Sunny Sydney - A great way to spend our last day

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Sunday 16 September 2012 – Our final day

Day 157 and 1 day to go

After a somewhat restful night’s sleep we woke and staying in bed and watching the morning news show. Paul was out first as usual and was soon calling for me to get out and ready to head out for breakfast.

By 9.30am we were wandering the streets in search of a reasonably priced meal. It proved harder than we first thought. We eventually made it back towards the central station. I searched for my lost sunnies in the hope they would be seen but it was all in vain. Oh well.

We did locate a small café serving breakfast for under $10 so we figured that would have to do.  It was quite substantial and delicious so it was a good choice. Following the breakfast it was a short walk into the station and then on the train to Circular Quay.

It was very busy around the water as there had been a running event on this morning. We made our way through the crowd buying ferry tickets and then joining the line to enter the boat with all of the others. We were able to find a seat inside and shortly after the boat was on its way.

The ride was a smooth one and before we knew it we were docking at Manly wharf. We wandered with the crowd down the main street, checking out the market stalls full of interesting but expensive things.

We finally made it to the water front to check out Manly Beach. The wind was whipping up the surf and there were plenty of people out enjoying the waves and the sun as they laid on the beach soaking up the rays.

We wandered along the waterfront, eventually parking our selves on a bench and watching life go by. We rang home catching up with our mum’s. It is still hard to believe that we will be seeing them in a couple of days.

With enough sun soaking we made our way back along the front and stopped at a café for lunch, enjoying the seafood specials that were on offer. We also had a great view of the traffic driving by.  There were all sorts of interesting cars and bikes.

When we finished we returned to the wharf checking out the bay on this side and the many boats that were out enjoying the water. We bought an ice cream to take on to the ferry and then boarded the waiting vessel that departed only a few minutes later.

As we made our way the swell began pitching and rolling the boat. If we watched from the window the water level would swallow the window on the right and then on the left. Thankfully it didn’t last and as the bridge and opera house came into view we were back to smooth sailing.

When we returned to Circular Quay we wandered the boardwalk towards the Opera House. There were so many people out enjoying drinks and music on this glorious day. We enjoyed taking in the iconic views while warming ourselves in the sun. 

With time beginning to tick away we made our way back to the train station and returned to Central before our walk back to the hotel and into our room. I was happy to sit around for a while watching TV before organising our lift to the airport tomorrow and then heading to Starbucks to use the net, but with only 30min free on offer I returned to the room deciding to use what was on offer in the hotel instead.

I returned to the room and watched more TV while finishing up the blog.

At 5pm we decided to go and use the spa and pool on the twelfth floor. It was lovely to relax and soak in the warm spa water.  Paul made use of sauna as well before doing a few walking laps in the pool.

By 6 we were ready to return to the room. I had a shower while Paul put some washing on. We got ourselves changed and then went down stairs to the Thai restaurant next door, ordering a few dishes to take back to the room.

Once back, we began eating while watching the Moto 3 race from Missano. it was eventually won by Cortese from Salom and Fenati. I was then able to log into the hotel Internet and post the blog for the past few days as well as check things on the net.

The second race began and with my net time run out I decided it was time for me to head to bed. Paul continued to watch the GP with Jorge, Rossi and Bautista taking out the podium positions for the big race. Once it was complete Paul turned out the lights on our final night away from home.