Day 24 - England is calling.

Well what do you do with your last few hours....I think you have to visit somewhere not too far away and somewhere you like very much. Graham and Bek thought my favourtie place and beach would be Balmoral, as I was very tired when I first went there and it was a little breezy Graham wanted to give it a second attempt.

I have to say, this was well chosen. We had breakfast at a Restaurant on the beach and it was first class. (anyone back home who knows how particular I am on where I dine knows this is a compliment indeed!).

Sorry couldn't resist another picture of Ayers Rock from a lesser seen angle

We had a walk on the beach, I won't bother telling you about the lady we met, I think that will be one of Chalk's stories with the lads after a pint! Chalk had a swim in the sea, I sat and took in the scenery for the last time for a while. The sky actually started looking a little cloudy and the forecast for the next few days is NOT GOOD! I think I may be leaving at the right time.

Chalk & Bek at the top of 'Ayers Rock'

This holiday has been fantastic, Chalk and Bek have been unbelievable in the planning, the itinery, so much thought in everything we have done. Bek especially, a really big thank you for accepting your ''lodger'' with such grace. It has been a pleasure staying with you both in your lovely home and thank you Bek for giving up your transport so we could get round Sydney and take in so many sights.

A last thank you to David and Margie for our outing to the Opera House, Ben and Kylie for letting me share in your Wedding day, Travis, well it is always a pleasure to see your smiling face, and ALL your lovely friends I had the pleasure of spending some time with. It seems such a long time since the Zoo with Adele and and Ainsley and the walk with Karen and Marilyn. (Thank you for my birthday cards and thank you Karen for the chocolate koala's, - you will of course take a portion of the blame for my weight increase!) It was lovely to meet Mick and Michelle (Luton shirt aside) Cammy, (and Frankie of course) and Sarah and James.
Also of course Robyn and Nick for letting me have some time with their beautiful baby Amy. The lovely lunch at the Eden Garden Centre with Anne, so many wonderful times to remember
how strange so many of them include food!

Chalk and I at Uluru after our first flight together

I will be flying home soon but I am sure to return to meet up with you all again before not too long. Hope your chess improves Gareth, I won't forget the chocolates at Christmas.

Time now for last shower in their beautiful bathroom.

Love to everyone, thank you for following the blog and your comments, on line and off.

Joan xxx

Day 23 - Last Full Day...Hit the town!

Coogee Beach - with time to relax this time without the walk!!

Happy Birthday to Sandra... I hope my brother IS TAKING YOU OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can you believe , my last full day and I finally get morning coffee served . Chalk was up and dressed and going to the Gym (this is such a strange start to the day).

Chalk at Watsons Bay

Watsons Bay was the destination this morning, lovely Bay with the famous Doyles Restaurant and Cafe. Apparently this one is riding on it's reputaton, neither of us finished lunch (goodness
this is the third strange event!) After a short time we went on to Coogee, and relaxed on the beach for the remainder of the afternoon. The sky is so blue and this I will truly miss. A young couple came on the beach with a small daughter similar to Isla's age and it was quite hard not to
kidnap her for a while. Back to base to shower and dress for the last night in the City, of course we weren't ready when Bek came home, oh dear I am getting more like Chalk!!!

Me on Heartbreak Hill - For City to Surfers anyway

Well, all ready for the last night out, train to the city, did I tell you I thought Sydney was flat?
well I wish! every where we go is on a hill or an incline. First stop was at Pier 26, a very popular place, we had a bottle of champagne, I have to ask are we celebrating me leaving ??
We walked along the King Street Wharf, this is a promenade of Restaurants, we decided on one called Nick's, a very smart Restaurant which we thought fitted the occasion,.particularly as where I was sat I could see a Brad Pitt lookalike! The meal was excellent and we had a very enjoyable evening.Chalk was asking which day had been the best this holiday but I really could not just pick one day, every day has been different and all new experiences. I do understand why he left England. The train didn't seem an option back home, we were all happy and tired but puplic transport suddenly seemed too much of an effort, so taxi home for my last sleep at Boronia Street for a while. I hope you have all had a nice evening back in England but I doubt you will have been dining outside! At least I will have missed trick and treat night that will have saved me fortune! Good night to one and all. J x

Rose Bay - Eastern Suburbs

Day 22 - Opera House With Margie & David

After Pirates Of Penzance

I enjoyed a morning of having the Apartment to myself, getting ready for the day very leisurely and to my choice of music! I started packing but then thought, oh there is plenty of time for that.


