Australia day 1
Well it is early in the morning and we are waiting for our flight to London. Due to the strike we have a long stop over in London HR and as we are arriving in London City we have to travel per
shuttle to Heathrow.
Well we are now in Heathrow airport and are waiting for our flight. It will be a long day, it has just turned 17:00 hrs and our flight takes off at 21:10.
Boarding has started on time and we are now in the air on the way to Sydney via Singapore
This is the proper way to start the long flight. I think the 13 hrs will pass quickly due to the fact that Qantas have Marvel movies on their entertainment channel
Australia Day 2
Well the second day has started and we have just landed for a stop over in Singapore and due to the time difference it is 17:00 local time
After a clean and some Kerosin we are now on the way to Sydney
Well this is happening all the time a glass of champagne for the short trip to Sydney ( 8 hrs )
Australia Day 3
Sydney
Well it is 05:30 in the morning and we have arrived in Sydney where after 38 hrs of travel Tanja and Tom are waiting for us. I am a bit tired but happy that everything has gone well. Looking forward
to the next 6 weeks
After a cup off coffee a shower and a shave we went off for a walk to the Sydney park. This was a brick quarry but then around 70ˋs it was used as a rubbish dump and then turned into a park in
the early 90ˋs by the local government. From the top of the park you have a good view of Down town Sydney.
We also saw some typical houses for the area
Well day 3 of our trip to Down under is coming to an end, and the first day in Sydney. I am fighting with the jet leg and trying not to fall asleep, but it is now 22:00 and I have given up and I am
going to bed.
Australia Day 4
I have had a very good nights sleep and we are just setting off to......? Guess where.
Yes you were right Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera.
Today we took a train to the Harbour area and then walked back across the bridge where we had a good view of the Harbour and of course the Opera. After climbing up one of the towers we had a walk
around the Harbour and the Rock shopping area with all the small cafes and restaurants where we had lunch. After lunch we had a walk around the botanical gardens and then through Hyde park with the
great big fountain in the middle of the park.
Another great day with great weather is coming to and end. We have found a German Bakery just around the corner from Tanja‘ s flat so we have some good German bread for our evening meal.
Australia Day 5
After not a very good nights sleep, still got this jet leg but a good breakfast we set off to discover another part of Sydney.
Sydney has a very big Chinese community and a fantastic Chinese garden, which is surrounded by skyscrapers.
In the Garden there as some animals made of Stone but some are alive and kicking. The stone dragon is there to protect the garden from demons.
The next stop was Darling Harbour where there are restaurants, flats and offices placed around the Harbour.
This place is absolutely amazing, the open space in connection with the sky scrapers in the background that looks like lots of different sized boxes.
The next stop is the fish market. This place is just like an ants nest with people running about eating and looking at fish. The way the fish is laid out is just amazing.
After having a walk around and eating some fresh fish we then made our way towards home, because this evening we are traveling by car with Tanja and Tom up to Hunters Valley, which is the wine area
from Sydney. It is about a 3 hr drive.
Australia Day 6
Hunters Valley
We got into Hunters valley late last night, had a few beers and went to bed in preparation of our wine tasting excursion today
The house in the Cypress lakes resort in Hunter Valley was just great with a ground floor living room and kitchen with a great terrace overlooking the golf course. Upstairs we had two bedrooms with a
separate bathroom for each. Could have stayed a bit longer
Well this was the plan. We have booked a Gourmet wine tasting tour in Hunters valley. The weather was great not to warm and not to hot 24 degrees centigrade.
So after a walk down to reception we were joined by another couple, Lesley and Justine. She was American and he was Swiss with Australian roots. Our host Heidi from Two Big Fat Blokes tours picked us
up, put us in a van and away we went to the first from 5 stops.
The first wine tasting was Sparkling wines from Peterson’s. Apart from 9 different sparkling wines we also had a delicious pancake in strawberry jam
The next stop was at McLeish Estate Wines, this is where we had a vertical tasting. From the same wine two different years, a young year and an older year, so we could taste, how the wine had
progressed in the meantime. This was very interesting, and there we had 6 different wines and one dessert wine as a closing gift.
