A Tour Guide Shows Sydney

The Easter break in Sydney disappeared in a whirl of activity. I took on the role of tour guide to show a friend some of the sights of this great city; to explore some of the harbour walks and try a few eating places.

By the end of my friends visit, we'd had a marvellous time, despite my “low caffeine warning light” being on, which was entirely my fault.

The time disappeared in a blur but some of the activities we enjoyed: Watson’s Bay (further around from Bondi Beach) and a stroll along the fine golden coloured sand. We walked up the track past a notice which reminded those walking the track that they must be fully clothed! Sure enough, when I glanced down onto the pretty curved beach, the sight of the naked bodies was not a pretty one - sorry no photos! However, the spectacular views back over the city and to the Sydney Heads is pretty. It's the entrance for ships entering/leaving the inner harbour.

After our walk, Doyle’s (the famous fish restaurant) waylaid us, and on a gloriously hot day, we sat on the jetty and munched our way through a delicious serving of fish and chips.

Of course the walk I’ve written about previously from Coogee to Bondi Beach had to be repeated. I really love the Bronte (about half way) to Bondi Beach section and en route a compulsory stop at the café beside Tamarama beach. It is always very welcome for both the location and the caffeine hit.

Another day and another walk - the Maroubra to Coogee walk was new to both of us. These beaches all link up to those mentioned earlier in this posting. Unfortunately after some glorious sun kissed days, a storm threatened. Nonetheless, we decided to risk it and I am glad we did. Maroubra Beach is less sophisticated and not as built up as the other areas we pass along and it appeals more to me. Along the way some interesting honey combed cliff faces made for some creative photography.

Just after we reached Coogee and stopped for lunch at a nearby cafe (with excellent Numero Uno coffee) the clouds burst and a torrent of water raged down the street. Clearly it was sometime since people in the area had seen such a deluge because there were many excited spectators. When we returned to my wee place at Bondi Junction, just a 15 minute bus ride away it appeared as though there had been little rain.

Another walk - from Milson’s Point, we walked back to the city over the Sydney Harbour Bridge as day turned into night. Bats flew noisily overhead and before our leisurely stroll was over bright neon lights transformed the sky. It is always a joy to watch the sun setting over the iconic Sydney Opera House and once back at Circular Quay we stopped for a drink (or was that two!) beside the water. After dinner and a visit to the chocolate desert café in the Rocks, it was another late night out in this vibrant city.

Unfortunately the view from my preferred stop on Circular Quay (the Cruise Bar) was obscured by a newly arrived ship, but a few days later I was able to sit there (no ship this time!) with another friend and watch the sun setting over the Opera House yet again. I never tire of that view.

What I'm reading....The Secret River by Australian writer Kate Grenville. Also my Spanish language books to brush up on my skills.

I'm surprised....for Anzac Day Australians wear a piece of rosemary on their lapels. The striking poppy is for Remembrance Day. This auspicious day is my birthday which I celebrated here last year but I didn't see any poppies.

I'm loving.... travelling relatively light and being free of possessions. Part of this is not having to clear out gutters, no car to fill with petrol or check tyre pressures and living in a small space. The latter is my choice but I love it.

Photo: Watsons Bay