Wow, it must be time to get back to England, I am starting to think like Graham!

Margie and David picked me up just after 1pm and we drove back to their house to ditch the car.
Margie, David & I, at Opera Bar

A really lovely Ferry ride took us into the City, the views were quite breathtaking at times and looking at some of the properties on the waters edge, there must be quite a few people in Aussie who don't exactly sell "Big Issues'' for a living! David as usual was an excellent tour guide and pointed out all the places of interest, this was until I could not struggle holding my dress down any longer in the very strong breeze, surely the ferry wasn't speeding up on purpose. I sat down for the remainder of the journey, this of course was in the midst of , yes even more Japanese, what cameras they have! They seem to spend a great deal of money to get photographs which amused me because they are so wrapped up in their anoraks, hats and scarves, perhaps it is some kind of game they play in the evenings when they are bored to try and recognise each other.
Me with a very dim Harbour Bridge in the background

We had a steady afternoon, we gave Centre Point a miss, as David felt a little dizzy. I enjoyed
a brief look in Customs House, the floor was all glass tiles and in the centre of the floor underneath the clear tiles was a plan of Sydney with minature model of Sydney CBD (Central Business District for you non Sydneysiders like me!!).

After people watching (one of my favourite pastimes) we then went to The Oytser Bar for Dinner before the Theatre. I passed on the Oysters but Margie and David seemed to enjoy them. We had a lovely meal which was enjoyed all the more dut to our lovely Canadian waiter.
He really looked after us so well and it is a pity there aren't more like him, he amused me
when in conversation he explained he was travelling and had been in Sydney more than a year
his Mother keeps asking him when he is coming home? (As though Mother's would do that!)

On to the very famous Opera House, I think Bek must have had a hand in organising the tickets
as I had an end seat, one of my many quirks! The Pirates of Penzance was excellent and we,
well everyone, obviously enjoyed it judging by the applause at the end.

Rang Graham to let him know we were ready for home and waited in the Opera Bar. This wiill seem so unreal ina few days, sat outside looking at the Harbour Bridge all lit up in the night sky,
not even wearing jackets. Bek was waiting up to hear about my day although bed was calling very soon. Last full day tomorrow.....

Illegal P.S. by Chalky - Yes bed might have been calling but that still didn't stop Ma logging on to the laptop at midnight to do some more Blogging - We've created a monster!

Day 21 - Fish Market

Anyone for Octupus - 8 hands shot up!!!

Lazy start to the day, then drove to Birkenhead,( not the one in Liverpool where you might require an escort!) Did a little shopping, Chalk just happened to find tops which he decided could be my birthday present to him, quite clever really because he knows what a bad memory I have. I bought two pairs of shoes, which is just the thing I need when my case is already seriously full!!!! Ma at Birkenhead Point after shopping and lunch (with wine!!)

After a lovely lunch break at one of the Sailing Club's we then finally set off for the Fish Market.
Obviously I have known my son for a long time, however the brain has dimmed in the last 18 months, so why should it surprise me when we arrived as it was closing! Fortunately we just managed to purchase some Salmon in time. Near the entrance they were boxes of live King Prawns and watched with amusement of one escaping, Chalk was cheering him on "Go on fella" I do think they are quite ugly but not as bad as the Lobster

Anzac Bridge - Number 3 of the 7 bridges walk

Gareth arrived for another Chess game (and to watch football). I was so full from lunch still, so I was happy wih a Chip sandwich but did cook for Bek, Chalk and Gareth and they are still alive and kicking. Can't have Bek cooking every night! (sorry Bek, we like pulling your leg, how many times is it now 3 in 3 weeks) Footbridge that Joaney tries to claim is bridge 8!!!

ha ha ha

I finally found time to look through Bek's England Album, it is so good and amazing how much it reminds you of past times. Not quite so good when you are still wearing all the same clothes!

