8th Nov part 2

After church I got the bus into Paramatta from where I could catch the train back into Sidney. The cold weather had lifted by that time so I peeled off my new black cardi, but sadly it wasn't warm enough to go into the sandals I had taken to replace my winter boots. I had of all things a McDonalds for lunch in the shopping centre there before getting the train back to the city.

I set off on the bridge walk, to my surprise and delight you can go up the Pylon Tower (one of the stone structures of the bridge) for just $8 or £5. The views from the top were stunning and to be recommended, as you can see I am nearly on a par with the expensive bridge climb.

This has been a long held ambition having flown in and out of this harbour on a number of occasions en route to NZ, so it's special to have accomplished it. 

There are an amazing array of shops in the harbour area and I visited one that had local artworks. I bought my third Christmas decoration, a handmade glass bauble with 2 exquisitely painted koalas on each side. Will it make it to NZ for tree trimming with Nicholas, let alone the UK, time only will tell?

I took the elevated walkway from the bridge to the Botanical Gardens, they are truly magnificent with such a variety not only of trees and plants but also of birds. I stayed there for a good couple of hours just marvelling at the colour and beauty all around me.

These guys were from Lebanon and Jamil asked me to send him the photos.

I walked back through Hyde Park with its lovely gardens and statues.

This monument is in recognition of the Aborigines and indigenous people from the Torres Straits who lost their lives in the wars, despite not enjoying the same freedom other Australians did at that time. I have been impressed in all 3 countries I have visited so far at the honesty about their history as nations. Is it because we have so much history in the UK that perhaps we are not as appreciative of our forefathers and their sacrifices for our freedom?

I stopped and ate at a Spanish Restaurant enjoying a Caesar salad with Jarbon and of course a chilled wine, what a memorable day.