Day 49 - Walking, Biennial and diner at The White Cockatoo

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Ooohhh… I can feel myself slowing down as I can feel this amazing holiday coming to an end. When we got home last night, I intended to make a cup of tea before bed. It didn’t happen. I went into my bedroom to get sorted, and what actually happened…was absolutely nothing! No shower, no teeth cleaned, no cup of tea, I don’t even think I managed a good night…. Because I intended coming back out of the room!!! I saw the bed, got my pjs on, and stayed there until 9:15 this morning!!! You know what they say….. I must have needed it….ha ha

Both Bernard, and Gavin went to work at the crack of Dawn this morning. I heard nothing! I’m unsure of what I might do today, but I’ll definitely do my best to fill it! I did look at The Contemporary Art Gallery, but it’s closed today. I have got The Banksy Exhibition to visit, but I may save that for tomorrow. Bernard just text me with the suggestion of visiting The Biennial of Sydney, that is a good one for me to do. I just need to check on my map to see which way, and how far I need to walking to it. I’m choosing to walk, as it helps to fill the time, and most importantly, I stumble across so much other stuff when I walk! I’ve just checked, it’s about a mile and a half away. That’ll do for me!

I’m currently sitting in quite a large cafe, it’s in a busy area. It is so full of suited, and booted office men, and police. In fact, it’s heaving with them!!! When do they actually work?

Breakfast was good, as it always is…ha ha. My favourite meal of the day! I set off walking, aiming for The Biennial Gallery. Although as I started walking, completely ignoring my map, just looking up, and being curious! I ended up a long way in the wrong direction! But I was enjoying myself! So that’s ok with me!

I found myself gawping in a hair salon, then before I had really thought it through…. I’m in the door. I haven’t had someone else wash and do my hair since….. OMG…. I can’t even remember! But i know it hasn’t been brushed since before I left UK! I think I’ve washed it about 3 times, and put my granny rollers in… so this will be an unexpected treat. I don’t care how it looks, it will just feel better than it does now!

It looks… ok… but feels amazing! $50 well spent! I continue walking, I’m so far away from the gallery now that I decided to nosey into Paddy’s Market in Chinatown, which I am close to. Sadly, it was closed. So I’m back on track for The Biennial Gallery!

On the way, I got side tracked, again! This time, by little clothes shop. I did buy a little khaki skirt for $20. It’s a bargain. Let’s hope it fits .. ha ha. It feels like it’s my treat day!

I checked my map out again, I can get a tram, it’s only a couple of stops. I get off at QVB, which is always a concern for me because I like it in there! I’m not allowing myself to go in there today!

I got on my walk towards Hyde Park. 10 minutes later, then I realised… I didn’t tap off the tram journey, so back I go. If i don’t, they’ll automatically charge me the maximum journey!

As I had to go back, I picked up a couple of gifts whilst I’m in the right area! I then got back on my walk!

As I entered the park, I got a coffee to go. After only a couple of minutes, I saw a couple of American men, playing a couple of Chinese men at the giant floor chess game. They were very vocal, shouting, but then laughing at, and with, each other. I stayed for quite a while, just enjoying watching, and listening to them bantering on at each other. It was good to see!

As I left them, continuing their game, the rain started. Luckily, it’s not too heavy, and I have got my poncho in my bag. So much for the blow dry! It’s now looking very ragged! Ha ha but it’s still clean, with no knots!

I’m struggling to read my map because of the rain. The phone doesn’t react to my fingers when the screen is wet. Also I can’t see it with my wet glasses and screen!! I know I’m only 8 minutes away, but I can’t work out the direction! Just at that point, there is a little coffee shop. I don’t really need more coffee, but I need a dry space to sit down and find myself!

I finally arrived at the Gallery. I was a bit disappointed as there were only about 20 items to view, but still, getting there, due to all of my distractions, has filled my day today!

When it was time for me to leave, the skies had seriously opened up! I put my poncho back on. I take a look at the map on my phone, it looks like a long journey home! I need to catch the 113 bus, then two trains to get back to Petersham. Here goes!

It took me an hour to get back, and I am soaked through, the hair-do has definitely gone out of the window! Bernard has text to say he’s coming home too. I did intend to go straight to the White Cockatoo from my day out, but I need to get dried off, and re-sorted! I’ve got plenty of time as we’re not booked in until 7:30.

When I got back to the apartment, I was sooo pleased to be back! I went straight to my room to get the soggy clothing off. I got changed, then went into the living room…. And nearly jumped out of my skin! Gavin was stretched out on the sofa, but I didn’t realise that he was home! And to be honest, I should be used to that after 2 weeks, because he regularly does that to me!

We sat and had a good chat, then Bernard arrived home from work. We all sat chatting until it was time to go to the pub for tea. It’s still raining, so out came the faithful poncho. We only had to walk over the bridge to the other side of the train line, so the walk was easy. The rain has lightened off now, which also helps!

Bernard and Gavin had the Tuscan seafood soup with garlic bread, I had the lasagne with chips. The food was good for everyone! After dinner, we all chatted on at the pub for a couple of hours. It was nice. We’ve all got on well the whole time I’ve been here. I’ve always felt very welcome. So I was more than happy to have dinner together. It was a lovely gesture. I enjoyed the night, and enjoyed Bernard, and Gavins company.

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Comments

[Andrea]

Hair
Well that’s a first you having your hair done and down it looked really nice carnt see you doing that when you get home you look so relaxed and enjoying yourself no stress this holiday has done you good let’s hope they appreciate you more when you get back enjoy the rest of your holiday and take care xx