Friday, Sept 20

               Sydney.

One would have expected that I’d sleep-in to a late hour today after the exertions of the last two months, but old habits are hard to kill. I still woke up at 5-something and just couldn’t go back into slumber. No point in wasting valuable time here in Sydney, so up I gets and sets off again on the bike. My favourite seat on the house!

After a quick breakfast here on the room (supermarket nearby) I set off for Bondi, out along Oxford St and dropped down to the beach shortly after 8am. I wasn’t the first there. Already plenty were in enjoying the surf, others were striding it out on the 3 km walk from Bondi to Bronte; others were doing their lengths in the sea-swimming-pool in spite of the waves crashing in on them. It’s a glorious stretch of bay and catering for all type of activities.

On recommendation, I just had to have a coffee in Icebergs with the waves crashing beneath me and the beach in the background. Most other patrons were members relaxing after their morning exercises. Some were still doing their stretches and exertions on the open-air balcony. 

Rejuvenated by the caffeine rush I headed down to the beach and enjoyed the cycle along the prom as others ran and walked. Another spot where you just wished to linger on and soak it all in. So, this is the spot that so many people wow about! They’re perfectly entitled to.

I returned to the city centre by a different route, a route that came through a rather plush area of Sydney. It did have a good number of climbs - Sydney isn’t a flat city. In places today, the streets dropped away in front of me like typical San Francisco. I just hoped that the brakes would hold. On my route back, I met up with my two Muscovite friends from yesterday. Anything to bring on a crowd.

I returned to the city along Oxford St through Paddington, down Liverpool St (you could be in a different city altogether) through the tower blocks and eventually arrived at Wentworth Park in Glebe.

Wentworth Park is the major greyhound stadium in Sydney and is in the centre of the city, just a stones throw from Darling Harbour. Thomas had arranged for my extra gear to be delivered here and I had come to collect it. (That explains why I had two empty panniers on the bike in Bondi). The staff were so friendly and were just glad to be of assistance to me. I could just imagine this place when  races are in full swing. I transferred the gear into the panniers and back-pack and headed off.

Nearby, on another recommendation, I called on to the Fish Market. My plan was to just pass through, but I just had to have lunch there. Now, some of the sea creatures wouldn’t appeal to me. I found it off-putting just to be near them. The produce came from near and far. I settled for Barramundi and extras.

 Some seagulls outside also wanted their share of the action; and indeed other species also came by.

From the Fish Market I made my way home by Darling Harbour again. The strong winds today blew the flags to show them at their best. 

I again got onto King St, then onto George's St and came down by Queen Victoria Buildings in the busy traffic. I hopped on/hopped off footpaths as it suited me and enjoyed the full freedom of the city.

By the City Hall, I swung left onto Park St/William St and passed by some of the constructions for Sunday’s Sydney Marathon. I have an interest in that as my nephew is travelling up from Melbourne to compete. I’ll be there (as well as other family) to support him. On so many streets there are gantry signs indicating the traffic restrictions for this marathon that will attract 10,000 competitors or more.

This afternoon, I collected a bicycle box from WoolysWheels bike shop in order to bring the bike home. Colin, the boss, was very interested in the cycle that I did, and as a Specialized agent was especially interested in my steed and its achievements. I collected the box on foot in the afternoon as the strong winds blew up and it was difficult at times to hold on to it. I’m sure passers-by pitied the bloke lugging along the huge box (not knowing that it was empty).

I returned through Kings Cross, but this was Kings Cross by day; a totally different animal to Kings Cross by night. I wonder if I should wander up there some time after dark? or maybe just before dawn?

A good day here in Sydney, enjoying the city even if it’s not the typical tourist route. Tomorrow, I’ll meet up with family and relations, and I’m really looking forward to that too.

.....and thank God for a lovely day.