Warning – this is going to be a long one.
Elizabeth had two Sydney trips this month, the loads were light, I had the free time – so we decided to take advantage and fly down to Australia for a power vacation.
Well, a vacation for me at least. She worked out and back. In sharp contrast, I flew first class both ways.
Not only is the service top-notch up front, the food is quite good, the seat fully reclines into a bed, there is plenty of room, a great selection of entertainment – this is more space than I had in my apartment in the Marina...
I mean I've never had this much control over my surroundings!
I have to really thank Elizabeth for rallying the morning we landed. Although she worked the all-nighter (with it's weak and ineffectual 3hr break), she managed to head out with me for a long walk around the city. Even though I did nothing but relax the entire flight I wasn't exactly fresh as a daisy; I can only imagine how exhausted She must have been.
We stayed at the Novotel on Darling Harbour (the hotel is in the back, left in this image).
Here is the bridge across Darling Harbour, towards downtown...
We landed first thing in the morning and immediately headed out, through downtown and towards Circular Quay, around which sits the Opera House. It's a tough building to photograph as I'm sure there is no place you can stand where this thing hasn't been shot a million times before – and in much better light.
The Rocks – an older, quaint part of town...
And the, rather San Francisco like, downtown area...
Of course it's not all "San Francisco" like, as our walk through the Botanic Gardens reminded us, what with all of the cockatoos, parrots and hundreds of large, grey-headed flying foxes (fruit bats).
After turning in (relatively) early and getting a solid night's sleep, we were well rested for day two: a perfect weather day for a hike. We did one of E's favorite local walks – Spit Bridge to Manly Beach. A short bus ride to the start of this 10K, light hike through some urban environments, some woodsy terrain – with excellent views throughout.
The weather could not have been better.
They tell me this little monster is a water dragon:
Our hike destination: Manly Beach. A popular beach, much like any other.
Of course we had to reward our hike with classic fish and chips... oh, and beer.
Al right – that's enough! If you've stayed with me this long I really ought to let you get on with your day. Unfortunately there are many more pictures where these came from... :-)
p.s. In addition to having an excellent time I came back with a much better understanding of what Elizabeth goes through on these. I can now see why she's so wiped out coming back from working a Sydney trip!