The next stop was at Comyns and Co which is a new young modern wine company in The Valley. This tasting with 9 different wines was also interesting due to the way the explanation and descriptions of
the wines were given.
Now it was time for lunch. We stopped at the Deli from the Two Big Fat Blokes and we could choose between different menus. I chose to eat a steak sandwich and a beer to wash it down with. The others
had risotto and paste. After the meal we had a wine cheese tasting, which was just great. By the way a further 8 wines.
The last stop was at Saddler‘s Creek Wines where we were able to tast a further 9 wines. The interesting here was that two of them we tasted directly out of the barrel .
These three made us stop the tasting as they went hopping over the front lawn.
By this time it was around 17:30 and we had been on the road from 10:00 this morning. Our host took us back to the hotel. If you have been counting we have just drunk around 48 different wines
been to 5 different wine locations and had a lovely lunch and seen the greater part of Hunter Valley. We were all a bit tiered but a bit hungry so after a short break it was down to the
restaurant for some fish and chips and a beer. Well that’s what Tom and I had, the girls had a glass of wine and something to eat. Back at the house the strenuous day came over me and
decided to go to bed.
Australia Day 7
Well it is now 08:30 and we are still in bed, I think we slept in. So up up and off to breakfast before we travel back to Sydney.
After a nice drive back we decided to chill out this afternoon and had time to write my blog.
Australia Day 8
Sydney
Well it has been one week since we left Berlin and we have seen a lot. Today is a special day as we are going to the Opera this evening, more later.
We have decided to go back to the Royal Botanical Gardens and have a closer look.
To be honest I have never seen such an interesting Botanical Garden.
On the way out of the gardens the one or the other interesting picture.
Well it is now off to the Opera first of all for a tour around the inside and then a classical concert.
The concert was great and the view that we saw as we left the Opera was breathtaking
Unfortunately the weather had now taken a turn for the worst and it had started to rain. We made it home and were more or less dry. So off to bed with the impression of the day stuck in our minds.
Australia Day 9
Well the actual weather has kept up with the weather forecast and it is raining cats and dogs and the temperature has dropped to 11 degrees. That is Museum oder Shoppingmall weather.
We wanted to go to the Australian museum in Sydney but it was closed due to renovation so we went to the Sydney museum instead. A very interesting museum about Sydney and the conflict between the
British and the Native people of Australia.
The Queen Victoria Building was just as interesting.
As it was still raining we decided to have a cup of coffee and a roll at the German bakery in the shopping center and then make our way home. So here I am just sitting in Tanja and Tomˋs flat
finishing the days Blog.
Australia Day 10
After having a look out of the window and the weather forecast for today we have decided to visit the Maritime Museum. So after a good breakfast we got on our wet weather gear and took a walk to the
station.
A very interesting museum, and we found out that Australia originally was called New Holland.
We all know the mutiny on the Bounty, and surprise,surprise Karin and David were there.
We have taken the tram twice in Sydney and twice we have had to leave the tram before our station. Therefore we had to take a walk and as it was not raining it was not that bad. We then could see
the Town Hall and the Queen Victoria Building from yesterday from the outside.
After doing a bit of shopping at Woolworths we had a coffee and a roll at the German bakery before starting back home, and believe it or not we got home dry. Well it is time to pack our
suitcase as we are flying to ?????? tomorrow morning. Looking forward to the long weekend far away from Sydney.
Australia Day 11
Uluru (Ayers Rock)
We had to get up early on Thursday morning as our flight to Ayers Rock starts at 10:00 am. We left the flat with rain and 11 degrees. We arrived at the airport on time und with a gate change we
boarded the plane and were pushed out onto the runway. As we started to roll forward, the brakes started making funny noises so we had to stop and were pushed back to the landing bay, where
technicians had a look. After about an hour the problem had been found, sorted and we could now take off for Ayers Rock.
We were greeted in Ayers Rock with 35 degrees and 9% humidity, what a difference to Sydney. We were then loaded onto a bus and taken to our hotel The Lost Camel.
As it was an early start today and we are going on a sunrise Uluru base walk, we decided to go early to bed.
