Surry Hills | Diary of an Adventurous Retiree

Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge was high on my priority list. But Hubby wouldn’t even let me do the tree top swing thing and so imagine what watching me 134m above sea level would do to his nervous disposition. Of course I didn’t have the slightest bit of fear and would have done it in a beat if I hadn’t been so concerned about his anxiety! The high price of the high climb justified me chickening out on this one too! I envied those brave souls up there though but settled for second best and walked across on the footpath instead. There was after all the pylon climb which Earl declined to do but said it was okay for me.

So after a slightly different breakfast at Kantine – we ordered egg and bacon rolls but were presented with a starter of fruit salad to share just before it arrived – thank you kind hosts – we took the bus to Circular Quay, finally found the start of the walk in Cumberland Street.We kept having to turn around to see the view toward the city and realised that coming the other way would be more picturesque. So we finished the walk and then walked back again! On the return trip I climbed up the pylon paying the “senior’s” fee of $8.50 which for a South African was a big saving on the regular $13. There are some advantages to growing older!

Bridge From the foot path

Cyclists are catered for

There is a cycle track over the bridge – here a cyclist is coming down from the bridge

The pylon I climbed

Breathtaking views from the top

Looking down on the bridge

Tall ship in harbour

After the double walk – it was about more than 2km there and back – we took a hop on hop off ferry to Taronga zoo which included the entry fee. The ferry ride itself was interesting as we got to see Fort Denison, Shark Island and Watson’s Bay en route and being on a boat is always a highlight for Earl. The zoo is lovely but we only did the Australian animals – Africa in Australia did not appeal to us. The best was the bird aviary and being able to see the birds up close – just sitting there watching was a lovely experience.

One of the more unusual birds we saw – Noisy Pitta

The weather today was overcast and chilly at first so fortunately we took our jackets – it rained slightly on our return ferry trip so we were grateful for them.

In the evening the cousins got to together for a fabulous meal at Alpha – a Greek Restaurant in Surry Hills. Not only was the company warm, friendly and stimulating the Greek food was to die for! Thanks Cuzzies for an amazing evening.

Wayne, Tamara, Bruce, Kath, Helen, Earl

Before the rest of the household awoke, Earl and I crept out for one last attempt at finding the Pheasant Coucal that we saw two weeks ago. It was cool and overcast so our chances were favourable. The birds were active but there was no sign of the coucal until Earl sensed a movement and turned to see the bird quietly perched in a distant tree. Usually this birds calls but today he was silent. The bird flew off and then obligingly perched quite close by enabling us to get some good shots. It was a good end to our time in Cardiff.

First far off shot of the Pheasant Coucal

Coucal close up

When I was in England in July I became quite accustomed to hopping on and off trains to get from point A to point B but when I suggested to Earl that we take the train from Cardiff to Sydney he was not so sure. Aunt has done it several times but without luggage. No problem, I said with the confidence of a seasoned traveller, our bags are after all, on wheels. So when Plan B of getting a lift with one of the cousins became an impractical proposition due to the post Christmas holiday traffic we jumped back to plan A. And what a pleasure it was. Colette and Leonie took us to the station a mere 2 minutes away, we got tickets at $8.40 each, stowed our luggage behind the seats in the ‘quiet carriage’ walked up a couple of steps to the top deck and relaxed in comfortable seats for the 2-hour trip. Most of the other passenger were encumbered with luggage too. Our route took us through beautiful scenery – more trees, rivers and lakes to admire and before we knew it we arrived at Sydney Central!

Waiting at the train station

Here comes the ‘scary’ train

Now my darling husband is not a happy traveller and gets very insecure in unfamiliar surroundings. I have absolutely no sense of direction whatsoever but quite enjoy an adventure and usually manage to find my way in the end. Of course I am not afraid to ask for directions! Without too much difficulty and careful reading of signs we found an exit that led to the taxi rank. Hubby clung tightly to the luggage while I boldly approached a cab driver and asked for a lift. He was not the friendliest Aussie I’ve met but he got us safely to our destination – Kantine Cafe -where our hosts work. After a complementary coffee and croissant at the cafe our hostess gave us the key and instructions and we made our way to the unit dragging our luggage behind us. There were a few moments of confusion but we finally go there and made ourselves at home.

Sitting at the pavement cafe – Campbell Street – Surry Hills

View from our unit

We were planning to meet up with Cousin Wayne tomorrow but as Earl was trying to contact him on his mobile, Tamara messaged me on Facebook to say they were making their way into the city by train. It was a beautiful evening and walking through the city to meet them made me feel like I could have been back in Paris or London! Wayne and Tamara’s friends, Steve and Gerri joined us and we had a fantastic meal at Captain Torres Tapas Restaurant. Afterwards we walked back and Gerri gave me some good tips of where to go in Sydney. It promises to be an exciting week!