home. The rest of the day was a typical evening in Bronte, accompanied by “Bad Boys 2”. I love that movie!
Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha goin’ do, whatcha goin’ do when they come for you?
Day 8
Thanks to Des and Coca-Cola, we have free passes to go to the Zoo today. The Taronga Zoo is one of the top 10 things to do in Sydney per my guidebook, so I’m excited that we have a chance to see it. Let alone see it for free. Thanks Des and Coca-Cola!
Rob has the day off today, so he was able to join us. We hit the road and made a quick stop in Circular Quay and the Coca-Cola offices so we could pick up the pass that Des left for us at the front desk. With pass in hand, we hit the road realizing that we have no idea how to even get to the Zoo. Jen looked up directions quickly on her iPhone and we were at the Zoo before we knew it. The neighborhood we had to drive through to get to the Zoo, Mosman, is apparently one of the nicer suburbs of Sydney. It has some nice, big house to admire. We didn’t want to pay for parking at the Zoo, so we parked in front of one of the nice houses and walked just a few blocks to the Zoo entrance.
We stopped at the info booth once inside the Zoo to get an idea for the best areas to hit, and the best order to hit them in. We were able to see just about all of them. We saw the Australian animals, the primates, and Wild Asia among others. We were also able to catch the Sea Lion Show and the Bird Show. I’m still amazed that the birds in the show were as well trained as they were. They were allowed to fly freely and not a single one of them tried to make a break for the open air outside of the Zoo. In addition to the exhibits and great shows, the Zoo had some amazing views of the Harbour and Sydney. With the view behind them, it sometimes looked as if the animals were in the city itself.
We left the Zoo after a few hours so we could back to Bronte in time for Rob and Jen’s touch rugby game tonight. The activity at the field was pretty standard once we got there. People were warming up, some games were already in progress, and some people were still arriving. Unfortunately for the Playerz, they didn’t play to well today. The other team was playing so well, I was almost hoping that there was a mercy rule in rugby. It was hard to watch sometimes. The highlight of the game was the woman that Leslie and I have dubbed “Red Hat Number 4”. She had to be the most negative masked in positive person I have ever seen. She was calling people off of the field and telling them to sub out, along with trying to send Jen back into the game only a few seconds after Jen had come out. Red Hat had been sitting on the sidelines for quite some time and could have, and should have, gone in herself. After the game she called a team meeting and started to go into all this stuff about teamwork, etc. It was such BS that Leslie and I had to turn around every time she started to talk. I was thinking to myself, “I reject you and your masked negativity! Woo Saa!”. While Red Hat Number 4 was giving her speech, Leslie and I decided that it was too cold to stick around, so we went back to the apartment.
After about thirty minutes in the apartment, Rob and Jen came home with Des and T.O. in tow. T.O. is a teammate of theirs. The five of us had what has become our typical night at home. Good conversation, food, beer, and wine on the patio. Tonight, we had the addition of some yummy dumplings. Shortly after Des and T.O. left, we were all getting ready for bed.
Rob has the day off today, so he was able to join us. We hit the road and made a quick stop in Circular Quay and the Coca-Cola offices so we could pick up the pass that Des left for us at the front desk. With pass in hand, we hit the road realizing that we have no idea how to even get to the Zoo. Jen looked up directions quickly on her iPhone and we were at the Zoo before we knew it. The neighborhood we had to drive through to get to the Zoo, Mosman, is apparently one of the nicer suburbs of Sydney. It has some nice, big house to admire. We didn’t want to pay for parking at the Zoo, so we parked in front of one of the nice houses and walked just a few blocks to the Zoo entrance.
We stopped at the info booth once inside the Zoo to get an idea for the best areas to hit, and the best order to hit them in. We were able to see just about all of them. We saw the Australian animals, the primates, and Wild Asia among others. We were also able to catch the Sea Lion Show and the Bird Show. I’m still amazed that the birds in the show were as well trained as they were. They were allowed to fly freely and not a single one of them tried to make a break for the open air outside of the Zoo. In addition to the exhibits and great shows, the Zoo had some amazing views of the Harbour and Sydney. With the view behind them, it sometimes looked as if the animals were in the city itself.
