Day 10 - PM Eric's Birthday Bash - Doyles

All dressed for the town, taxi ride to the Ferry, it was late picking us up which left us 7 mins to make it, thankfully we did. It is a lovely journey, not exactly gliding on the water the speed the boat was travelling ,but the view is spectacular. The Bridge and the Opera House lit up against
the night sky and the maze of lights from the surrounding buildings. However when Chalk suggested we sit outside to get a better view (here comes the comment of the night) I said "why, it's not like I haven't seen it before''.

Arrived at Doyles. Birthday boy already there with Liz and Kate already celebrating. I have to say Eric was a magnificent host, we all wined and dined to our hearts content, nothing spared,
Liz was very brave ordering a plate of oysters as she had never tried them before. Kate amused us with various stories, especially the one on how her parents met. The next table to us was occupied by Simon Reynolds (apparently spelt Siimon, but I didn't want you to think I couldn't
spell) to my English family and friends he is an Aussie celebrity, but the most important man
in the Restuarant was our own Mr Eric Lodge who is quaint enough to want to celebrate such
birthdays! Bek was obviously feeling better as she had us all singing Happy Birthday over dessert.
I suppose the other diners could have asked for a reduction on their Bill.

Nightcap at The Observer, Chalk insisted on buying Eric a farewell drink, a pint at that, a rare thing in Australia. I think he would have happily stayed longer but Liz (mindful of the fact that Chalk and Eric could have settled in for a while) escorted him away, after all he is in his 60's now.

It was a lovely night with great food and even better company, thank you to Liz and Eric and we all hope you have a great time in New Zealand.