Blogs from Manly, New South Wales, Australia, Oceania

http://www.heygo.com 23rd February- 12 hours in Manly! My first visit to Manly was back in 2013, when we took a cruise holiday that commenced in Sydney. We were there several days so took the opportunity to take the ferry to Manly . This morning I joined virtual tour guide Elizabeth, who when asked about her accent described herself as ‘Born in America, Australian by choice’. Manly was named by Captain Arthur Phillips by for the Indigenous people living there, stating that "their confidence and manly behaviour made me give the name of Manly Cove to this place" These men were of the Kay-ye-my clan. We walked from the harbour to the beach, stopping at the cenotaph. The memorial is a polished granite column sitting on a large rectangular base with six buttresses. The top the column ... read more

Cj writes: Steve came home from his big train trip happy enough - but it quickly became clear that he’d brought a bug home too. He was poorly on 22nd, and felt dreadful on the 23rd - which was unfortunate because we had planned a restaurant dinner out at nearby Collaroy Beach, followed by a trip to see the illuminations, all of which he missed. But he kindly insisted that I ought not to miss out ... The dinner was at a beach club type place - 1st floor, huge open windows overlooking the beach, good wine and cocktails, and a menu based around easy stalwarts like burgers and fish and chips (but served with lemon instead of malt vinegar, and not a mushy pea in sight!). The illuminations ... well, where to start?! Unlike Blackpool, ... read more

SC writes: Our last day in Christchurch was, unsurprisingly, damp. We went back to the museum to finish it of and toured the samll trams network, riding the vintage trams. All good fun. The last tram we rode was originally from Sydney, and somewhet ironically it contained two nice vintage adverts for the delights of Manly - our next destination of course. (See pix) Our Emirates flight to Sydney was fine. An A380 full of Chinease and Korean tourists, but lots of leg room and enough time to watch one movie on the gigantic seatback screens. We arrrived early, wizzed through immigration and customs in record time (depite having to declare various bit of wood - souvenirs) and therefore had time to make our way over to the express pick up area where Nik duly collected ... read more

Day trip to Manly beach to meet Lauren’s 2 other sons, Cameron and Sam. We walked along the long beach and watched ladies beach volleyball. Over to the small beach via the precinct to get Alex a dress for the party then off for a swim. Still too cold for me so just a little swim. Alex and Lauren managed a minute or two. Back to the car via the volleyball then back home. Bethany arrived at Lauren’s to make pre party pina coladas. Then on the bus to go to Linda’s party. I borrowed Jordan’s Aussie shirt. Everybody was so friendly. Great people! Great band! Great time was had by all. Thank you Linda Lorimer for letting us go to your party.... read more

For some reason I had a day trip to Manly. Jen was not well enough and stayed home with Dad and Geoff. Was a sunny day and some beach volley ball championships were being held, seemed like the early rounds, representatives from various Pacific Islands, NZ and the Aussies were in action. First time I have seen this live and the action and skills of players is amazing. No photos as there seemed to be some prohibition. One aspect which probably doesn't show on television is the height and lack of weight of several players. Walked the beach from one end to the other and around to Fairy Bower and engaged with Ben and Jerry. A few locals were sunning themselves on the rocks, their claws were quite long. Boats on the Harbour as usual. A ... read more