Thursday 26th March 2015
After our amazing trip up, down and around Brisbane, our time together in Austrailia was coming to an end so we returned the car to the hire company, a much more straighforward journey than its reverse, driving along the river where I'd taken the ferry the day I went to Eat Street Markets and close to where our cruise had taken us yesterday. Arriving at the airport early, we contemplated getting an earlier flight but we decided it would be too much of a ruxh so instead looked around the shops and had a leisurly lunch. As we approached Sydney airoport we glimpsed the Opera House and Harbour Bridge behind the wing.
After our amazing trip up, down and around Brisbane, our time together in Austrailia was coming to an end so we returned the car to the hire company, a much more straighforward journey than its reverse, driving along the river where I'd taken the ferry the day I went to Eat Street Markets and close to where our cruise had taken us yesterday. Arriving at the airport early, we contemplated getting an earlier flight but we decided it would be too much of a ruxh so instead looked around the shops and had a leisurly lunch. As we approached Sydney airoport we glimpsed the Opera House and Harbour Bridge behind the wing.
Returning to the Meriton apartments, where our adventure together had begun, the road was closed because the Capitol Theatre across the street was being prepared for the first night of Les Miserables. There was a red carpet, flag bearers waving French flags and a backdrop surrounded by rigging set for VIP photos.
After dinner at Macchiato (I think this became our favourite Sydney restaurant!) I headed off to choir and drinks after, catching the last bus back to the city.
Friday 27th March 2015
The day began with souvenir shopping in Circular Quay where I caught this man feeding the birds. He reminded me of the bird lady from Mary Poppins!
The day began with souvenir shopping in Circular Quay where I caught this man feeding the birds. He reminded me of the bird lady from Mary Poppins!
After deliberating in various shops over gifts for those at home, we took the bus back to Railway Square before heading to Central Shopping Centre where we shared a delicious fondue at Max Brenners.
Back at the apartment we were keen to make the most of the facilities so we swam and showered, played cards and cooked curry.
Late in the evening we took the bus to Millers Point but we weren't dropped where I thought we would be but after a short while of feeling lost, I managed to find our way to Dawes Point and we walked around to Circular Quay, enjoying the night time views.
At the bustling Opera Bar, we toasted to Mum's last night, with the Harbour Bridge in the background. What a way to mark the (almost!) end of her trip!
Saturday 28th March 2015
After packing up all of our belongings we took the light rail to John Street Square where we met up with Martyn and Jo for breakfast. We returned to a lovely french cafe in Pyrmont where I had the best Aussie Eggs Benedict. When we had finished, they showed us around the fish market where there were huge lobsters, miniature octopuses and a vast array of all sorts of seafood.
After packing up all of our belongings we took the light rail to John Street Square where we met up with Martyn and Jo for breakfast. We returned to a lovely french cafe in Pyrmont where I had the best Aussie Eggs Benedict. When we had finished, they showed us around the fish market where there were huge lobsters, miniature octopuses and a vast array of all sorts of seafood.
They took us over Pyrmont bridge where we could see the beginnings of Nomanslanding instillation being put together in Cockle Bay.
In Tumbalong Park there was a brightly coloured Indian festival being set up.
After checking out of the Meriton I checked into Railway Square and gave Mum a bried tour. The rest of the afternoon, we felt a little in limbo, not wanting to stray to far from the CBD but having time to fill before Mum's flight. We returned to Circular Quay and took the ferry over to Milson's Point, from where we had a great alternative view back across the harbour to the bridge and opera house. We spent some time wandering around Lunar Park before returning on the ferry and eating ice cream listening to the didgeredoo buskers.
Back at the Meriton, Mum showered and we took the train to the airoirt. After checking in there were a few tears and lots of hugs before we waved goodbye at the departure gate. It truly was a fabulous few weeks together, creating memories that we will treasure forever.
Back at the hostel I was thankful to have some very friendly roomates who took my mind of the recent departure with interesting conversation. It was late in the evening and I realised I hadn't eaten properly since brunch. I needed comfort food and so ate pie, mash, mushy peas and gravy from the Australian institution that is Harry's Cafe de Wheels - a bit of a difference to the food I had enjoyed with Mum!
Back at the hostel I discovered that the girl in the bunk below me was taking the same bus to Canberra as me in the morning - a bizarre conicidence that, along with the kind welcome from my other roomates, went a long way to comfort me, instead of feeling upset that Mum had left.
Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip toe if you must but take the step.
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