Time running short now, Started packing.... Love to all, Night Jxx

Day 20 - 7 Bridges Walk

22 Kilometres - 7 Bridges - 6 Hours - 4 Warriors - 1 Day - No Regrets

Bek, Joan, David & Chalk - Harbour Bridge - No. 1

Today was the inaugral 7 Bridges Walk in aid on Cancer research, the idea was to walk to raise money by paying a 'bridge toll' on each of the 7 bridges. Before I came away I told Chalky I didn't want to put on any weight this holiday so he entered me in a half marathon!!! Next time I think I'll keep my thoughts to myself.

Anzac Bridge - No 3

It was a great day out passing some of the most scenic sights in Sydney from a unique vantage point with the time to take it all in (6 hours in actual fact!!) Above is the Anzac bridge, Anzac being 'Australian & New Zealand Army Corps'

Gladesville Bridge - No. 5

If you look at the incline on the above picture you can see that this was no 22K walk in the park. The fact that Bek & Chalky bought me some walking socks for my Birthday didn't quite neutralise the soreness of my feet by the end of the day, but nice try!!

At the 7th Bridge - Fig Tree Bridge

My favourite sight of the day had to be the 7th bridge, apparently I'd driven over it a few times but I didn't remember it those times like I will this one. I think they should rename it the 'Thank God Bridge' cos that's what we all said when we saw it.

2 or the group finishing their walk!!

(can you guess who?)

By this point in the day two of our group decided enough was enough and took the easy option back. No names, no pack drill!

2 of the group finishing their walk

(Can you guess who!!!!!!!)

Whereas on the other hand 2 brave soldiers carried on to the bitter end, nothing was going to deter them from their goal. (ok to tell the truth they stopped off for a few beers with Mick and Michelle 3k from the end and got a lift in to the finish as the stations were closing up.)

P.S I have to admit I've had more than a little help from Chalk with this post. Call it tiredness, call it apathy, call it being back in England 6 weeks and Chalky realising that I'd missed a day!! But thank you anyway for what I have to admit is the best written, most interesting informative, humourous, well composed post of the entire Blog. I cannot praise it highly enough!!

Day 19 - PM - Back to Sydney

Saturday was our journey back to Sydney. We had breakfast/lunch at the Hotel next door before we left. I was glad we did this, as I have to say, impressed I am NOT by the sandwiches served by Qantas. We had exit seats on the plane so we were very happy! The view coming back in to land was quite spectacular with the Harbour, the Bridge and Opera House all looking resplendent in the sunshine.
Flight back made good time, we were lucky with the transfers and baggage reclaim, very lucky really as it was very CHILLY. What happened to the heatwave ?????

Dinner at Govindas at my request, I love their vegetarian food and I think we were all ready for an early night. It was nice to be back and relax until I remembered it was the 7 Bridge Walk the following morning. Even though Bek was tired she was straight in the kitchen making a Banana Loaf for refreshments for the walk. I hope Chalk realises how lucky he is to have a girlfriend that bakes! I hope when the other members of my family and friends come to Australia they have the same amount of walks and exercise planned!

Day 19 - AM - Climbing the Rock

Written by Chalky (as Joaney was in bed!!) After hastily arranging to climb the Rock with Mark as we were departing the Sounds of Silence dinner, we embarked on yet another early start to meet at 6am. I didn’t really appreciate what a challenge the climb is until we actually started it when Mark pointed out that íf you slip, you’re gone’ However, not deterred by the threat of certain death, we carried on regardless. I don’t know if the hardest part is making it up the steep incline or making your way round all the Japanese that are climbing in inappropriate shoes and weighed down by expensive cameras (this caused the death of one such tourist who tried to retrieve a dropped camera and was blown off the Rock, I kid you not, not whilst we were there though!!)
What can you say about the climb, it is an amazing experience, which whilst experienced climbers might scoff at it, to us it was something to be proud of and a view we’ll never forget. It just makes you feel so alive and happy to be Australian!!!!

Our thanks go to Mark for taking us there and accompanying us on the climb and for his mum Margaret for inspiring Bek to do the climb in spite of the Aborigines wishes. (obviously I’m not that bothered what other people think!!)

