The Saturday exploring Mike's Sydney

Hi,

Mike and I got up early an caught a local bus (751) to Blacktown and swapped to a bus service replacing the rail network for the weekend.  Yep - engineering works weekend.  The bus was great - n express coach all the way to Wynard station - no stops.  Better than the train service.  Hahahah.

Mike took me for brunch in town (close to our work's Sydney office) and then we went shopping.  The tourists were out in force.  We bought postage stamps at the post office and the chap behind the counter said "Even though they are stamped at $1.65, I'll give them to you for $1.60".  Very odd.  Felt like haggling.  Mike thinks he should have tried for $1.50 now.

From there we walked to Darling Harbour and had an iced coffee.  Mike showed me his haunts from his Sydney trips.

On Pyrmont Bridge

Just missing Sally and Andrew's feet at Darling Harbour

Then we caught a taxi to Randwick and Mike took me all around the University of New South Wales campus.  He was so enthusiastic.  He's very cute.  From there we walked to Coogee beach - bit of a meandering walk.  But the beach was lovely.

Surveying the beach - see Wedding Cake island on the horizon?

We sat on the grass under a tree and enjoyed the view.  A public announcement was made while we were there.  It went like this:

Due to strong winds (Mike and I queried defining the gentle onshore breeze as strong), there are some bluebottles coming ashore (oh - we were expecting announcements about sharks or rips).  If you get stung, just relax.  (Right - of course!  Relaxing is a great idea.  Best remember that).  Come out and have a cool shower.  Pull the stingers off with your fingers.  If it is still sore, see a lifeguard.

This is a typical Australian approach to its creepy crawlies.  Nothing about evacuating the beach.  Just relax if you get stung.  Don't inconvenience anyone by panicking and having to get rescued.  Just relax and have a cold shower.  Hahahah.

We caught a local bus (M50 - Prepay only - Mike sorted them out - crazy, fragmented public transport system!) to Central, waited for a coach back to Blacktown and enjoyed the bus ride.

Caught the 752 from Blacktown to Quakers Hill, all foretold accurately by the bus nerd at Central station (he knew the Quakers Hill bus route from Blacktown and even what "Stand" to catch it from once we got there. Freaky!).

Home to a great dinner from Karen and watched some Vampire Diaries with her.  Mike and Scott have been having B grade movie fests.  Iron Sky one night.  Piranha DD the next night.  No idea what the movie was last night but Mike thinks I may have made it to about 10 minutes before giving up!  Must have been a good one.

Today is Sunday and we're off up to Scott's mother's house for New Years.  Can't wait to swim in the sea.  Wish I had togs with me yesterday at Coogee.

Love,
Angela