Sydney & Bondi Beach

In the Shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Mighty Handy Green Bag
Guylian Chocolate Shop - Sensational!
Anyone for a Gelato?
Bondi Beach Bodies
German Restaurant Beer Challenge
Opera House by Night

Yes folks - yesterday we were back visiting the Rocks in Sydney (site in Sydney Cove where the original settlement was made) and walking over cobblestones laid soon after the first settlers arrived here in 1788. We also walked under the end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge (opened in 1932) which is the world's widest long-span bridge. It is nicknamed 'the coathanger' because of it's arch-shaped design. Did y'all know that Crocodile Dundee (Paul Hogan) was a painter on this bridge before he made it to Hollywood?

Sandy & I had noticed a very delectable looking chocolate shop as we wandered around the harbour the other day, so when we made another trip back there yesterday, we both knew we just had to try a hot chocolate at the Guylian Chocolate Shop. The guys joined us and we sat inside looking out the glass windows to observe all the activity in Sydney Harbour. The visit was a great decision as we unanimously agreed that the hot chocolate was delicious. That said, we can't fail to mention our daily taste testing of the various icecream and gelato shops - from Caloundra to Manly to Kings Cross to Sydney Harbour - we have undertaken extensive testing and enjoyed every morsel!

Despite our visit to Bondi Beach the previous day, Joe Bill felt a bit cheated as the weather made it unsuitable for swimming - too cool and showers of rain. He was desperate to swim at Bondi Beach, and wouldn't you know it, after lunch yesterday the sun came out, so we changed into our bathers and went to the beach. The water was cold when you first stood in it, but once you dived under the surf, it was very refreshing and enjoyable. The waves were fairly rough though, but some of us braved them for a while. Sandy preferred to top up her tan and relax on her beach towel. My daughter Kim had bought me a tiny bag that fits into a small pouch and hangs on my purse. That green bag has come to our rescue numerous times to carry umbrellas and for our trip to Bondi, our towels. Thanks Kim!

Dinner time saw us back in Sydney Rocks area to have dinner at a German restaurant with my son Benn and Daina again. I don't get to see them too often as they live in Sydney and I live closer to Brisbane, so it has been nice for them to meet our American friends and for us to have extra time with them as well. As usual we tried the different menu selections and enjoyed the German oompapa band. The blueberry schnapps was very nice - thanks Benn. As we wandered back to catch a bus to our hotel, we admired the Opera House and Sydney Harbour bridge by night. By 10.30pm we were back safely in our hotel.

It is now Thursday afternoon, and Sandy & Joe Bill are safely ensconced at the Sydney Airport ready for their flight to Los Angeles that leaves in 2 hours. Safe travels.