Australia Day 12
Well it is still dark and we are making our way to the bus. After a 20 min drive we have reached the Uluru.
The weather was not very good, very windy and a little bit of rain and very cloudy, and only 16 degrees, which was perfekt for walking the 12 km . We walked round the Uluru and made a short
stop at the culture center, where the story of the local tribe is described. They think, that the Aborigines are about 40 thousand years old and still use the same cultures.
Around 12:00 we got back on the bus, which took us back to the hotel. We had a bite to eat and had a small nap as we have another event this evening.
We were picked up at 21:00 and taken to the Field of lights.
Bruce Munro made this light installation with around 50.000 glass globes. This is an experience, that you have got to see.
After walking around for about an hour, we got back to the bus, which took us back to the hotel, where we fell very tired but happy into our bed.
Australia Day 13
Well we could stay in bed a bit longer this morning and after a good breakfast we were ready for the next adventure. This time we are going to the Kata Tjuta Rocks, which means the many heads. The
Uluru and the Kata Tjuta Rocks are part of the national park, that has been set up, to protect the Anangu heritage.
This set of rocks are 5 km long and 5 km deep. I personally think, they are more impressive as the Uluru.
After the walk we were taken back to the hotel to get ready for the next experience.
The Sounds of Silence Dinner is very difficult to explain in pictures, here are a few.
We were taken to a place in the middle of the dessert. To our left was the Uluru and to the right was the Kata Tjuta. We were given Champagne and canopies and we stood and talked watching
thesunsetover the Kata Tjuta. This was and is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After the sun had set, we went to an area, where we were served a delicious meal. Before the desert was served, all the
lights were switched off and one of the team explained the night sky. This one was the second once-in-a-lifetime experience and the second in one evening.
The dinner table was a mixture from all over the world and it was a very interesting and lively evening. We also were able to look through a telescope, so that we could see Jupiter and Saturn.Youwill
not believe this, but this was the third once-in-a-lifetime experience within 3 hours. After some port wine to close the evening we were taken back to the hotel, where i fell very tired but very very
satisfied into my bed and fell asleep with a smile on my face.
Australia Day 14
Well, our last day in Ayers Rock has just started and all we have to do today is fly back to Sydney and just dream about the great weekend we have just had.
Australia Day 15
Sydney
After a good nights sleep and a good breakfast we took the train and bus to Bondi Beach and had a walk along the coast to Bronte Beach.
At this time of year the whales start wandering south and with a bit of luck you may see one or two, and we did have a bit of luck.
It‘s not much but better than nothing. The birds were a bit closer.
After having a sandwich and a coffee we walked back along the coast to Bondi Beach where we got our bus back to the flat. Another very interesting day comes to a close. Let’s see what we decide to do
tomorrow.
Australia Day 16
Yesterday we were on the Bondi Beach and today we are going to Manly Beach. The easiest way to get there is with he ferry from Sydney harbour.
Arriving at Manly we walked through the pedestrian precinct to get to the beach.
After leaving the beach we started to walk along the coast heading for the North Head Sancutary, which is a mixture of military buildings and history and a nature sanctuary.
Walking around there was very interesting with breath taking views of the coast and the vegetation in the nature sanctuary.
Not to forget the one or the other flying human.
It was such an impressive walk and views we lost touch with time and had to get the bus back to Manly harbour just in time to get the ferry back to Sydney Harbour.
Arriving at Sydney harbour we got the train home with a short stop at, no not the German bakery, but the supermarket. At home we had a good evening meal, a glass of red wine that we had bought in
Hunter Valley and dropped into bed.
Australia Day 17
Today we are off to Parramatta and it is past 09:00 hr and someone is trying to tell me through a vale of sleep, that it is time for breakfast. Well up up and away as we are meeting Tanja for lunch
as she works in Parramatta.
Parramatta is interesting as it was the first place the British started in 1788 their colonial life in Australia ( New South Wales ). This is where the Brits were able to plant crops and started
to become independent from the goods coming from the UK. The Governers house was also here to start with and as Sydney became bigger and more important, it was moved to Sydney.