We left the Zoo after a few hours so we could back to Bronte in time for Rob and Jen’s touch rugby game tonight. The activity at the field was pretty standard once we got there. People were warming up, some games were already in progress, and some people were still arriving. Unfortunately for the Playerz, they didn’t play to well today. The other team was playing so well, I was almost hoping that there was a mercy rule in rugby. It was hard to watch sometimes. The highlight of the game was the woman that Leslie and I have dubbed “Red Hat Number 4”. She had to be the most negative masked in positive person I have ever seen. She was calling people off of the field and telling them to sub out, along with trying to send Jen back into the game only a few seconds after Jen had come out. Red Hat had been sitting on the sidelines for quite some time and could have, and should have, gone in herself. After the game she called a team meeting and started to go into all this stuff about teamwork, etc. It was such BS that Leslie and I had to turn around every time she started to talk. I was thinking to myself, “I reject you and your masked negativity! Woo Saa!”. While Red Hat Number 4 was giving her speech, Leslie and I decided that it was too cold to stick around, so we went back to the apartment.
After about thirty minutes in the apartment, Rob and Jen came home with Des and T.O. in tow. T.O. is a teammate of theirs. The five of us had what has become our typical night at home. Good conversation, food, beer, and wine on the patio. Tonight, we had the addition of some yummy dumplings. Shortly after Des and T.O. left, we were all getting ready for bed.
Day 7
We had another typical morning in Bronte, but with an addition to our crew. Des stayed over last night and was now a part of our morning fun. Everyone made their breakfast, except for Des who I cooked for, and we talked about what we were going to do today.
Leslie and I have wanted to go to the northern suburbs of Sydney and check out the Manly Beach area. Luckily enough, Des lives in Manly Beach and said she would drive us all out there so we could go to the beach. We hopped in the car, a VW Golf (which everyone seems to have out here), and made our way to Manly. We stopped quickly at Desiree’s apartment so she could drop off and pick up a few things and then made the walk down to Manly Beach via The Corso. The Corso is like a small strip of stores, shops, and food places that line the walk to the beach. Almost like a promenade. The girls wanted to stop at a deli to pick up some lunch/picnic items for the beach, but I was anxious to try a fish and chips place that was recommended by my guide book. It had a list of the Top 10 Cheap Eats in Manly, and one of the top 5 was a fish and chips place that was on The Corso. While the girls were in the deli getting their food, I made my way next door to a souvenir shop to pick up a hat. My face can not take anymore sun! After a few more steps down The Corso, we reached the fish and chips place where I stepped in and got my meal. Now it’s off to the beach, which is simply across the street!
Apparently there is a big rivalry here between people who live in the northern and eastern suburbs over who has the better beaches. The beaches in the east tend to be a little short in width and large in depth. Manly, in the north, was large in width and small in depth. In being a person that much prefers quality over quantity, I had to let Des know that I was siding with the residents in the eastern suburbs in what I have dubbed the Beach Wars. We found a spot at the beach, ate our food (my fish and chips were not that great), and had a typical day at the beach.
When we were all done soaking up the sun, we made our way back down The Corso with a quick stop at Coles to pick up groceries for the BBQ we’re going to have when we get back to the apartment. Des decided that she is going to come back to Bronte with us for the BBQ and then stay over again.
After a quick drive back over the Harbour Bridge, we are back in Bronte. We BBQ’d and had a nice dinner on the patio. Rob ate with us and then had to leave to work a late job breaking down the stage for the Pearl Jam concert that was in town tonight. Once we were all done, we settled into the living room to watch “The Last House on the Left”. Good movie. With everyone now on the edge of our seats and disturbing images in our heads, we hit the sack.
Leslie and I have wanted to go to the northern suburbs of Sydney and check out the Manly Beach area. Luckily enough, Des lives in Manly Beach and said she would drive us all out there so we could go to the beach. We hopped in the car, a VW Golf (which everyone seems to have out here), and made our way to Manly. We stopped quickly at Desiree’s apartment so she could drop off and pick up a few things and then made the walk down to Manly Beach via The Corso. The Corso is like a small strip of stores, shops, and food places that line the walk to the beach. Almost like a promenade. The girls wanted to stop at a deli to pick up some lunch/picnic items for the beach, but I was anxious to try a fish and chips place that was recommended by my guide book. It had a list of the Top 10 Cheap Eats in Manly, and one of the top 5 was a fish and chips place that was on The Corso. While the girls were in the deli getting their food, I made my way next door to a souvenir shop to pick up a hat. My face can not take anymore sun! After a few more steps down The Corso, we reached the fish and chips place where I stepped in and got my meal. Now it’s off to the beach, which is simply across the street!
