Still enjoying Sydney ....

After a relaxing day spent in the city on Tuesday, enjoying a picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens, we went on our second day trip to the Hunter Valley wine region yesterday. First stop was an animal park where we got to meet some friendly koala bears and kangaroos. There were a few Emu's running about as well, but no Rod Hull funnily enough. Rumour has it that they were having some "reception" problems and so Rod was on the visitor centre roof fixing the aerial. Poor sod.

Quite funny watching the kangaroos move - they hop along at quite a pace and have their little joeys in their pouch. Australia has quite a few "native" species that you can't find anywhere else in the world, so it was nice to get up close. Made me feel guilty about the kangaroo meat I tried in Perth, when it was shoved under my nose by Alina. Wasn't my "bag" though - very gamey, tough and too rich. Much prefer watching them than eating them. Anna was mesmerised but didn't get too close. She was trying to get me to pick a kangaroo, like I pick Sammy up, but they are big b*****s and I got the feeling they wouldn't like it.

The next stop was a chocolate factory, were we tried some home made chocolate. All very nice, bought a few bits and pieces and then onto our first wine tasting session at the boutique Ernst Hill cellar door. Moved onto some cheese tasting, lunch, more wine tasting at Tempus 2 (a more commercial producer) and then ended up on the Wyndham Estate. They had amazing views of the valley and quite a few very good wines to try. We also, wait for it, actually interacted with some of the other passengers! Can you believe it?!

Anna got talking to a couple of "velvet tippers" from Yorkshire who turned out to be a good laugh and we picked up some tips from a Boston couple for when we visit their fair city later on this month. Ended the day with a visit to a micro-brewery and a few strong ales which left me "half-cut" and knocked me asleep for the journey home, where I no doubt turned into a nodding dog. All in all, a very civilised affair my good people.

Today, we are back in Bondi - revisiting it on a nice day. As I write this, we're sitting under a tree, looking out at the beach, sun out, blue cloudless sky, with lots of beautiful people around (and a few nutters as well). The Bondi backstreets are paved with lots of trendy bars, restaurants, coffee shops and boutique retailers. It definitely has a "young" vibe, with lots of backpackers around. Would be an exciting place to live. Going to stay for a few beers and tea and then who knows .........