After lunch with Tanja we took a walk to the Governors house, where we were shown round by Peter. He knew nearly everything about this house and the 10 Governors that lived here from 1788
until1855.The biggest leap forward was done by Governor Lachlan Macquarie and his wife from 1810 till 1821. As he came to New South Wales in 1810, the colony was desolate, bankrupt and there was very
little to eat. As he left in 1821, the colony had turned into a profitable arrangement.
It was now time to make our way home, but before we started the long journey with the ferry back to Sydney harbour, we had to have a small snack on the veranda from the Governors house. As we took
the train this morning, we had decided to travel with the ferry back to Sydney Harbour. The Parramatta river is an interesting river, that ends in the Sydney harbour.
As you can see, the river is used for all sort of things, even a place to park your boat in the backyard.
Well that was another great day in Down Under. Let’s see, what the next day brings.
Australia Day 18
Nothing except writing the blog, a bit of shopping and just enjoying the day, so no photos today. Maybe we will go to the German bakery.
Well we did go shopping, we had coffee at the German bakery, had a “bratwurst “ on Pitt street and did take some pictures.
So after a walk through the town it was back to the flat. After dinner it was early to bed because we are going to the Blue Mountains tomorrow and the pick up it at 07:30.
Australia Day 19
Blue Mountains
Well we are standing on time at, what we thought was the pick up point, but we were on the wrong side of the church, but in the end we got our tour guide for the Blue Mountains. So into the Bus and
away we go.
On the way we had a short stop at an animal farm. It is very difficult to pick only a few pictures, but here are a few.
After this photo shooting we set off to the Blue Mountains. Arriving there, we had a sandwich lunch and a coffee before we set off to explore the area. This was done partly on our own and partly with
a guide.
It was a very interesting walk around the Mountain with interesting information about the vegetation and the aboriginal ways of life.
After the walk it was back to the mini bus and a two hour drive back to Sydney. We are both very tired and we are off to bed early.
Australia Day 20
Sydney
A good start to a sunny day:
After a good breakfast Tanja made the suggestion that we go to the weekly market. This was very interesting with all sorts of local produce.
After a walk through the market, Tanja and Karin decided to go shopping and Tom and I decided to go to the flat and chill out.
After the girls were back at the flat, we started to make our way to Watsons bay, where we had ordered a table for dinner at Doyles. First we took the train and then the ferry.
We got there a bit early so we decided to walk along the coast, and keep our eyes open for Whales, no whales but some parrots and beautiful scenery
After a beautiful walk along the coast, it was time for dinner.
Doyles restaurant is one of the best in Watsons Bay, the meal was great. Tom and I had there famous fish and chips and the girls had salmon on risotto. Jum,Jum.
We had a table at the window, so we could watch wonderful sunset.
Unfortunately we had to hurry as to get the ferry, because we have to get up early in the morning as we two ( Karin and David ) are off to New Zealand and our flight goes at 07:50.
Australia Day 21
New Zealand Day 1
Our flight goes at 07:50 from Sydney airport, that means: getting up at 04:30. After a good breakfast it was into the Uber taxi and off to the airport. After a bit of a long queue we got to our gate
on time, but the flight was delayed by 30 min. But with a good tail wind we arrived on time in Christchurch. After checking in we took a walk through a lovely park to the town center.
After passing through the park we reached the city center, which has been mostly rebuilt after the heavy earthquake in 2011, but there are still signs of the damage done.
Now it was time for a bite to eat, which we took in a Pub just opposite the church called O.B.G to live jazz music.
After a good meal back through the park to our hotel and into bed.
Australia Day 22
New Zealand Day 2
Well we were due to pick up our car at 09:00, but due to the 3 hr time difference to Sydney, we kind of slept too long. But after a good breakfast, we got the Uber taxi to the rental station.
This is our Toyota for the next two weeks.
After picking up our car, we made our way towards Mount Cook. The journey took us through a wonderful countryside, before reaching our hotel in the mountains. On the way we stopped at a very
interesting Oldtimer museum.
On the way were a few lakes.
As we arrived in the hotel, we had blue sky and a free view of Mount Cook, that would change on the next morning. But until then we took an evening walk to a small restaurant, where we had a meal and
a beer.