Day 18 - PM - Sounds of Silence

This was the big night out! Bek had been advised to wear flat shoes because of the sand, but no way were we going out for my Birthday dinner casual! We got one or two looks as we reached the coach but I am sure they must have been in admiration (that’s what we wanted to think anyway). The coach driver was very pleasant for the whole 7min.20sec journey. We saw all the tables set out very smart but was surprised there was no cover at all, I realised then why the coach stayed nearby for a quick exit!
We walked to the look out point to see the sunset and were served champagne with strawberries and canapes. Everyone mixed and chatted it was a lovely atmosphere, very relaxing.As the sun set, dinner was announced and we were fortunate to get a table with
four other diners which seemed good companions for the evening. The meal would have to start with Pumpkin soup of course, but it was really lovely (and really HOT) , Salads, Chicken, Beef, Kangaroo, Crocodile, Barramundi,etc. This was followed by Brandy Bread & Butter pudding, Chocolate sponge with chocolate sauce, Pear and cinnamon Tart. Wine absolutely flowed (if you wanted it to). We were entertained by a gentleman playing his Didgeridoo, this was a surprise to me as I hadn’t noticed him setting up his seat right behind me……not like me! During the meal we also had an astronomer come round each table and was very amusing, even more amusing was the fact that we couldn’t see any stars for the cloud! Port was served and we were all having a fantastic evening but the rain decided to make an entrance, which brought the evening to an abrupt finish.

This will be a birthday and a holiday I never forget, so thank you Bek and Chalk for all your thoughtfulness, planning and your extreme kindness you have both shown. I will also never forget how much walking I have done this past three weeks!!

Day 18 - AM - Uluru Sunrise

It is no use traveling so far and not seeing the sunrise which so many people describe as a beautiful sight when the sun hits The Rock and shimmers in many shades, so this I thought is definitely not to be missed. Unfortunately for Chalk this meant rising at 4.15am and he was obviously weighing up the possibility of talking us out of it. Although this is one of his strengths, I often think of him as Perry Mason Oldfield, strangely enough he gave in quite easily so off to bed!

We were actually at the Reception before the mini bus collected us, (can you believe that).
As we approached the Rock it was hard to think of how to describe this enormous rock which in the darkness of the morning looked quite eerie. William Gosse, the first white man to see the Uluru described it as “an immense rock rising abruptly from the plain ….
this Rock is certainly the most wonderful feature I have ever seen”. Gosse named it after Sir Henry Ayer, the then Chief Secretary of South Australia. I have to say, when one gets up early to see this event (there are many others, mainly Japanese) it is quite exciting the only problem was the 90% cloud. Still we then filled the morning with visiting the Cultural Centre, which at the point of time, was Closed! Undeterred, we went back to the Rock for guided tour Our guide was really good, a young girl (for my English friends and family, the image of Kate, Prince William’s girl friend) very interesting and knowledgeable, many stories with humour with regard to how the aborigine’s think. One story was, the boomerang they use is more like a hockey stick than the conventional ones we see in the shops, this is because , quote: they are stupid, if you use those, they come back and bloody hit you!!

I have to tell you the Japanese intrigued us at one point as when they approached the Rock they were all wearing white gloves, this was due to a wind up in The Lonely Planet Guide, telling them this was a mark of respect, I think the person who started this story must have had shares in glove manufacturing!

After the tour, we then walked round the Rock! Lesley asked me if the Rock was big?
My reply was, it takes three hours to walk round the base of it, her reply has been banned!

I am not going to go into great detail here, let me just say, by this time (actually I was ready to go back for coffee or lunch or even breakfast!) the heat was intense, there are interesting points to look at with their drawings and caves etc but there are lots of areas which you are not allowed to photograph, as they are sacred. There are some areas for the women and some for the men, I am not sure how much they got together, I could think of some of my friends that would quite like this idea.

Day 17 - Uluru

'The Rock'

Unbelievably for an almost desert area it was raining when we got to the resort, so we did what any self respecting tourists would do and headed for the bar. We then ventured out (stopping off for another beer) and watched the sunset over the Ayers Rock (Uluru) and The Olgas (Kata Tjuta) from a distance of about 20K each. We took (Chalk took) a ridiculous amount of photos but the scenery was quite lovely.