Apparently there is a big rivalry here between people who live in the northern and eastern suburbs over who has the better beaches. The beaches in the east tend to be a little short in width and large in depth. Manly, in the north, was large in width and small in depth. In being a person that much prefers quality over quantity, I had to let Des know that I was siding with the residents in the eastern suburbs in what I have dubbed the Beach Wars. We found a spot at the beach, ate our food (my fish and chips were not that great), and had a typical day at the beach.
When we were all done soaking up the sun, we made our way back down The Corso with a quick stop at Coles to pick up groceries for the BBQ we’re going to have when we get back to the apartment. Des decided that she is going to come back to Bronte with us for the BBQ and then stay over again.
After a quick drive back over the Harbour Bridge, we are back in Bronte. We BBQ’d and had a nice dinner on the patio. Rob ate with us and then had to leave to work a late job breaking down the stage for the Pearl Jam concert that was in town tonight. Once we were all done, we settled into the living room to watch “The Last House on the Left”. Good movie. With everyone now on the edge of our seats and disturbing images in our heads, we hit the sack.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Day 6
It’s another basic morning in Bronte. I love them. No rushing to get out the door or anything like that. Just wake up when you wake up and enjoy your morning. Rob and Jen are out the door before Leslie and I once again since he has to go to work and Jen is going to use the morning to get some errands done for the big housewarming party that they are having tonight.
Leslie and I decided that we were going to spend the day in Kings Cross. The travel book that I brought along with me has a few sections dedicated to the different areas on the outskirts of Sydney, along with morning/afternoon walks that you can do in them. We make our way out the door and stop at the Friendly Store, it’s actual name, to get a few bottles of water for what we can already tell will be another hot day. After making our purchase and asking the counter lady how much the bus was going to be, we just took it yesterday and still don’t remember, she starts to tell us about single tickets, multi tickets, etc. One would swear that we were presented with the question of what the meaning of life is. We went back and forth providing reasons why we should or shouldn’t get a day pass, weekly pass, etc. We finally decided on the single ride and made our way out the door pleasantly surprised that the lady at the Friendly Store was actually friendly, which Leslie got to experience more of since she had to go back in the store due to forgetting her bus ticket on the counter. Ha!
We caught the bus to Bondi Junction again so we could take the City Rail to Kings Cross. We ended up taking the 360 this time in lieu of the 378, and unlike the counter lady at the Friendly Store, the bus driver was anything but friendly. He needs to get over whatever his deal is.
Beginning at the El Alamein Fountain, as the book suggests, we make our way down Macleay Street, which becomes the red light district at night, and made our way down Greenknowe Avenue and then Ithaca Road. Ithaca Road leaded us to Beare Park, where we had a great view of another area of the Harbour and a bunch of sail boats and yachts that were hanging out. Making our way back up Ithaca Road and turning onto Billyard Avenue, we passed the Del Rio, which is one of a few Californian Spanish Mission buildings that are in the area. After passing the Del Rio, the Elizabeth Bay House was the next stop (http://www.hht.net.au/museums/ebh). Leslie didn’t want to go in, so she stayed outside and explored a little bit while I went inside to walk around the house, which is now a museum. It was a nice, with the exception of the Cellars. I didn’t stay in them long since no one else was down there and I was a little spooked. Don’t laugh. You would have been too.
I met back up with Leslie and we had a quick laugh over my quick exit from the Cellars and then continued our walking tour of the ‘hood, which now has us going up some steps back up to Macleay Street. The next stop on the walk is lunch at Yellow Bistro. It was delicious. We had the potato gnocchi and an iced chocolate. Our server was great, and it turned out to be his first day on the job. We would have had no idea. After pegging us as tourists, due to the guide book, shorts, t-shirt, and backpack, we struck up a conversation. It turns out that he will be going on his first trip to the US soon. After a quick chat and payment of the bill, he offers up some advice on what we should do in the area, but it turns out that we already did it. Ha! Thanks anyway, and have a great trip to DC and New York when you go.