Australia Day 23
New Zealand Day 3
We woke up early as we wanted to go for a short hike before we set off to Dunedin, but we looked out of the window and it was still snowing.
So we decided, let’s get breakfast first and see what the weather does. After a delicious breakfast with a beautiful view of the snowcovered landscape, we decided, that we could still go for a small
walk. So after packing and clearing the car of snow, we drove a bit further into the mountains and went for a small hike.
I don’t think, we were the only ones taken by surprise.
But the weather started to clear up, so we started travelling south to Dunedin.
On the way to Dunedin we went past some wonderful countryside before stopping at Oamaru.
Oamaru used to be a big railway crossing but today it is a small town with interesting building and a penguin colony.
Unfortunately the penguins were out fishing and only the sign was left, but we got some birds and the see lions to pose for us.
Now it’s back into the car and it’s time to get to Dunedin, but the countryside keeps eating up our time.
At last we reached Dunedin, which by the way used to call New Edinburgh, but was later renamed Dunedin which was the old name for Edinburgh. Dunedin has also the oldest university in New Zealand and
is very Scottish. After a walk and a meal it was off to bed.
Australia Day 24
New Zealand Day 4
Dunedin is the first stop with two overnight stays and we have the whole day to explore the country around this wonderful city and it is cold, rainy and very windy. Now I know, why this place used to
be called New Edinburgh.
So we had a good breakfast, put on our warm, heavy weather gear, got in the car and drove out towards the Otago Peninsula, using the scenic costal road.
Our destination was the yellow eyed penguin colony at Harrington Point. After arriving, we decided to take a guided tour, although the guide said, that he could not promise that we see the penguins,
as they are normally out fishing during the day. We were given a talk about the penguins behavior and then about our behavior in the colony. The first stop was the penguins hospital.
After the visit it was into an old bus called Dave and we had a 15 min trip to the colony. As we got there the view was breathtaking, and there was more to come.
We had luck with the weather and with the animals.
I have nothing to say except wow!
At the end of the peninsula is an Albatross colony, with a visitors center and a cafe, so we decided to drive there and try our luck. We did not have any, the coffee and cake were good but the wind
and rain were so strong, we could hardly hold ourself up strait. So we got back into the car without seeing the albatrosses and made our way to the only castle in NZ.
A view from the top of the castle.
After having a visit to the castle we made for the hotel and due to the weather we decided to eat at the hotel. We had a lovely lamb rump with veg and potatoes. Then it was off to bed.
Australia Day 25
New Zealand Day 5
Well we are leaving Dunedin today and heading for Te Anau, but beforehand we want to have a look at the town center, that we did not get round to it due to the weather. So after a good breakfast we
made our way to the town center.
After a good walk around and a look at the old train station we set off towards Te Anau.
The road going to Te Anau was not very interesting but as we reached the town, there was a lot going on.
Australia Day 26
New Zealand Day 6
After a good nights sleep and a good breakfast we left Te Anau and drove towards Queenstown.
As always we have beautiful scenery on the way.
This a picture that you would normally not see in my blog, but we visited Garston twice today. The first time to have a cup of coffee and the second time to recover my bag with all my papers and
money in it. I left it hanging on the back of the chair in the café. As we arrived at the Hotel in Queenstown ( the first time ) I noticed, that my bag was missing. So after slamming the car door and
thumping the car roof, we got back into the car and drove the 65 km back to the café where I was able to get my bag. A great big thank you to the proprietor.
After checking in we decided to explore the town.
There is a lot to do and see in Queenstown, more to the steamship later. There is also a cablecar that takes you up onto the mountain above Queenstown from where you have an excellent view on the
countryside.
After coming back down in the cablecar we went to the local Irish pub for a Guinness and a bite to eat.
After the meal it was back to the hotel for a nightcap and then off to bed.
Australia Day 27
New Zealand Day 7
After a good nights sleep and a good breakfast it was off to explore the town and buy a pair of long underwear pants as it had become very cold and windy. As mentioned, we had decided to take the
steamship for a cruise down the lake.
Before the ship left Queenstown, we had a bit of time to explore the town.
