We arrived in Sydney and went straight to Bondi beach, it was a really beautiful day and we just relaxed on the beach. We stayed at Sherilee campsite, although it was okay there were lots of cockroaches-gross. There were a few odd balls at the campsite but they were friendly enough. Mum however managed to have a number of conversations with them, even the weird German guy.
The next day we caught the train into the harbour, where we caught a ferry to Manly. From the ferry we saw amazing views of the Opera house and the Harbour Bridge, it was quite spectacular. Manly was really nice, very lively on the high street but so relaxing on the beach. Mum and I sunbathed all day, however Rog was in and out of the sea. We went to the shops on the way back before catching the ferry. We went for a walk around the harbour, had our pictures taken by a guy, who mum pointed out was “Irish” as he took the photo, thanks Mum. We had a really nice dinner overlooking the harbour; we had a really good evening.
The next day we said our goodbyes to my Mum. There were lots of tears especially from me when they wouldn’t let Rog and I through the gate unless we paid $18 each. We were both sad to see her go.
Rog and I did our weekly shop and went back to the campsite. I was sill crying, well all of a sudden, would you Adam and eve it, guess who’s walking towards the campervan…..my Mum!!! Her flight had been cancelled due to the volcanic eruption and she had been told she had to remain in Australia until it clears. Rog and I were really happy to have her back. So more wine and card games for the night, and a scrummy chocolate cake!
We went to Bondi beach again, and spent a very relaxing day there again, although the bus on the way home seemed slightly confusing. We also visited the botanical gardens were there was a triathlon going on. We watched a bit of this and then headed over to the Olympic park. This was really good fun. Mum and I went to the swimming pool, where we also went in the sauna, Jacuzzi and the lazy river; it was very relaxing, I even went down the kids slide, albeit extremely fast and crashed into a kid at the bottom- whoops. Rog went to the ANZ stadium where he watched an AFL game, between the Eels and the Rabbitohs, he really enjoyed it. Mum and I caught the ferry back, and train back to the campsite. Rog left 45minutes after us and still managed to beat us- fish and chips for dinner-yum!
The next day was spent walking around the city, and going to the museum. We also made a call in to the embassy, where we learnt flights home were still delayed. Bearing that in mind, we decided to leave Sydney, and mum would be able to get a train back when her flight was re-scheduled.