We continue the rest of our walk, get lost, and question the person who wrote this little walking tour that we are on. Why would they send tourists down a back alley way of parking garages? The rest of the walk isn’t going to go by much anyway, so we skip to the end and head to Bourbon for an end of tour drink that the book suggests before heading back to Bronte via City Rail and bus.
Back in Bronte, we meet Des, who is one of Rob’s friends from University. I was impressed by the fact that she knew so much about us and what we had done on our trip thus far, but this was the first time she was showing face. She asks if Leslie and I want to go for a swim. We both say no, but offer to take the walk with her. A quick walk to Des does not translate into a quick walk for others. The three of us walked down to Clovelly Beach where Des swam and Leslie and I lounged, before Les subsequently fell asleep on the concrete. After a brief swim, Des was ready to go back to the apartment, much to the relief of Leslie and I. We were both a little worried that we weren’t going to be able to be cleaned and ready in time for the party.
Showered and dress, it’s time for the housewarming party to start. Throughout the night we meet Whitey (hilarious), David (Whitey’s husband), Charlie (the happiest baby in the world), Becky (who also has a Vespa), and Angeline (who says she can get us behind the scenes at the zoo when we go), amongst many others. Everyone at the party was nice, heard of our arrival, was nice to meet, and had plenty of suggestions of what we should do while we are here. It’s now about one in the morning and people are gone, but those that matter remain with beers in hand. Myself, Leslie, Rob, Jen, and our new BFF Des are now on the patio and have begun our boys versus girls Catch Phrase competition. The girls won.
Leslie and I decided that we were going to spend the day in Kings Cross. The travel book that I brought along with me has a few sections dedicated to the different areas on the outskirts of Sydney, along with morning/afternoon walks that you can do in them. We make our way out the door and stop at the Friendly Store, it’s actual name, to get a few bottles of water for what we can already tell will be another hot day. After making our purchase and asking the counter lady how much the bus was going to be, we just took it yesterday and still don’t remember, she starts to tell us about single tickets, multi tickets, etc. One would swear that we were presented with the question of what the meaning of life is. We went back and forth providing reasons why we should or shouldn’t get a day pass, weekly pass, etc. We finally decided on the single ride and made our way out the door pleasantly surprised that the lady at the Friendly Store was actually friendly, which Leslie got to experience more of since she had to go back in the store due to forgetting her bus ticket on the counter. Ha!
We caught the bus to Bondi Junction again so we could take the City Rail to Kings Cross. We ended up taking the 360 this time in lieu of the 378, and unlike the counter lady at the Friendly Store, the bus driver was anything but friendly. He needs to get over whatever his deal is.
Beginning at the El Alamein Fountain, as the book suggests, we make our way down Macleay Street, which becomes the red light district at night, and made our way down Greenknowe Avenue and then Ithaca Road. Ithaca Road leaded us to Beare Park, where we had a great view of another area of the Harbour and a bunch of sail boats and yachts that were hanging out. Making our way back up Ithaca Road and turning onto Billyard Avenue, we passed the Del Rio, which is one of a few Californian Spanish Mission buildings that are in the area. After passing the Del Rio, the Elizabeth Bay House was the next stop (http://www.hht.net.au/museums/ebh). Leslie didn’t want to go in, so she stayed outside and explored a little bit while I went inside to walk around the house, which is now a museum. It was a nice, with the exception of the Cellars. I didn’t stay in them long since no one else was down there and I was a little spooked. Don’t laugh. You would have been too.
I met back up with Leslie and we had a quick laugh over my quick exit from the Cellars and then continued our walking tour of the ‘hood, which now has us going up some steps back up to Macleay Street. The next stop on the walk is lunch at Yellow Bistro. It was delicious. We had the potato gnocchi and an iced chocolate. Our server was great, and it turned out to be his first day on the job. We would have had no idea. After pegging us as tourists, due to the guide book, shorts, t-shirt, and backpack, we struck up a conversation. It turns out that he will be going on his first trip to the US soon. After a quick chat and payment of the bill, he offers up some advice on what we should do in the area, but it turns out that we already did it. Ha! Thanks anyway, and have a great trip to DC and New York when you go.