The steamship TSS Earnslaw went into service in 1912 and has been running ever since. We booked a trip on the boot with lunch and a farm experience.
The day was just great: after the 1 hr journey on Lake Wakatipu with the steamship, we went on shore at Walter Peak Farm, where we had a sheep shearing demonstration and a sheep
dog demonstration. It was very very interesting.
After the demonstrations it was off to our lunch buffet. We expected the normal run of the mill buffet, but we were in for a surprise.
The meal was just over the top. I don’t think I have ever tasted such a delicious buffet.
Well after the meal we went for a walk and then had to roll ourselves onto the steamship for the return journey.
Back in Queenstown, we decided to go for a longer walk.
After the walk along the side of the lake, we went back to the hotel to have a nightcap and watch the sun go down.
By the way, the nightcap was a 15-year-old Laphroaig. Good night.
Australia Day 28
New Zealand Day 8
Well we had a good nights sleep and as always a good breakfast. Our next stop is Franz Josef Glacier.
The distance from around 350 km took us through the mountains and along the coast, the impressions were enormous. I think, I shot about 40 pictures so here are only a few to give you a feeling for
the landscape.
After a quick check-in at the hotel, we put on some warm clothing before driving up to the glacier. From where you park the car, it is a 1 hr walk to the glacier and a 1 hr walk back again. You come
within 750m off the glacier. The walk to the glacier is very interesting.
It was a very impressive walk on the stones and boulders with waterfalls flowing into the valley from each side.
More impressive was the glacier itself.
After seeing the glacier it was a case of getting back to the car, before it started getting dark. We drove back to the hotel, got changed and went for a very nice meal.
After the meal, we went to the bar, sat in front of a roaring fireplace and had a drop of port wine before falling into bed and dreaming about the day gone by.
Australia Day 29
New Zealand Day 9
Well the view out of the window is not all that good this morning but we have just a short trip to Hokitika.
There is a place called the West Coast Wildlife Centre and they have some interesting information and two live Kiwis. We had a look and it was just great watching the animals in real life. The
Wildlife Centre collects the eggs from the very rare Kiwis and then keeps the hatched kiwi till it is about 12 months old and then it is taken back into the forest. A very interesting concept.
Unfortunately no pictures allowed.
Well into the car and off to Hokitika, but on the way we are stopping at a tree top walk on the way but we saw more than the tree tops.
And there was the tree top walk:
After a cup of coffee and a bite to eat we made our way towards Hokitika.
The town Hokitika is past her best but the Hotel and the view, well first the town.
The view comes after a walk along the beach.
Now the view
The restaurant, where we had our evening meal, had the same view, just a perfect evening. Well off to bed it’s another long day tomorrow.
Australia Day 30
New Zealand Day 10
Well the weather has made a turn for the worst, so after a good breakfast it was back on the road again to Nelson.
We have seen a lot in the last ten days but this trip today was not very interesting,
After arriving in Nelson we took a walk through the town.
After the walk it was back to the hotel, feet up and get down to writing this blog. A dinner, that was nice: lovely fish and chips in an interesting location.
Well, I think, for the first time since we started 30 days ago, I am now up to date with my blog. Good night.
Australia Day 31
New Zealand Day 11
Today we have only a short trip to Nelson. Unfortunately the weather is not great, it is raining and we have only 14 degrees.
In between we had the one or the other good view. We left the main highway at Havelock and took the Queen Charlotte Road to Picton, which is the ferry port to the north island. This road, which was a
dirt track into the late 1960, is just out of this world. You are allowed to drive at 50km/h, which is with a car near to impossible. I would love to get on this road on a bike, wow!!
After arriving in Picton we had a coffee and a look around:
I also found a new job.
Back in the car, we made our way to Blenheim, where it was sunny and warm.
After having a walk around, we had a fabulous meal in the restaurant Raupos, after which we returned to the hotel for a night cap, then off to bed. Tomorrow we return to Christchurch and close our
roundtrip in New Zealand.
Australia Day 32
New Zealand Day 12
As we woke up this morning, it was raining, but still 14 degrees. So off to breakfast, then we make our way to Christchurch. It kept raining for the next hour and a half, but then the sun came out
and we had t-shirt weather. The countryside is just great: always the mixture between mountains and the sea.
