BridgeClimb: The Sydney Harbour Bridge
As fate and weather go hand in hand, Monday morning breaks clear, sunny and warm after a weekend of heavy constant rains. The numbers are in from the attendance at the Mardi Gras Parade and they are disappointing. Rough estimates...
A Leisurely Bondi Beach Read: Last Days in Sydney, Australia
Our time in Sydney and indeed Australia unfortunately, is coming to an end. We find it hard to believe how quickly two months has flown by. Hot = Bondi! Our last couple of days has been easy going and relaxed. On Tuesday, the...
Museum Day in Sydney, Australia
We sleep in, enjoying our Mardi Gras Recovery. After Tuesday’s intense heat, the rest of the week is turning out to be what is known in Sydney as cool, fall weather – mid-to-high 20s in the days, high teens in the evenings....
Enjoying the Blue Air in the Blue Mountains of Australia
Up early – we are heading to see the Blue Mountains, a 90-minute drive west of Sydney. Eric has lent us his car for the day, and he arrives at our place to drop it off just after 9, and of course there is a hamper for our morning...
A Panicky First Dive in Botany Bay, Australia
Through our drive from Cairns to Sydney, we had stopped in various places known for good diving and had been frustrated in our desire because of the weather. We had booked to dive upon arrival in Sydney, but these had been...
Our Last Day in Australia
We sleep in a bit this morning on our last day in Australia, but have the suitcases and gear out of the Francis Street apartment by 10:00. We have made a few phone calls home and in particular to John’s Mum in Stratford,...
Best of Australia: Next Stop: Singapore
I find it difficult to believe that we are no longer in Sydney and Australia. It feels like we are just out for the day and will be back at Francis Street this evening or meeting Eric or Graham for dinner or drinks. Or finishing...
At the Night Zoo in Singapore
It is a very hot day today with the sun beating down through slightly hazy skies. No real schedule planned for the day but we walk down to Marina Quay and across to SunTech City, which is a huge shopping and office complex...
The Day of Silence – Happy Nyepi!
We were warned via email from Steve (a friend of Eric’s, who recommended the hotel that we are staying at) who lives in Jakarta, that we would be here for Nyepi. So we sort of knew what we were in for. But we don’t really know...
The Day After Nyepi: A Time for Family
The hotel is deserted this morning – everyone is out early after the enforced stay-at-home of the day before. We are also of a mind to get out and do more exploring and head out as soon as we finish breakfast. Although it is...