Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
G'day everyone!
Hope all is well! Only about a week behind on this one.....it's getting better.....I think.....you never know the next one might even be on time!
So after winning at the pool competition on the last day I said goodbye to the gadventures crew and hopped on a plane to Sydney. On arrival in Sydney I set off to Elia, Sam and Sophie's house in Kingsgrove. It was so so lovely to see the guys and my England shirt had arrived, and I had my own room with a massive double bed and my own bathroom....... I was very very happy indeed. A small change from sleeping in a swag! We had a lovely dinner courtesy of Elia's mum. I then had the best night sleep in over a month! Fully refreshed after a decent nights sleep I headed off to Cornella beach and spent about two hours chilling on the beach which was lovely. Then it got a bit cold so I made my way back. And then spent about 4hrs updating the photos and blog for the last bit of the trip!! Elia then cooked the most amazing steak on the BBQ, absolutely delicious and so nice to be eating decent proper food. I haven't been the eating the most healthy stuff over the last few weeks it has to be said.
Ivan arrived in Sydney today, one of the gadventures lot from the outback trip. So we set off for the Blue Mountains, I enjoyed it so much the first time I really wanted to go again and do some different walks and all the cable cars etc. once we arrived we headed straight off to the 3 sisters. The Blue Mountains were as stunning the second time round. We trekked down the 900 steps and then walked along the bottom to the cliff railway to head back up. I walked up the 900 steps last time, there was no way I was doing it again! It was practical vertical on the way back up. We went for another little walk and then got the cliff railway back down, it was even more fun on the way back down, it was really really steep, I attempted a ' look at me ....no hands'. Not the best idea given there are no restraints and only bars to hold on to (which I wasn't!) The view were quite spectacular. We then got the cable car across the two cliffs which was incredible, the waterfall now being easily in sight. It was beginning to get quite cold and very windy, not quite the shorts weather I had envisaged. We then headed up to Eaglehawk lookout, possibly the best view of the 3 sisters and there were no tourists! Probably because the walk up to it involved negotiating a blind bend with lots of traffic. Having admired the view from there we set off back along the cliff top walkway, seeing the sunset over the mountains was amazing and great to see them in a different light to last time. We then headed back to the CBD and had quite possibly the worst Chinese in the world - you get what you pay for and it was cheap! I was convinced I was going to be sick as a dog the next day. But amazingly was okay!
The next day was sky tower day, more attractive boiler suits and finding a new memory card - yep I've filled up two already! The views from the top were great! We were twice as high as the Sydney harbour bridge and could see for miles. The view of the harbour and all it's little bays were fabulous. After the skywalk we went off to the wildlife place and spent about half an hour trying to get a picture of a Tasmanian devil who wouldn't stay still - I got bored and gave up! After the wildlife park it was off to the acquarium next door. This was brilliant! The last part was fab with a huge aquarium you could walk through. It had loads of sharks and a massive sting ray, it was enormous!!! After this it was off to Madame Tussaud's, now I have to say I wasn't that bothered about this, but it was actually really very good and very funny!
So today was meant to be Hyde park, boat trip and bondi to Coogee walk. It ended up being Hyde park which was lovely, beautiful huge old trees lining the pathways all coming together an impressive water fountain. There was also a commemoration service that was due to take place at the war memorial. There had to be a good couple of hundred school sitting patiently waiting for it to begin. From the park we ventured into the cathedral which was beautiful and very very peaceful, from here it was off to the art gallery, we went into the Afghanistan exhibition which was really interesting, a huge amount of gold artefacts had been discovered whilst digging, a very interesting exhibition. Having spent a lot longer than planned in the gallery bondi was off for today. After the gallery we went in search of lunch and found some sushi, which was delicious and quite cheap suprisingly. In the evening we went off to Scubar for the return pool match, I lost! So moving swiftly on......
On Saturday Elia, Sam, Sophie and I had breakfast out in kingsgrove which was fab. After a massive breakfast we set off in the car to Watsons Bay, a lovely little town on the water with a fab set of bars and restaurant, you could easily spend a lazy Sunday with a few beers sitting in the bar. We then had a posh lunch in a very posh restaurant, I have been thoroughly spoilt today. In the evening we went to a rugby league club for a Chinese for Sams birthday. It is by far the best Chinese I have ever eaten. The san chow bao was just incredible. A fantastic day! Thanks guys :)
On Sunday I spent the day chilling in the house, I was knackered, I literally haven't stopped since I arrived, and it was also time for my favourite task.....washing and to start sorting out stuff for nz, don't think I'll be needed my summer gear anymore! Sam, Elia, Sophie and few of their friends and I made the trip into town for the vivid light festival. Upon arriving we heading straight to Guylian for hot chocolate and treats. The hot chocolate was amazing and the custard tart great. Full of chocolate we walked around the harbour. The opera house had projections all over it, it looked great as hopefully you will see from some of the pictures. There were various light displays throughout the city, including the harbour bridge being lit up. On the way back up George street there was a waterfall that had been created that actually spelt out words as the water dropped, it was very impressive. The buildings also had light projected onto them, it was very impressive to see and total coincidence that I was in Sydney at the same time - great timing!
So today started out as shopping day, needed to get a winter coat and bits for nz, which was a pretty successful and quick shop for once. After this we headed off to manly beach for skating, it was a beautiful day, sun shining and not a cloud in the sky - perfect. That was until I put my skates on, within 15 mins I ended up on the deck. I'd taken a lump out of my hand and thumb, and had a lovely graze on my elbow and swollen and bruised knee. That's the last time I laugh when someone asks me if I want to hire knee pads etc. I then had the raving hump all day, never one happy to fall over, especially in front of people! Blood dripping down my arm I got up and skating off then stopped round the corner. Bloody hell it hurt! So that was it skates off, bruised ego as well as a bruised knee, walking was all I could do. After a lovely walk, it was back onto to boat to head back to Sam, Elia and Sophie's for my last dinner with them, I am very sad to be leaving.
OMG it's my last day in australia! It's been the best 3 months ever, totally fantastic. A few traumas and homesickness along the way, but no more than the usual. I had the best 3 months of my life and I fully expect there to be more as the adventure moves to New Zealnd for 2 months...... So on my last day I finished off some shopping, posted loads of stuff home to make space for the winter gear. I then went on a harbour cruise, which was the perfect way to finish off Sydney, stunning view of the various landmarks and small bays surrounded hellishly expensive homes. The harbour has been one of my favourite places, I love it here. After the boat it was time so head back, but not before a final walk back through the botanical gardens and Hyde park. And that was it back on the train, and more goodbyes which I absolutely hate......but think I'm slowly getting better at......possibly! I generally don't stick about too long, I think this is the key lol short and sweet haha! It has been so lovely staying with friends, Sam, Elia and Sophie - thanks for making my stay so great!!!!
So that's it, oz you have been bloody awesome, I am going to miss you hugely. Since i have been here I have seen some of the most amazing places in the world, met some life long friends, met some complete weirdos, stayed in some amazing hostels and some horrific ones, slept under the stars in a swag, shared my sleeping bag with the resident spider, spent way way too much money, drunk too much, had the time of my life and experienced some of the worst hangovers possible.......Australia I salute you! If New Zealand is only half as much fun at oz I'm in for an another excellent 2 months!
Next update from rugby country......
Love to all!
Lou xxx
- comments
Peggy Wood Lou - Sitting here in dear old Romford we love your stories and descriptions of your fabulous trips, keep them coming, glad you enjoyed the rugby v NZ. Stay safe and enjoy yourself. Nan and Grandad. Xx