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Published: December 12th 2005
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Dear All,
Greeting from Down Under!!! This trip really has been full of surprises, starting with our pick up from the airport. Jamie Stewart has really grown up and had no real trouble in spotting me. I had a momentary lapse but soon recognised who this six foot chap was, greeting me with a huge grin. The next eye opener was being driven from the airport to Manly by Murray Stewart!!!! The last I remember he was still wearing shorts at Clifton Prep! It has been great to see the Stewarts again after such a long time. They have a fantastic spot in Manly, extremely close to the beach and the lifesaving club. Our first afternoon in Sydney, the boys and Jean were very good and showed us some of the local sights and took us to Shelly beach, just around the rocks from Manly. We all then (Robbie included) had lunch together in one of Manly's many cafes. This particular one is the sponsor of Murray and his doubles partners' surf ski. The cafe even has their picture up on the wall and everything!! The rest of the afternoon was spent lazing on the beach and enjoying a typical
Manly Sunday. That night Jean cooked up a storm and we also got to meet Jamie's girlfrien Annabelle, which was great after hearing so much about her.
Monday morning we caught the 8:00am ferry from Manly to Sydney with Jamie. We were amazed that this was his trip to work. Not a tube in sight, only blue seas and skies - it was more like a pleasure cruise than a commute. This did mean that we got into Sydney quite a way before most of the tourists, which was perfect. Our first stop was the Opera House, as the ferry literally stops right next to it. It is an impressive piece of architecture and really makes for a great landmark. The day was already hotting up and so we thought that a stroll around the Botanical Gardens would be the cooler option, not really. But the gardens are beautiful. Again we were impressed by hhow many free public spaces Sydney has. From there it was headlong into the city. Our next stop was an area known as The Rocks. This is one of the oldest parts of Sydney and when wandering around, you can really get a sense of
what the city must have felt like about 200yrs ago. From there, we climbed on the train and headed into the centre of town to take a look at the Town Hall, The Cathedral and The Queen Victoria Building. The QVB is one of the loveliest shopping centres that we have ever been into. It is all wooden railings and glass ceilings. We refuelled at the food court and were again amazed at how many healthy food options there were, Burger King was no where to be seen. We then walked a few blocks up to Sydney's Sky Tower. From the top of this, we were able to get the most amazing views of the city. After a hard day's touring, it was back to the ferry and the Stewart residence in Manly. That night we were joined by two paddlers from SA, who had been racing in Taihiti (Clint and Brett) and so dinner was full of interesting stories and laughs.
The next day, I got up bright and early and joined Jean and Bo (the Dalmation) for a run in the local nature reserve. It really is a beautiful run, following the shores of a lake and really taking you through an Australian wilderness. We got back home in time to see Robbie and Jamie off to work (everyone else was still pressing sheets), all very smart in collars and ties. As Al was keen to get a few of our photos sorted out, I headed down to Manly to take a look at some of the shops, I could have gone mad but was very restrained, always keeping in mind that whatever I bought I would have to carry.
Lynda (aunt) and Keryn (cousin) arrived mid morning from Newcastle. And so after quick goodbyes to the remaining Stewarts and visitors, it was off north to Newcastle. This was a two hour trip, with my aunt having to stop off at the South African shop. Finally we were able to see what the Wilsons have tried to describe to us for the last 5years. The house, the dogs, boyfriends new and old etc. They have a really beautiful old house in a conservation area in Newcastle. The houses are all wooden floors and verandahs. That night we had a braai (bbq) and were able to meet some of the Wilsons' friends.
Wednesday was spent in Newcastle, picking up rental cars and generally looking around. We got to watch Lynda play a hockey match at the local club. They were all very brave, facing the 30deg heat!!! Sitting still for any period of time is a dangerous activity in this country as the local flies see this as the perfect opportunity to attack. Fortunately, they are a little slower that African flies and so we have been able to swat quite a few, such a satisfying feeling, second only to nabbing the mozzies!
Thursday we left fairly early and headed north towards Port Macquarie. We travelled along the Pacific Highway and so hugged the coast most of the way. There are some really cute little coastal towns all along here, making the drive and all the pit stops really pleasant.
Friday it was off to Coffs Harbour. However, we arrived here fairly late as we spent most of the day at the National Park, where we were able to take a skywalk over the tropical rainforest. The birdlife is abundant and we saw a great deal, including a cookaburra. This was in an area known as the Table lands, it is very green and reminds us a great deal of Natal after a good rain.
We arrived at Byron Bay late Saturday afternoon, after a leisurely drive further up the coast. and booked into our accomoodation at elongil Beach House. This is a great place with low slung accommodation among the costal bush. It is only 1km from the main town, but justy behind the dunes for the beach - perfect. That evening we only really had time to lie on the beach for a few hours, watch the dolphins and get some dinner in the town. Byron Bay is a small place with only two main streets and a small suburb of low-key houses and apartments (building laws are ery strict here, with residents keen to maintain Byron's beauty). Most of the inhabitants at this time of the year are holiday makers and you can sense how busy this place must be at Christmas and New Year.
Sunday morning it was all systems go and off to the beach. Snorkelling was great as the sea bed was literally crawling with rays. With the water being so clear, it was perfect for spotting them. One of Al's hockey friends(Andrew McLoughlin) and his wife Gail joined us a little later for lunch, a trip out to the light house and evening drinks and dinner. A perfect day really.
As the rest of Australia was heading off to work this morning, we were off to the beach (he he). However, the wind had picked up and so we drove inland to a rather unusual little town called Nimbin. This is a hippie establishment, where marijuana, hemp and bongs fill the shelves along side the fruit and veg. It is all very peaceful, if not a little strange to an outsider. As the community members do not cause any trouble (a little too spaced out we think) , the police seem happy to turn a blind eye, for the most part. Then it was back to Byron and more of that great beach and a spot of window shopping.
We will be very sad to leave here tomorrow, but that seems to be the order of the day on this trip.
Lots of love,
Alun and Catherine.
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