We continue the rest of our walk, get lost, and question the person who wrote this little walking tour that we are on. Why would they send tourists down a back alley way of parking garages? The rest of the walk isn’t going to go by much anyway, so we skip to the end and head to Bourbon for an end of tour drink that the book suggests before heading back to Bronte via City Rail and bus.
Back in Bronte, we meet Des, who is one of Rob’s friends from University. I was impressed by the fact that she knew so much about us and what we had done on our trip thus far, but this was the first time she was showing face. She asks if Leslie and I want to go for a swim. We both say no, but offer to take the walk with her. A quick walk to Des does not translate into a quick walk for others. The three of us walked down to Clovelly Beach where Des swam and Leslie and I lounged, before Les subsequently fell asleep on the concrete. After a brief swim, Des was ready to go back to the apartment, much to the relief of Leslie and I. We were both a little worried that we weren’t going to be able to be cleaned and ready in time for the party.
Showered and dress, it’s time for the housewarming party to start. Throughout the night we meet Whitey (hilarious), David (Whitey’s husband), Charlie (the happiest baby in the world), Becky (who also has a Vespa), and Angeline (who says she can get us behind the scenes at the zoo when we go), amongst many others. Everyone at the party was nice, heard of our arrival, was nice to meet, and had plenty of suggestions of what we should do while we are here. It’s now about one in the morning and people are gone, but those that matter remain with beers in hand. Myself, Leslie, Rob, Jen, and our new BFF Des are now on the patio and have begun our boys versus girls Catch Phrase competition. The girls won.
Day 5
Seriously! There are two of the horrific birds outside that woke me up this morning. It’s like they are talking to each other. If I spoke bird I would like to tell them a thing or two. Ugh! Being that I am now up earlier than I’ve anticipated, I decided to lay in bed an update the blog, upload some pictures, check email, facebook, etc.
We’ve had another leisurely morning in Bronte, you should already know what that consists of, before both Rob and Jen head off to the school. Rob had his regular duties to do, and Jen is going to help him out with some stuff that needs to be done in the office. While they are gone, Leslie decided to go for a run in Centennial Park again while I stay behind and continue working on the blog, outlines of our days, and listing to music. The “Weekend Morning” play list on my iPhone has become quite popular over the trip and I of course never get tired listening to it.
While sitting in the kitchen in a chair that is too low for the counter (my computer needed to be plugged in), Leslie comes in the door and looks beyond exhausted. She is breathing heavy, red in the face, and is bending over panting while trying to catch her breath. She said that it is already so hot outside and it’s not even nine o’clock yet. It turned out to be a true indicator of what the weather was going to be like today. It was a scorcher!
After we each showered and got ready, it was time for us to hit the road, for the first day by ourselves. We caught a bus from outside of the apartment to Bondi Junction, where we then got on the City Rail to Martin Place. The plan today was to take the double-decker red bus tour around the city. We weren’t sure where to catch the bus, but my travel guide said that there was a tourist information booth near Martin Place where we got off of the City Rail. The plan was to stop by the booth and ask where we could get on the bus, but low and behold, the tourist booth no longer exists. As a backup, we went into The Westin that was nearby and asked the concierge. With the information we needed, we were ready to go and headed towards the direction he pointed us in.
We got on the bus at the eleventh of twenty-two stops. We decided to take the whole loop and then get off and walk through the botanical gardens, which we just quickly strolled through the other day. While on the bus, we got a good idea of some other areas of town and places that we want to go back to see. Kings Cross, the Power House Museum, the Maritime Museum, the Chinese Gardens, and the Sydney Aquarium are just a few of the stops we went by that have made the list of places to go back and explore a little further. After finishing the whole loop, and having what Leslie refers to as “Swamp Ass”, we get off the bus and make a quick stop in the business district for a bite to eat.
