Dave and I wake up early and run from our hotel, past the Opera House and around to Mrs. Macquaries Chair (a governor‘s wife enjoyed her view there from the harbor so much that he had a bench carved for her in the rocks) at the edge of the Royal Botanical Gardens. When we return to the hotel, two doormen swing open the huge doors for us and hand us water and towels! We feel like rock stars!
After breakfast, we head out to the ferry station on foot (about 150+ Jayco people) for a cruise of the harbor. Our tour guide points out interesting landmarks and we listen some and chat a lot, catching up with even more friends. It is a beautiful day- imagine the most perfect weather with an ocean breeze. Our boat takes us to famous Manly Beach. In the ferry station, we are tempted by the gelato store and a chocolate shop called Chocolate by the Bald Guy.
We head to the beach, walking through a lively area called the Corso, full of restaurants and cafes. You could people watch for hours here. It is Saturday, so local families are out with their children frolicking in the fountains. A group of young boys (I’d guess maybe 8 or 9 at the most) with skim boards over their heads launch themselves toward the beach behind their fearless bellowing leader. “Aaaarh!” the chubby leader hails and clears the way. The sands will not be safe today!
We have a lovely outdoor lunch with the Teicherobs at the Manly Grill. We enjoy fried squid, BBQ chicken, crispy fries and Dave has the Ozzie burger- a concoction that includes a slice of beet and a fried egg. It is surprisingly good! Our friends head off to visit someone at a local hospital and we happen upon a Saturday market. There’s an array of clothing, candles, toys and jewelry. We sit and have coffee and cocos and take it all in. More walking, shopping and people watching afterward.
We take the JetKat back (much faster than the ferry) and score seats outside. The water is a sparkling reflection of the sun and all you want to do is throw your head back and soak it all up. To our right, we see a group handling a sailboat- suddenly zipping from one side to the other. A motorboat seems to be dangerously close to a huge naval ship.
Back at Circle Quay, we head over to the Opera House. Hannah wants to touch it. The “shell” of the building is actually covered in white 4” tiles. There’s a function tonight, we’re thinking something to do with Ireland or Scotland, based on the number of guys in kilts. A bagpipe player suddenly begins to play and fills the steps with magic. The sun is low and a mist hangs in the sea air. We’re surrounded by such a diverse group of beautiful faces. As I take it all in, it almost takes my breath away. It’s one of those moments you wish you could freeze and capture!
We’re having dinner with our Jayco rep, Troy tonight- who has a sister who lives in Sydney and visits often. We’re off to Mosman- a sleepy little community that we get to by a 20 minute water taxi. Michael is feeling a bit queasy, so we giggle at the pallor on his face. We walk from the dock to The Bather’s Pavillion- a 1930’s style (Art Deco) bathhouse turned into a restaurant. Dinner is incredible. Hannah and Tatum finish up with milkshakes. The boat ride back gives us stunning views of the Sydney skyline at night, as the girls doze off. It has been a perfect day!
After breakfast, we head out to the ferry station on foot (about 150+ Jayco people) for a cruise of the harbor. Our tour guide points out interesting landmarks and we listen some and chat a lot, catching up with even more friends. It is a beautiful day- imagine the most perfect weather with an ocean breeze. Our boat takes us to famous Manly Beach. In the ferry station, we are tempted by the gelato store and a chocolate shop called Chocolate by the Bald Guy.
We head to the beach, walking through a lively area called the Corso, full of restaurants and cafes. You could people watch for hours here. It is Saturday, so local families are out with their children frolicking in the fountains. A group of young boys (I’d guess maybe 8 or 9 at the most) with skim boards over their heads launch themselves toward the beach behind their fearless bellowing leader. “Aaaarh!” the chubby leader hails and clears the way. The sands will not be safe today!
We have a lovely outdoor lunch with the Teicherobs at the Manly Grill. We enjoy fried squid, BBQ chicken, crispy fries and Dave has the Ozzie burger- a concoction that includes a slice of beet and a fried egg. It is surprisingly good! Our friends head off to visit someone at a local hospital and we happen upon a Saturday market. There’s an array of clothing, candles, toys and jewelry. We sit and have coffee and cocos and take it all in. More walking, shopping and people watching afterward.
We take the JetKat back (much faster than the ferry) and score seats outside. The water is a sparkling reflection of the sun and all you want to do is throw your head back and soak it all up. To our right, we see a group handling a sailboat- suddenly zipping from one side to the other. A motorboat seems to be dangerously close to a huge naval ship.
Back at Circle Quay, we head over to the Opera House. Hannah wants to touch it. The “shell” of the building is actually covered in white 4” tiles. There’s a function tonight, we’re thinking something to do with Ireland or Scotland, based on the number of guys in kilts. A bagpipe player suddenly begins to play and fills the steps with magic. The sun is low and a mist hangs in the sea air. We’re surrounded by such a diverse group of beautiful faces. As I take it all in, it almost takes my breath away. It’s one of those moments you wish you could freeze and capture!
We’re having dinner with our Jayco rep, Troy tonight- who has a sister who lives in Sydney and visits often. We’re off to Mosman- a sleepy little community that we get to by a 20 minute water taxi. Michael is feeling a bit queasy, so we giggle at the pallor on his face. We walk from the dock to The Bather’s Pavillion- a 1930’s style (Art Deco) bathhouse turned into a restaurant. Dinner is incredible. Hannah and Tatum finish up with milkshakes. The boat ride back gives us stunning views of the Sydney skyline at night, as the girls doze off. It has been a perfect day!
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