Due to the 2016 earthquake there are massive road works on the highway 1 going to Christchurch, which mentions, that we had a lot of delays. Never mind, we are retired. We made a short stop
inKaikoura to stretch our legs, have a cup of coffee and a snack.
Due to the traffic delays we arrived later than expected in Christchurch. So we went for a walk through the park.
Then off to dinner, no not with the chicks. After dinner it was back to the Hotel, a night cap in the bar and then off to bed.
Australia Day 33
New Zealand Day 13
Well after a good nights sleep and a good breakfast we set off to have a look at the cardboard church.
This church was built in just 44 weeks after the original church and 70% of the centre of Christchurch were destroyed in the earthquake in 2011.
They are hoping to rebuild the church by 2027, but to do so, they must dismantle the church and then rebuild it on a floating fundament. Other buildings are still being prompt up and held
together.
Well back into the car and off to the airport. It was a great and very interesting 12 days. We have seen a lot and did a lot, but we have not seen everything, so we will be coming back.
Bye bye New Zealand
Australia Day 34
Sydney
Well we are now back in Sydney. Today is wash day, shopping day, and doing nothing day. Tom asked as he and Tanja picked us up at the Airport, “ What was the best place we had been”.? I
couldn't answer his question. Everything was great, all the towns were different. I think, when I had to make a decision, I would say Queenstown and Dunedin, where by a fraction the best stops
we had. This evening we are going for a meal and then sit on the couch and watch two sessions of Britain’s Best Baking.
Australia Day 35
Well we had a good nights sleep and a good breakfast. Tanja and Karin are standing in the kitchen making all sorts of goodies for this afternoon’s barbeque. Looking forward to meeting some of Tanja
and Tom’s friends. It is a very international bunch and they are all bringing food from there own corner of the world.
On the picture here are 19 people from 9 different countries, so you can imagine, that the barbeque was just amazing. After they had all gone, we had then time to have a look at another session of
Britain’s Best Bakers before going off to bed.
Australia Day 36
So enough of sitting around and doing nothing other than eating and drinking. We are off to Rose Bay with the bus and doing a walk along the coast to Watson’s Bay roughly 9 km.
Rose Bay was the first international airport from Sydney. Amphibious aircraft started for Singapore and it took them 3 days to do the journey. Today you do it in 7 hrs. Today they only have Sydney
harbour roundtrips. The view of the bridge and the Opera was once again worth a shot.
Most of the time we walked along the coast between the sea and the woodlands with all sorts of birds, flowers and beaches. Suddenly the woodland path would open onto a beach or a bridge or just give
you a beautiful look at the sea.
After arriving at Watson’s Bay we then took the ferry back to Circular Quay to get the train back home.
Well another great day comes to a close. We just got to pack our suitcases as we are off to Tasmania for a few days.
Australia Day 37
Tasmania Day 1
As always we had a good breakfast, and then took the ordered Uber to the airport. As always with cheap flights, they always try to earn some money and by jet air, they weigh all board cases and when
you are over 7kg, you got to pay 60 dollars, and yes, we were over 7 kg. So much for a cheap flight. The flight was ok, but the weather in Hobart was just as the forecast had said, it would be. Cold,
foggy and raining. So we picked up our rental car and made our way to the hotel.
We still went for a walk, but it was raining cats and dogs.
In the meantime the jeans and socks where wet and soggy, so we decided to go back to the hotel before we went for the evening meal.
As we went out the second time, the rain had stopped. After the meal we went for a walk around the block.
So off to bed as we have an early start in the morning for the 300 km to Strahan.
Australia Day 38
Tasmania Day 2
Well, it was up early, grab breakfast, into the car and away we go. The countryside is a bit different from NZ, but at least it had stopped raining.
We made a short stop in Queenstown. They have a Main Street, post office, hotel, railway station and not much more.
The next 50 km to Strahan was very good for the bike, but a bit to curvey for the car.
After checking in we went for a walk
After having a good meal and beer, it was off to bed.