After finishing our quick bite and making our way to the botanical gardens, the weather takes a quick turn for the worse and looks like it is about to pour at any minute. In lieu of the gardens, we make our way to the bus stop to head back to Bronte, with a stop at a little bar in Hyde Park on the way. After our drink and a quick ride on the 378 bus back to Bronte, we’re back home for the night. The evening at home consisted of wine, snacks, conversations on the patio off of the living room, and then a shower and bed.
It was a nice slow paced and relaxing day.
We’ve had another leisurely morning in Bronte, you should already know what that consists of, before both Rob and Jen head off to the school. Rob had his regular duties to do, and Jen is going to help him out with some stuff that needs to be done in the office. While they are gone, Leslie decided to go for a run in Centennial Park again while I stay behind and continue working on the blog, outlines of our days, and listing to music. The “Weekend Morning” play list on my iPhone has become quite popular over the trip and I of course never get tired listening to it.
While sitting in the kitchen in a chair that is too low for the counter (my computer needed to be plugged in), Leslie comes in the door and looks beyond exhausted. She is breathing heavy, red in the face, and is bending over panting while trying to catch her breath. She said that it is already so hot outside and it’s not even nine o’clock yet. It turned out to be a true indicator of what the weather was going to be like today. It was a scorcher!
After we each showered and got ready, it was time for us to hit the road, for the first day by ourselves. We caught a bus from outside of the apartment to Bondi Junction, where we then got on the City Rail to Martin Place. The plan today was to take the double-decker red bus tour around the city. We weren’t sure where to catch the bus, but my travel guide said that there was a tourist information booth near Martin Place where we got off of the City Rail. The plan was to stop by the booth and ask where we could get on the bus, but low and behold, the tourist booth no longer exists. As a backup, we went into The Westin that was nearby and asked the concierge. With the information we needed, we were ready to go and headed towards the direction he pointed us in.
We got on the bus at the eleventh of twenty-two stops. We decided to take the whole loop and then get off and walk through the botanical gardens, which we just quickly strolled through the other day. While on the bus, we got a good idea of some other areas of town and places that we want to go back to see. Kings Cross, the Power House Museum, the Maritime Museum, the Chinese Gardens, and the Sydney Aquarium are just a few of the stops we went by that have made the list of places to go back and explore a little further. After finishing the whole loop, and having what Leslie refers to as “Swamp Ass”, we get off the bus and make a quick stop in the business district for a bite to eat.
After finishing our quick bite and making our way to the botanical gardens, the weather takes a quick turn for the worse and looks like it is about to pour at any minute. In lieu of the gardens, we make our way to the bus stop to head back to Bronte, with a stop at a little bar in Hyde Park on the way. After our drink and a quick ride on the 378 bus back to Bronte, we’re back home for the night. The evening at home consisted of wine, snacks, conversations on the patio off of the living room, and then a shower and bed.
It was a nice slow paced and relaxing day.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Day 4
Another day of waking up on my own and not to the sounds of a bird that is being strangled. I wouldn’t mind if that thing doesn’t make an appearance for the rest of the trip.
It was also another morning and breakfast at leisure in the apartment. When we were all ready Leslie, Jen and I head out the door for a run in Centennial Park. Rob has to stay behind to get some work done regarding the school and take delivery of the window blinds that are coming back from the cleaning place today.
We had a nice walk to the park, followed by a nice run/jog in the park, proceeded by another nice walk. The park is huge and is comparable to Central Park back home. It’s not as big overall, but big in it’s own right and has tons to offer. A major highlight of the run in the park is that Jen was telling us how she is finally comfortable with directions and finding her way around the neighborhood and what not. Low and behold, we get lost trying to find our way out of the park so we can go home, and had to ask a Dad with his two little girls how to get back to the road we needed. Ha!
The plan today is to have another beach day. We all have lunch at our leisure at the apartment and then pack up our gear to head out to Bondi (http://www.bondivillage.com/). We take the car this time in lieu of the coastal walk since we have our stuff to bring, including Rob’s surfboard. The quick ride to Bondi is nice. The area reminds me of just about any other beach town I’ve been in. We continue winding down the roads to the beach with “Return of the Mack” by Mark Morrison playing on the radio.
After claiming our spot on the beach, I made my way up to the shops along the road to rent, or hire as they say here, a boogie board. I’m not as anxious to try surfing as I was before the trip. I figure, and many people back home have agreed, that a condition to learning how to surf should be knowing how to swim. Agreed. Especially after seeing how rough the water can be out here. Count me out.
