Day 51 - Breakfast out, Australia Museum, Safety Culture and the last dinner

---

I stayed in bed this morning, not that that’s a surprise lately! Ha ha. I was watching the Chateau renovation programmes in bed. The I randomly got a text from Bernard. He’s not at work today! Oh, nice surprise!

I got up to have a cup of tea, and to catch up with him, to see what’s occurring! We have both received a text from Kevin, informing us, what is for lunch today at his workplace. His workplace has a very modern approach to work/life balance. It’s an ultra modern environment that I’ve heard lots about, so I’m looking forward to going there today!

Bernard and I, made our plan for the day, then set off for the train station. We are going to Summer Hill for breakfast. The sun is out today, so it will be nice. It’s only two stops away, but in the opposite direction that I usually travel in, so it’s further away from the city. I’ve not been here before, so it will all be new to me.

On arrival, it feels like a smaller, more village feel, than a town feel. It’s quaint! We did discuss how every town, and village has the square thing going on. Every area is set in squares, whether it’s retail, office or homes. It’s very regimented in that way.

We went to a nice cafe called Envy. It’s got a beautiful garden area round the back, which is where we chose to sit. I had toast and marmalade, Bernard had an egg and bacon roll. We both had coffee, of course! It was nice, but the marmalade was no where near as good as mine!

We left Summer Hill, by train, to go to Central, to meet with Kevin for lunch. On the way there, we passed The Banksy Exhibition. I went into the entrance to ask the girl if I could go back inside to purchase a Banksy mug that I forgot to buy yesterday. I did show her my wristband to prove that I had been, but I think she remembered me…. Once seen, never forgotten! Ha ha. Luckily, she said yes, so I ran through, and bought us one each!

We carried on our walk to Kevin’s workplace. We arrived exactly on time at 12:00. The whole workforce stop at 12:00 for lunch! I find that on itself amazing, and so beneficial for the workforce! … I say that, based on my own work experiences! We went inside the lunch area at Safety Culture, which is who he works for, with Kevin. Our first stop was to have lunch in, Lucia’s, the staff lunch area, where visitors are welcome. All food, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and beers are free! … Jaw dropping!

We had schnitty, potatoes and salad. It was simple, but nice! We talked about the information, company history wall, it is so interesting. This is clearly a very progressive company!

After lunch, Kevin took us around the building to look at various areas. I think it was set over about 7, or 8 floors, as it has below street level as well as the floors above, including a roof top terrace.

I probably can’t do the area justice, in words, but I did take some photos of some of the very interesting meetings rooms. The decor of the meetings rooms are done to represent the clientele business. Eg, Cathy Pacific, Kristy Kreme Donuts, Pernod Ricard, Rio Tinto, and Toyota, to name a few, and the kitchens are very representative of IKEA!! We saw meeting rooms, hot desk rooms, and collaborative areas, a gym with full amenities, educational areas, social areas, and a beautiful roof top garden, with a kitchen and pizza oven, which is open for after work networking, recreational time. I was speechless at every area! There is even a ‘keg’ room for the beer! That’s such a smart approach!! I thoroughly enjoyed my visit! and was amazed by the culture it offers the employees. There is so much motivation to work well, and also happy! That’s not going to work, it’s an experience! Thank you so much for the invite Kevin!

We walked from Central, to the City to visit The Australia Museum. It is one I haven’t been to yet. Thy are having a Ramses Exhibition, but I’m not interested in that one, as I’ve seen all that in Egypt, and Cairo. We headed straight to the regular museum.

The first area was 200 treasures. The Westpac Long Gallery showcases 100 treasures of the Australian Museum alongside the stories of 100 of Australia’s most-influential people. We continued on into The Natural Sciences collection area, the cultural collections, the birds of Australia area and the dinosaur area.

There was such a lot to see, but it got to 3:00, and we are both struggling! It’s definitely time for coffee. We left the museum, we walked further towards the city, and stopped for half an hour to sit back, and enjoy a coffee.

Looking at us both….we are both so done, tired, and absolutely knackered. Neither of us can stop yawning. I have been feeling more, and more drained each day, but have pushed on as I’m on a limited time frame. Poor Bernard has gone alongside me, day and night, with work in between, but the cracks are now showing for both of us! We decided to get the next train home for a Nanna nap before our last dinner tonight.

I did expect to experience a physical nose dive like this, but I expected it to hit me after the tour… it didn’t, and I think I continued over the last two weeks on adrenaline, and excitement, but it’s certainly hitting me now!

When we arrived home, I went straight into my bedroom, clothes off, pjs on, I think I was in the bed before I’d even finished getting dressed! I slept like a baby, instantly! I woke up to my phone ringing, it was Beth. It was nice to hear she is feeling better! Thea’s gone off on her first school residential, and Ava’s going to be a bridesmaid in a pretend wedding at school. All that news, makes me feel that, being home , is getting closer. As sad as I will be to leave, I am also excited to go. It’s bitter, sweet!

Bernard and I both agree that we feel much better for the, relax’ session. Which is good, because we’re going out again tonight. It’s our final dinner. We’re going to a little Italian restaurant in Newtown called Flavola. We had a really nice meal, followed by a limoncello. It was a really calm, relaxed night. We were back home by 9:00, and I’m looking forward to my bed!

---

Comments

[Julie W]

Day 51
Hi ya Les. What am I going to read on my bus journey home from work 🤔 I suppose it’s a bittersweet ending to your amazing adventure but bucket loads of memories hun. Have a safe journey home see you soon 😘

[Lesley2912]

It’s bittersweet
Hi Julie, so pleased you’ve enjoyed reading it! It is bittersweet, but I’ve had the best to E, and made use of every minute! Xxx