Hello Sydney

Back in town now  for three weeks and I have been busy searching for work and trying to get out and soak up some of Sydney before getting back into 9-5.

Parsley Bay, Vaucluse

Walking along parsley bay past crabs ducking into oyster strewn rocks, I took a dip into the surprising clean harbour waters of Sydney Harbour.

Still exploring Vaucluse another walk took be down to Vaucluse Bay and Vaucluse House, a reminder of our colonial past.   

Today took me for a walk from Neilson Park to Rose Bay along the harbour's edge, the wind was up but it was a lovely day.  For those back at Bexley this is two weeks before winter officially starts.  Also the island in these following photos is Shark Island.

It is good to be back.  More later.

Saying Goodbye to Friends

Thanks to everyone for a series of fabulous leaving gatherings.   Salt Ash, for the last London Book Group, was memorable for the fabulous food and clever planning by Amelia to get us a table in the best section.  I promise to be a good remote Bookclub without Borders member, and true to form we don't all have to be in one place or from time to time even read a book. 

Thanks Jo, for a lovely brunch at Garrison, just before my facial to finish off a relaxing day.  Which followed the previous night's leaving drinks at Double Club.   It is a shame I don't have any photos of most of these events, but there are many fond memories.   Thanks Premelaa for putting me up in the last days and as always cooking probably the best Indian I will eat.  

It was very sad leaving London and friends who I had got to know or know better whilst living in London.  You will all be missed.   

Bye Bye Bexley

Baljit, Pauline and me

Finished up at Bexley Council on Wednesday and was taken out for lunch by the communications team which was a nice farewell after a busy week of tidying up my project.  It was sad to say goodbye but  hopefully some will make the trek down under,  it not I  will definitely stay in touch from Oz.

Richard, Peter, Bal, Pauline and John

Thanks to John and the team for helping me help promote Bexley First and for your support and time along the way.  Good luck for the future.

Day trip to see the Potters

June

On a lovely sunny Sunday, last weekend I went to have lunch with Les and June Potter. My great grand mother was June's grand mother.  June is dad's cousin as her mum was his aunt (my great aunt).  That would make June and Les's children Gary, Angela and Linda my 3rd cousins and Elle-May  my fourth.  Angela's daughter Tara has just had a little girl Rose who would be 5th.  

Gary and Tracy

Sunday Lunch - Ellie, June, Les, Angela and Tracy

Denis, Gary and Tracy

We had a great roast with all the trimmings.  If any of the Potters (or extended family) visit Australia they would be made very welcome, probably with a family BBQ.

After lunch Gary gave me a lift to Colchester and I had a look at the Castle, learning about the Romans conquering the local britons and setting up Colchester as their capital in Britain.  This didn't last long as the locals about 20 years later staged an uprising led by their Leader, Boudicca - there were no Roman survivors.  Not sure if there are any blood connections going this far back ??

Colchester Castle

Fab time in Berlin

Berlin turned out to be a real surprise, it was interesting and welcoming. We ate, drank, had fun and saw the sites, what could be better.  

This is one of the most amazing buildings I have seen, it stood directly opposite the Reichstag, the german parliament and the contrast of buildings was quite something.

But the Reichstag building is not as old as it looks, originally built in 1884 it was ruined by Red Army air raids in 1945. In 1961 it was rebuilt then in the dome designed by british architect Norman Foster was added in 1999. We didn't get into see the dome because the line was too long, but maybe on another visit.  

Continuing on the history trip, after hiring some bikes, we found the remains of the Berlin wall. Peddled around Berlin really is the best way to see the town.  Apart from freezing hands it was a great afternoon. However probably not the best thing to do before a night of NYE dancing.

Later tonight we would be back to celebrate the beginning of 2009.

Great snack after a hard day's bike riding.   

One more day in Vienna

A short trip outside of the city to Schonburnn Palace in search of a maze and labyrinth.  After finding out the maze hedges have any leaves we went for a stroll.

Gatekeeper

Looking back at the Palace

Looking forward to the summer house

trouble in the garden

N to the rescue

Lots of fun.

More Vienna

After moving hotel to a much nicer part of town we set out to see some more sights but only after a quick snack.  This was the tastiest pizza we have had since Australia and for desert I had to try an 'ice cream' cone in the middle of winter, it turned out to be mock cream.

Now for some sites.

the ferris wheel that inspired  the London Eye

Museum of Fine Arts

our taxi home?