Count me out of boogie boarding as well. I got to the rental place and didn’t have my passport on me to leave as security, so I had to make the walk back to our spot on the beach sans boogie board. Not too disappointed. I’ll still be, and was, perfectly content with lounging on the beach. I did get up from my towel a few times to take a walk up on down the beach along the water. It was very soothing, relaxing, calming, etc.
It was already decided that tonight was going to be the night we splurge on a nice dinner. After the beach, we all got ready to go out. Rob wasn’t going to be able to join us again since he had to be at the school. We went along with him so Jen could help him out with some office/computer stuff that he needed help with.
After finishing up at the school, we hopped in a cab and made our way to George Street so we could go to Hemmesphere (http://www.merivale.com/#/establishment/hemmesphere) for drinks and sushi. Dinner was amazing, with the exception of nearly getting stuck in the elevator and then abandoned by our escort once the doors finally opened on a floor that wasn’t even ours. The scene at the restaurant was nice, the drinks were good, and the sushi was even better. Rob made his way to join us after class at the school was over, but the doorman wouldn’t let him in the building since he had sandals on. No big deal since we were done with our dinner and drinks, so we made our way outside to meet up with Rob and make our way back to Bronte.
We got back to the neighborhood, had a quick beer at a nearby pub, and then called it a night.
It was also another morning and breakfast at leisure in the apartment. When we were all ready Leslie, Jen and I head out the door for a run in Centennial Park. Rob has to stay behind to get some work done regarding the school and take delivery of the window blinds that are coming back from the cleaning place today.
We had a nice walk to the park, followed by a nice run/jog in the park, proceeded by another nice walk. The park is huge and is comparable to Central Park back home. It’s not as big overall, but big in it’s own right and has tons to offer. A major highlight of the run in the park is that Jen was telling us how she is finally comfortable with directions and finding her way around the neighborhood and what not. Low and behold, we get lost trying to find our way out of the park so we can go home, and had to ask a Dad with his two little girls how to get back to the road we needed. Ha!
The plan today is to have another beach day. We all have lunch at our leisure at the apartment and then pack up our gear to head out to Bondi (http://www.bondivillage.com/). We take the car this time in lieu of the coastal walk since we have our stuff to bring, including Rob’s surfboard. The quick ride to Bondi is nice. The area reminds me of just about any other beach town I’ve been in. We continue winding down the roads to the beach with “Return of the Mack” by Mark Morrison playing on the radio.
After claiming our spot on the beach, I made my way up to the shops along the road to rent, or hire as they say here, a boogie board. I’m not as anxious to try surfing as I was before the trip. I figure, and many people back home have agreed, that a condition to learning how to surf should be knowing how to swim. Agreed. Especially after seeing how rough the water can be out here. Count me out.
Count me out of boogie boarding as well. I got to the rental place and didn’t have my passport on me to leave as security, so I had to make the walk back to our spot on the beach sans boogie board. Not too disappointed. I’ll still be, and was, perfectly content with lounging on the beach. I did get up from my towel a few times to take a walk up on down the beach along the water. It was very soothing, relaxing, calming, etc.
It was already decided that tonight was going to be the night we splurge on a nice dinner. After the beach, we all got ready to go out. Rob wasn’t going to be able to join us again since he had to be at the school. We went along with him so Jen could help him out with some office/computer stuff that he needed help with.
After finishing up at the school, we hopped in a cab and made our way to George Street so we could go to Hemmesphere (http://www.merivale.com/#/establishment/hemmesphere) for drinks and sushi. Dinner was amazing, with the exception of nearly getting stuck in the elevator and then abandoned by our escort once the doors finally opened on a floor that wasn’t even ours. The scene at the restaurant was nice, the drinks were good, and the sushi was even better. Rob made his way to join us after class at the school was over, but the doorman wouldn’t let him in the building since he had sandals on. No big deal since we were done with our dinner and drinks, so we made our way outside to meet up with Rob and make our way back to Bronte.
We got back to the neighborhood, had a quick beer at a nearby pub, and then called it a night.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)