Having a beer at the very lovely 'Sails' Bar

Deciding on an easy and early night we bought pizza from the local supermarket only to find on our return that our kitchen didn’t have an oven!!! We then headed back to the local restaurant which by now had a massive queue (as the Sounds of Silence was cancelled due to inclement weather!!) whilst Chalk had to haggle with the supermarket to get a refund. Then back home for a not so early night for our 4.15am alarm to watch the sunrise. Chalk was outvoted2-1 on this issue)

'The Olgas ' or 'Kata Tjuta' at sunset

Day 16 - Tuggerah

I was impressed when Chalk went on the lake on a surf-ski, he only fell off once, of course his story was he was diving! To be fair I think as it fits Bek, it probably is SLIGHTLY too small for him. We stayed on land, well some-one had to take photos.

We left in the morning after a huge barbequed breakfast, some larger than others, no prizes for guessing! Margie and David stayed on to enjoy the peace for a while longer. We stopped on the way home at Tuggerah Westfield (Australian version of Meadowhall) as this was actually Graham’s idea I can only think he had been out in the sun too long. Back home (did I say home again ?) we started packing for a trip out to Uluru, I don’t know why I was surprised at the amount we were all trying to pack for two nights, it had been no different for the night we had just had at the Lake, well a girl has to be prepared, I don’t know what Chalk’s excuse is. An early night is on the cards, flying off at 8.45 in the morning, it is a long time since I have seen my son pulled out of bed, and strangely enough this will be the first time we have ever flown together. So I will say good-night, my best wishes to you all near and far, a special hug and kiss to Isla, I enjoyed our “conversation” see you soon. xxx

P.S. There probably won’t be any more updates until Saturday when we return from Uluru.
P.P.S. WE LOOK FORWARD TO READING ALL YOUR COMMENTS UPON OUR RETURN!!!!!!!!

Day 15 - The Lake

To-day we are going to ‘The Lake’ I have heard so much about. To those of you who have been it needs no other introduction than “The Lake, however for the rest of you this is a house on Lake Macquarie which David and Margie own and have had many visitors there with all their children’s friends over the years, a very popular week-end retreat for having fun on the water and of course barbecues.

David and Margie had already arrived when we finally landed, we had a very leisurely start. First call shopping for supplies, fish and chip lunch. (I just cannot believe the fish shops here in Australia, takes you ten minutes just to order, 15 different choices of fish, 3 ways to cook them, and then what size box of chips do you want!!!! And you can’t even get scraps)

The lake is such a peaceful setting, not many other occupants seem to be around and even
Chalky was quiet. The order of the day was RELAXATION. We took photographs, had a short walk then just relaxed over drinks and supper. The supper was kindly made by Bek, We finished the evening off with a slideshow on the TV of the photo’s from the wedding etc unfortunately David missed these as he had already retired.

I was given the main bedroom at the front, so I could catch the view of the lake in the morning sunlight. This was very much appreciated and many thanks again to Margie and David for their kind hospitality.

Day 14 - Girls Day Out

To-day is Girls day, Bek and I set off for a morning round Eden Garden Centre.

I have to say this was very spectacular for a garden centre. The display of flowers, plants, and finer objects were quite wonderful. We met Anne from Bek's work there for lunch and did more than justice to a very pleasant salmon (with all the trimmings) sandwich and chips. We met two of Nellie’s sisters then departed home to prepare for my birthday treat.

We went into town for a viewing of David Jones food hall, this I can’t believe we had missed previously. After one or two purchases we then set off for the fish market. My birthday present from Bek was a cookery lesson at the famous Doyles Fish Market for Tapas, this was also a birthday present to Bek from Lesley and Andrew.
The two hours went so quickly, we had a session in the Auditorium watching the instructor, then proceeded to the next room where we were in group of five’s and let loose in the kitchen. One of the girl’s in our party, Bek thought was quite bossy, no please don’t laugh. We all started attacking the produce although I finished just preparing the tomato salad and preparing the table and bread. The demonstration was the most important, we all enjoyed it, then proceeded to the third room which was the dining room. It was a really good atmosphere and I think everyone had a good time. Before we left we were all given a bag with some goodies so home to bed, another full day.

Don’t worry about Chalky, although he had to fend for himself he had Gareth round for a game of chess (which he won) and leftovers from yesterdays BBQ. Watch this space but the word on the street is that Bek might even find the kitchen tomorrow!!

(Obviously the last paragraph was inserted by Chalk!)