We arrived in Sydney a little weary after our busy few weeks but very ready to relax at Georgia and Matt’s lovely apartment and take it easy. It is interesting how life changes – where once we delighted in looking after the grandchildren and taking them places to explore, the tables have turned and we have become the children and the grandchildren have become the carers! Now I have to say we were not against this idea at all. The fact of the matter is we get collected from the airport and, when we are all done, they drop us back there! Inbetween these airport visits we were pampered – a visit to the new Sydney Fish Market was a highlight as our eyes were treated to the largest array of fish and seafood we have ever seen in one place and Georgia kept her eye out for the best prices to purchase our fish for dinner. How we managed to not get lost amongst the crowd was a minor miracle! A visit to Bondi Junction (actually two) was successful only because Georgia knew exactly where to lead me. Next time we go we are going to get her a pole with a flag so she can be assured we can see her and follow!
A few nice picnic lunches at the Botanical Gardens and Shark Bay were enjoyable on beautiful sunny days and pleasant temperatures. Hannah had booked a family dinner at their favourite Italian which was a highlight with Oliver joining us – and Vern and I delighting in the fact that the four grandchildren were enjoying each other’s company – with the exception of Bella who got FOMO from home – she would have loved the evening too.
To conclude our time in Sydney Matt took over the kitchen and cooked a delicious meal of roast lamb, crunchy roast potatoes and roasted Brussel sprouts and carrots on a bed of whipped feta. Heaven forbid – it felt like we were at a lovely restaurant. A glass of lovely French red wine helped the conversation flow around the dining table for some time. These two are amazing cooks and it was not difficult to obey the rules of staying out of the kitchen and letting them do their thing!
The packing up to come home was a nightmare as our cases in their spare bedroom have exploded into a mountain of “stuff”. How the heck did that happen? Oh well – not my problem because the boss in in charge of the B’s so he can figure that out! (And he did!)
We are now back home and the mountain has been put away. I took a peak at the scales in the bathroom wishing they were broken and couldn’t be used! When we both plucked up the courage to stand on them with trepidation we found that the clothes have not shrunk! How did that happen? We concluded that the very hot temperatures, the climbing of many stairs, walks in the wilderness and only eating three courses at every meal must have evened things out! Now that’s an absolute miracle! Thank you Georgia, Matt and Hannah – we loved ending this special holiday with you all.
