Starting out on my bike tour with Graeme Dodd of BIKE BUFFS - SYDNEY BIKE TOURS. See my review at TRIP ADVISOR, http://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/ShowUserReviews-g255060-d1933019-r214576623-Bike_Buffs_Sydney_Bicycle_Tours-Sydney_New_South_Wales.html#REVIEWS. You can see the bridge in the background that we ferried near the previous day. Graeme was great on this five+ hour bike tour of Sydney. On this day, I was his only customer so I got his undivided attention. What a great deal, only $95.00. Graeme is in his late 60's, so this was two old guys traveling through the city, swerving around pedestrians and cars, going up and down hills, and having a great workout in the process. Graeme also seems to know everyone in Sydney so I got to meet a lot of local people. I also got a hilarious description of his views of Melbourne residents, which is that they have a stick up their butt and think of Sydney residents as "convicts" (because of Botany Bay). Apparently, there is quite the rivalry between the two cities. The view from where we started. Now going over that same bridge. Graeme took me to a wonderful privately-run garden where he introduced me to one of his mates. Sydney folk are VERY friendly! Everywhere we went through the city I saw very well-maintained and clean infrastructure. If there was poverty, it was somewhere else because I didn't see it. Just a drop-dead gorgeous city. Remember the carnival from the previous day? We stopped there and I met the local clown greeters. Graeme told me that the carnival is a cherished part of the city. That section of the city was major inconvenienced with structural improvements a number of years ago. A carnival was built both as a city attraction and was later allowed to remain and be maintained by the city to benefit the local residents. Just amazing! Lots of local families with their children enjoying the fun. Besides the running narrated tour by Graeme, he likes to take pictures like this for his customers. Sorry, but I was in every shot he took. Skip through them fast if you get tired of looking at my mug. As I've said elsewhere, I was jumping for joy to finally cycle again. Graeme and I had a great lunch here. We even took a ferry ride. Gliding under the bridge. Sorry, a little blurry. My bike buddy, Graeme. Makes me miss my other bike buddy, Florian, even more. I'm looking forward to biking with Florian again soon in Sarasota. Needless to say, the Sydney Opera House. But of course, a Charlie Chaplin mime down by the wharf. One of Sydney's theater projects on the wharf. It's run by the Australian actress Cate Blanchett (Galadriel in Lord of the Rings, Duh!). It was hard to take notes while biking, but this is a famous street known for its hanging birdcages. Francis Greenway was an architect and a convict transported to Australia for check forgery (I told you Sydney people are jailbirds). In New South Wales he worked for the Governor, Lachlan Macquarie, as Australia's first government architect. He became widely known and admired for his work displayed in buildings such as St Matthew's Church in Windsor, New South Wales, St James' Church, Sydney and Hyde Park Barracks, Sydney. Read about him here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Greenway. St. James Church. Graeme and me during a break downtown. I asked Graeme where a great bookstore might be in Sydney and he arranged for us to stop at not one, but two bookstores across the street from each other. Inside one of the stores I saw this framed poster of the 1950's British film, "1984", that I really coveted and wished I could have brought home. Of course, it wasn't for sale. Quite rare. We biked through Sydney's wealthiest section, sort of their "Georgetown in Washington, D.C." from Graeme's description. The iron work reminded me of new Orleans' architecture. Near the end of our tour, Graeme pointed out the famous "Harry's Pies" shop. At this point, I could have used one as I was bushed after a taxing five+ hour bike ride. But, it was great fun. Graeme was just a fun, personable scallywag of a guy. Now, back to the hotel where Jody was anxiously waiting worried that I would not be back in time for the high point of our trip that evening. I was. But, what was the high point, you ask?
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After a great night's sleep (which I in particular needed) Jody and I were off again the next morning trekking downtown to the wharf for a 30 minute ferry ride to Manly Beach. On the way to the wharf, we had to take this picture of "Hungry Jack's", the Australian name for "Burger King". At the wharf we saw this incredibly long line. It was for a Game Of Thrones exhibit. The waiting time was up to SIX HOURS. Why? Because it was free. I really wanted to go, but had to forgo the opportunity. Too much to do, so little time. Sydney likes to connect with its past as this colonial suits up at the ferry. Must be a great gig if you can get it. Carnival Cruise Lines is EVERYWHERE! Different views of the Opera House as we floated by on the ferry. Sydney is far behind. A 10 minute walk through the town where I bought my first "hoodie" due to the wind. A pristine beach. Jody wore my new hoodie for awhile as we took a long walk and hike along the seashore. Scuba diving in the beautiful clear waters. COLD even with a wet suit as one female diver told us later. There was lots of beach artwork along the way. I can't believe these young people in this cold water just wearing bathing suits. Jody and I decided to hike up to the top of the cliff on the right for the view. Jody at the summit. This picture and the next several show the fascinating metal artwork by local artists embedded in the rocks on our return trip to the wharf. Kayaking too. We would have loved that. What a beautiful sunset. A great carnival view from the ferry. I did not know at the time that the next morning I would be visiting this site on my 5-hour bike tour. Sunset at the Sydney Opera House. Jody from the ferry with the Opera House barely visible in the background as we end our second day Sydney journey, have another great dining experience on Darling Harbor, and prepare for another action packed day on Friday.
