Surfing in Sydney

We arrived in Sydney on Tuesday evening and it has been sunny ever since - yippee! Hoping the trail of natural disasters we seem to be leaving behind has come to an end we embarked on a few days of sightseeing including the Sydney Opera House, a stroll around the botanical gardens, The Rocks and the Harbour Bridge.

We ticked another animal off the list when we saw bats in the Botanical gardens - after watching a couple we realised the trees were rammed with them squarking and fighting for space.

We also took a walk from Bondi beach to Coogee beach - some lovely little bays along the way (although Bondi itself isn't all that appealing - we prefer Manly!).

Sam joined Matt for game of Volleyball on the beach one evening (while I watched safely from the sidelines - that's safe for everyone else). Quite a good effort and warming himself up for more Aussie sporting action at the weekend we also took a short and tiring jog along Manly beach.

A long day in the sun on Friday and a sunset ride back to Manly on the ferry spelled the recipe for us to meet Jen and Matt at the wharf for a few evening beers. Jen surpassed herself by accidently ordering the boys 'large' beers (actually 1 litre) so by the time we'd finished our 'Ladies beers' with cherry flavouring we were all pretty tipsey and made our way home to make pizza.

Today must have been a Sydney highlight for Sam so far. Matt and Jen started a few patient hours teaching us to surf. While I exceeded my initial expectations and nearly made it to standing Sam ran back in again and again determined to master his new hobby. By the time we left the beach today he'd cracked it several times (with some video proof!).

I'd better sign off as the barbie's warming for some more yummy food (Matt's been cooking for us and spoiling us all week so going back to hostels will be tough!).

Liz

(I'm sure there'll be more surf action tomorrow and more drinks next week...)