Tues 23 Feb - A Trip to the Blue Mountains

Emma had been keen for us to see beyond the western suburbs of Sydney so this morning we set off early to drive to the Blue Mountains. We were surprised at the severity of the congestion on the way out through Sydney but arrived at the edge of the mountains by late morning. After a stop for coffee and to check out the Visitor Centre we drove on to Wentworth Falls for our first view of the Blue Mountain scenery which was quite stunning. The main road had imperceptibly climbed on to a ridge with steep sided cliffs dropping down to a densely forested area below. Take away the vegetation and it could be reminiscent of a mini Grand Canyon. There were several viewing points along the road so we moved from one to another, enjoying a picnic lunch at one of the designated areas. Following a prolonged stop at Echo Point overlooking The Three Sisters rock outcrop we headed back to Sydney to meet up with Charlie for our final night out together. Before leaving for the meal at The Jellyfish restaurant in Manly, Emma and I had a last (for me) swim in Freshwater Bay behind the apartment. As usual the surf was pretty fierce!
Charlie had once again excelled with his choice of car for the evening – a bright red Mini cabriolet –, which though lacking the power of the previous evenings Beemer, was great fun to be driven in. The Jellyfish was a restaurant that Charlie had previously managed, so we were well looked after and enjoyed a really fabulous final meal.

Mon 22 Feb - Sightseeing in Sydney

With Charlie now back at work and leaving the flat at 7.30 am it was Emma who was to be our guide for the next 3 days. Our first stop was the Museum of Australia where we spent a very informative couple of hours learning about the history and beliefs of the indigenous aborigines and the effects of European colonisation. Additionally we viewed an exhibition of wildlife photography that was on display. Next it was off to the QVB, or Queen Victoria Building in downtown Sydney for a planned ‘afternoon tea’ with Shirley, Dave, and his son Jason. The location was set up in a similar manner to the Pump Room at Bath with white tablecloths and waiting staff, dainty teacups and sandwich/cake stands. However the prices were eyewatering – 37 dollars (about 25 pounds sterling) for tea and cakes per person! Needless to say, after some discussion with the management some of us were allowed to share the sandwiches and cakes! For a country that prides itself in its informal and laid back attitude this place came as a bit of a shock.
After bidding farewell to Shirley, Dave and Jason we returned to Manly where Mike had a quick dip in the irresistible sea before we four headed downtown again for our special meal at the Café Sydney. Charlie had acquired a very sporty BMW cabriolet for the evening so we were able to pose in style whilst Charlie demonstrated the searing acceleration of this little hot rod! Our evening at Café Sydney was unforgettable as we sat outside on the terrace overlooking Circular Quay with the Harbour Bridge on our left and Sydney Opera House on our right, eating incredible food and drinking gorgeous wines. What a climax to our stay!