Australia Day 39
Tasmania Day 3
Well, the alarm went at 06:30, breakfast at 07:00 and at the train station for 08:30. That is a great start to the day. Have a look at what we are doing, and by the way, the weather is great: cold
but sunny.
The idea was to take the steam train for a day’s run to Queenstown and back again. Unfortunately the steam train was not working and we were pulled by an old diesel train instead, and only half of
the way ( to the start of the red bit ) and back again. So we were back in Strahan by 14:00 hrs. It was still a very interesting trip.
After we got back we went for a long walk.
After the walk we went back to the hotel before starting out for dinner. So another great day comes to a close. Got get up early tomorrow morning as we have to drive the 300+ km to Hobart and
thereisa bad weather front on its way.
Australia Day 40
Tasmania Day 4
Well we got up early and have beaten the bad weather to Hobart but it is very windy and they have issued a gale warning for Horbart, so we decided to get to the airport a bit earlier thanplanned. The
plane was on time but once again we had to pay 120$ for overweight baggage.
Got back to Sydney on time and took an Uber taxi to the flat, had a bite to eat then of to bed.
Australia Day 41
Sydney
The weather is great and after the cold days in Tasmania it is a good feeling putting on the shorts and T-shirt. We are going for a “walk” but I think 13 km is more of a hike than a walk.
We got a train and a bus to Spit Bridge, that is where the red star is on the left hand side of the map, nd from then we walked the 13km to Manly beach.
The path was very interesting as it went through some very thick vegetation and then suddenly opened onto a beach or a marine.
There was also some animals to see some on land and some on the water
After some great scenery we arrived at Manly beach intime to get the Ferry back to circular key and then get the train back to the flat. After a quick clean up it was of to the pub to watch the Rugby
WM Australia vs England, and then NZ vs Irland. It was a great evening the food was good the beer was good and the matches very very intertaining, and before you new it we were back in the Uber taxi
heading back to the flat
By the way England won 40:17 and NZ won 44: 14.
Australia Day 42
We are getting of to a slow start this morning, well I am. I have 13km in my legs and 5 beers in my belly. After the second cup of coffee the world seems to be looking alright. Tanja and Karin are
off shopping and I am sitting here writing this blog. This afternoon we are going to be playing a game off green bowls, that will be fun.
Well my grandma used to play long green bowls, it was a sport for old people all dressed in white. This was different. The green and the rules have stayed the same but the age has dropped rapidly and
the clothing has changed as well.
It was a great afternoon the weather warm and the beer cold also the the company was interesting.
As I was not playing due to my back injury in February, I wentbfor a walk and had a beautiful view of the coast line.
After the game we had a barbecue. This is typical for Sydney hat they have public electrical grips in the parks and gardens, a great idea. So another great day comes to an end with a glass of wine
and the GBBO on the Tele.
Australia Day 43
Today Karin is meeting an old school friend that moved to Australia about 30 years ago. I will stay at home go for a walk and just enjoy the lovely warm weather.
Took a walk in the park near by and got a coffee and a sandwich. I just sat down in the sun and watched what was going on. There were a group of office people doing there lunch time sport. Ther were
some workers playing barefoot football. In another part there was a Asian girl meditating. There was a guy in a suit sitting in the shade and working on his laptop. I just thought to myself this is
Australia very diverse and laidback. As the other three got back in the evening we had a typical German Brotzeit a Glas of wine and the day was complete.
Australia Day 44
Well today is packing day. And this evening we are going to the Rocks for a very nice meal. In between the packing Karin and I went for a walk had a cup coffee and had a long talk about the goods and
bads over the last 6 weeks. The Bads were very short, the bad weather as we arrived in Hobart. The goods well if you have been following us over the past 6 weeks then you have seen all the goods. So
the cases are more or less finished and we are off to meet Tanja and Tom at circular quay.
The meal was just great in a very exclusive restaurant. After the meal we went for a last walk along the quay and made the one or two fotos from the bridge and the Opera in the dark.
Well it is back home and of to bed for tomorrow’s we are on our way home.i would just like to finish this blood as I started it and I hope you have enjoyed reading this blog.
Wish all the best Karin and David