So, we asked our hostess after another delicious breakfast at her wonderful Kantine Cafe, what bus do we catch to get to Darling Harbour.  “No bus,” came the reply, “you walk!”  Thank Goodness I topped up with her excellent continental style coffee – a good strong Long Black as they call it in Oz land.   Because we walked and walked and what did we see.  We saw lots of people, cars and buildings, got lost and almost went to tell the Wizard that the yellow brick road needed better signposting  but finally we found Darling Harbour in spite of the inadequate directions of some of the Wizard’$s followers.

What a beautiful place which almost had the feel of Cape Town’s waterfront but one shouldn’t compare because nothing is quite like it!   We took a ride on a kiddie like train at a ridiculous fee of $5.00 but hey we’re on holiday and it was enormous fun!   While standing in the aquarium queue Bruce rang and said he and Ella were at the Fish Market so we abondoned our place and took a 20 minute walk to join them.  Wayne and his tots joined us soon after and we enjoyed a delicious lunch while on quayside in spite of the overcast and cool weather.

One would expect the fish market to be a noisy and smelly place but the aroma was fresh and the fish fare fascinating.  My fisher husband found it all amazing and schemed how he could get his yellowfin tuna to Oz at these amazing prices.

After taking in as much as we cold of the amazing fish market, Bruce drove us back to Darling Harbour.  En route he took us to see the vessels owned by the rich and famous.  Earl saw one that he promised to get me for my next birthday.

We then met up with Wayne and his tots by which time we were hanging for a cup of coffee – rather we’d given it a miss because at a pub next to the aquarium I had the worst coffee I’ve had to date in Australia – Kantine – you have spoiled us with your fantastic brew!

Wayne booked us all into the aquarium on line which was way cheaper and got us to through fast track – no queueing!  It was amazing and the little ones just loved it.   Adelaide lost her Dad and was just about to burst into tears when I called her name. She then stayed close to me till the end of the tour and only asked for Dad again at the exit!

We did not have to do the marathon walk home as Bruce drove us back to 437 Bourke Road, Surry Hills. We dropped into the local bottle shop and for beers and wine and found they had a small deli so got salami, brie and olive and rosemary bread for supper.   Perfect end to a brilliant day!

PS  Here are some stunning shots that Earl took last night – from the balcony of our lodging on the 7th floor of St Margaret’s Bourke Street – Just a little history – it used to be a maternity hospital and my cousin Wayne was born here!