Sipping a strong cappuccino in my favourite bookstore I wonder how Daryl’s bridge climb is going. I left Daryl, Zac and Carol a little while ago and watched them make their way to the iconic Sydney harbour bridge for a twilight walk. I did not join them, finally determining that the steep climb, hundreds of steps and length of time on my feet, would push the hip recovery too far. Now I know it was the right decision as my hips both ache significantly. Recovery from hip repair surgery, undertaken some five weeks ago, is a slow, frustrating process, and I am by nature impatient. Testing it out this morning, we had booked a tour of another iconic Sydney feature- the opera house. I was pleased to have managed the many stairs and was grateful for the opportunities to sit in the theatres while the guide did his educational speech. The tour was quite enlightening and we all walked away with a great appreciation for the work that went into this amazing structure and the foresight and creativity shown by the designers and engineers involved. What a fascinating story. To end a very enjoyable hour we managed to get last minute seats to the Air Supply concert tonight at the opera house. What a treat.
While this trip interstate is technically an extension of Daryl’s 50th birthday celebrations, I feel this concert is directed more at Carol and myself than our partners. But, of course, being the troopers they are, they said yes when we suggested getting tickets.
Our journey into our neighbouring state, started very early yesterday morning. I left the farm at 4.30 am, long before the birds started chirping and the sun revealed it’s glorious rise, even the dogs ignored me at that time of day. Having had about two hours sleep, my eyes were red and I featured some impressive bags under them. Carol and Zac were up and waiting by the time I arrived at their place and we set off to collect Daryl from work. Naturally he was unable to have a rest during the
night and he then set about being awake for around 36 hours. The lengthy drive to the airport nor the
plane flight resulted in him getting any shut eye. After a debate on the best way to get to our
accommodation, choices were the train, Uber or traditional taxi - the taxi won out we enjoyed a few
drinks over lunch before deciding an afternoon nap was necessary, if we were going to see the
sunset.
Last night is a haze of good food, cocktails, Scottish bagpipes, and some excellent singing on our part. A truly enjoyable way to start a long weekend. Tomorrow’s adventures will include a trip on the famous ferries to Manly beach, dinner in Darling Harbour and whatever else the day and night bring. We are reasonably flexible like that! Somewhere on our trip we will find some markets, especially in the The Rocks region where we are staying. Filled with history and amazing architecture, I love the character of the place and am glad we have returned here.
It is strange sitting here by myself typing away on my iPad, newly acquired to take overseas on our impending trip to Britain. My cappuccino is long finished and I’m tempted to order another one.
There is enough happy chatter around me to remind me that I am not alone, and as I sit in my booth on the top level, I am not distracted by it in any way. Occasionally, I look down at the people moving about the store, laden with books and gifts, the sounds of children telling weary mothers about their
favourite story can be heard, and I suspect most of those books will end up at the checkout. I hope
someone will read them to the little girls in their pretty summer dresses and young lads in their cargo
shorts and slouch hats, when they are tucked up in their beds. A love of reading will open up a world of adventures to them, forever.
By now, Daryl should be climbing the bridge. I am so very pleased he is not doing this on his own, yet, in the same breath, I am sad not to be there sharing the experience with him. I will look forward to hearing all about it soon. I will also be able to tell him about the taxi driver who drove me to my current destination. Unlike many of the middle eastern drivers we see today, who do not speak throughout the journey, this man was of Italian or Greek descent, I am unsure. He had a thick accent,
large belly and kept taking his hands off the steering wheel to talk. He told me a story about going to visit his wife to-be, many years ago, back in the day before mobile phones. He said every weekend he would make the long drive from a little regional town to Sydney to visit his fiancé and always took the boss’s taxi, but one day the boss needed the car. Determined to visit, he decided he would catch
the train, but when he got to the station, at precisely two o’clock, there was no train, no train-master and no way of asking why the scheduled service was not there. Seventeen minutes went by and he animatedly told me he was ready to explode! He said the train was cancelled, but there was no signs and no one there to tell him a replacement bus was due. That 17 minutes was obviously significant enough for him to recall today, many years later. He said it was a terrible time, fearing he would not get to his beloved lady . What a romantic. He spoke of his son and two daughters, clearly proud of them and still obviously in love with his wife. He says he has driven taxis around Sydney for many years. I don’t imagine he has had a lot of luxuries, ensuring his children went to university. He smiled the whole trip, he chatted like we were old friends. In a city of thousands it was a refreshing surprise.
Well, the second cup of coffee has disappeared and I suspect it is now time to do some literary shopping..one can never have enough books..maybe Lucy would like a little picture book.
Who is Lucy? She is our newest granddaughter, worthy of her own blog in due course. Let me introduce you to her then. In the meantime, whatever your weekend brings I hope it brings a smile to your face and a sparkle to your eyes.
Til next time,
N
