Australia

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SYDNEY AND THE HUNTER VALLEY

After 3 mths in sweaty Asia we landed at Sydney airport in the middle of their Winter (July). Needless to say it took us some time to climbatize. We were bloody FREEZING (in hindsight it actually wasn't that cold at all - just us being soft) After a wonderful boozy welcome from Becs and Colin our first port of call was Paddys Market and some dodgy shops on George St for some winterwear to see us through Oz and NZ! Havaianas binned - we had not worn socks and shoes for ages - felt v strange!
Becs and Colin live in a lovely Sydney suburb called Balmain and they have regular vistors to their balcony including a couple of brightly coloured Lorikeets and a massive bat that swoops by each night and hangs from their tree. We (worryingly) spent alot of time photographing (talking to - subject to alcohol consumption) the birds and bat.
We took a trip to Darling Harbour where we visited Sydney Aquarium - loads of sharks of course and Sydney Wildlife Park - lots of kangaroos, possums, koalas, crocs etc. A trip up The Tower was interesting - some decent views across Sydney. It did take us some time to get our head around how expensive it was compared to Asia. No more 14p pints - instead we drank Schooners (roughly a third of a pint) at about GBP 6 - shock to the system and bank account! No more bartering - back to Western reality!
We took a boat across the harbour, under the Sydney Bridge (which was based on the Tyne Bridge in the Toon - fact -seriously.) and of course went to the Opera House - views are spectacular.
Becs and Colin were absolute legends and treated us to a few days in The Hunter Valley - objective being WINE TASTING!! After 3 mths of beer in Asia, Gina was dreaming of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc etc....The four of us stayed in a cosy cottage in Lovedale, bang in the heart of the Hunter Valley. We had a log fire (Colin ensured this was blazing 24/7) and a dog called Zen (the Wonderdog) who slept at our front door each night!
Our driver for the day 'Tex' (imagine your classic image of an Aussie bloke then x 10. He came out with every classic, textbook, Aussie phrase - very entertaining) took us to about 4 - 5 (?!) vineyards. We learned about the whole wine-making process....then promptly forgot it all after about the 3rd vineyard...Needless to say the food and free accompanying cheeseboards went down a treat!
Becs and Colin also took us to Bondi Beach...not to surf or sunbathe but to ice-skate! During Winter Bondi Beach is converted into a Winter Wonderland with the mandatory German Market and ice-rink.(Australia actually celebrates Christmas again in July - Santa Claus/Turkey dinners etc - bizarre!) We met with Maz and Adam and a good night was had - think we all managed to stay standing up?! Followed by the BEST pizzas (MASSIVE) in Sydney!
A great few days of good food, wine and company and excellent start to the Oz experience - thanks again Becs and Colin!

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