On July 2, 2014, Jody and I flew out of Wellington for a seven day journey to Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. For Jody, this was a combination research and pleasure trip. For me, of course, all pleasure. And what a great time we had. First up was Sydney, a city so large that it could hold the entire population of both of New Zealand's islands, over 4 million. It was almost like New York. A true "harbor" city that is surrounded by different harbors linked by ferry transportation. Of course, also home to the world famous Sydney Opera House. Following are various sights of Sydney that we had the pleasure of experiencing. Jody snapped a picture of me dressed for tourist action as we left the 1888 Hotel our first afternoon in Sydney. Our first walk around Sydney upon arriving with a view of their own "sky tower" (almost every city seems to have one now). Jody and I having a nice lunch on "Darling Harbor" near our hotel. Got my "Aussie" hat, as well as this wonderful sweater that Jody bought me that I wear ALL THE TIME NOW. Hello! Darling Harbor where we just ate lunch as we cross the bridge into the downtown proper. Our first view of the spectacular Sydney Opera House. While I relaxed on a park bench (really tired after little sleep the night before and an early 6:00 am flight) Jody wondered around through Sydney's beautiful botanical gardens. Can't hurt! I know Jody wanted to go in here, but she ended passing up the opportunity. Going back over the bridge to Darling Harbor from downtown. The antics of these two were very entertaining. So very cute. After a brief rest in our hotel, we were back down to Darling Harbor for dinner. What a beautiful night. Downtown Sydney from the bridge at Darling Harbor and the end of a long first day in Sydney.
On this day I went to see a hilarious horror movie spoof, WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS at the famous EMBASSY THEATER in Wellington. Made by local Wellington film makers, it spoofs the vampire/werewolf/zombie horror film genre with truly funny results. It also skewers the TWILIGHT series of movies also. I laughed myself silly. As it was filmed in and round Wellington Central, it was a hoot to see scenes filmed on the Wellington streets I walk every day. Truly funny, accomplished performers, as well as terrific, professional special effects. It's gaining international renown. I plan to screen this movie to friends in Sarasota once a video copy is available. The only caveat? You must enjoy horror movies to really appreciate the humor.
A triumphant end to Beethoven's first three symphonies, climaxing with ERIOCA at the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in Wellington.
On May 21, 2014, Jody and I went horseback riding for two hours on Auckland's west coast. There was much variety in our ride as we rode along the black sand beach, as well as into the dunes and forest surrounding the coast. I even got to trot AND canter (scary). Jody was positively thrilled as she has missed riding and misses her horse, Magic. This was a great end to my trip north as this afternoon I was on a plane heading back for Wellington while Jody remained in Auckland continuing her refugee research at local schools. Me on a horse. Journey's happy end.
Jody and I had fun walking around Auckland. Finally, some pictures of civilization for a change. The famous Sky Tower at night as seen from our hotel room.
On May 18, 2014, Jody and I left our chalet in Thames and traveled to our next stop, Auckland. On the way, we made a side trip to the Waitakere Ranges, the site of dramatic seaside cliffs and black, volcanic sand. As we leave the chalet, Jody takes a picture of Fall leaves on the parking lot. We haven't been used to this in a long time. We arrive at the Waitakere Ranges and have a picnic lunch on a beautiful green sward. To the left is the hidden beach and the Pacific. Jody and I encounter a beautiful waterfall and hike up and around a mountain before venturing out to the beach and cliff area. Where's Waldo? (Jody) Sometimes I feel so so small. Black, deep, volcanic sand.
On May 17, 2014, Jody and I took a day trip to the Hot Water Beach and to Cathedral Cove, all along the Coromandel Pennisula. Again, beautiful weather and scenery. As we leave, Jody gets a good shot of our chalet, second building on the right. Where do these "nubby" mountains come from? "On the Road Again!" Jody took a picture of me waving from the rental car. Note the steering wheel on the right. We arrive at Hot Water Beach. For two hours before low tide and two hours after, beach enthusiasts descend upon Hot Water Beach, dig out little spas for themselves in the sand, and plop down to enjoy water that, if you're not careful, will scald you. Believe us, this is some HOT water that Jody and I are standing in. A great little cave I found along the beach. Starting the hike down to Cathedral Cove. The old man and the sea. Cathedral Cove! I was moved. Jody was so moved she began speaking in tongues :-).
On May 16, 2014, Jody and I "bid adieu" to Hamilton for our 90 minute road trip to our waiting chalet in the town of Thames on the Coromandel Peninsula. What a fabulous chalet. I thought we were on our honeymoon. The chalet was located high atop a hill overlooking the peninsula with an entire glass wall overlooking the water. A simply breathtaking view. I swear, I don't know where they get these mountains - "Here come old flatop, he come groovin' up slowly...... Come Together - The Beatles The view from our chalet room. Our own private balcony overlooking the peninsula. On our last night at the chalet, a cold one temperature-wise, we went out to the hot tub under the Milky Way that was clearly visible and enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing, HOT, soak. Despite the chalet being filled with guests, we were the only ones enjoying the hot tub. Really nice! After settling in at the chalet, Jody and I took a road trip to nowhere along the peninsula just to see what we could see. Not exactly a place to sunbathe on the beach, that is, unless you love rocks. Sorry, but I just can't get enough of these green and blue colours.
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