Back in the...U..ssr (oops!)..UK.

I can't believe that I have been back home in England for a little over two weeks already. I should do considering the cool weather that we have been having until the last couple of days. It has been really hard to come to terms with being here and not in Australia where I had become part of the furniture, you know where people sit on you and rest their feet!

First weekend back and it was my big sister's birthday and we had a small gathering at her home to celebrate. My big brother, Pete and little sister, June were there together with our dear Aunt Muriel. The weather gods smiled on us and despite a chilly wind the sun shone for the most past and we were able to sit outside on the patio.

Most of the outstanding mail items were dealt with and filed (most in the round filing cabinet) and I half-heartedly scanned the jobs sections! Nothing much has changed whilst I've been away it would seem other than myself. I am now more determined than ever to get my book published and until it has been then I will not feel able to move on with the next phase of my life. It is close to completion thanks to the time I was able to put in whilst in Australia.

Last weekend it was my birthday and I enjoyed a great lunch at a local country pub with my family. Another year older...another year wiser? I would like to think so but only time will tell. I'm sure I will continue to make the same mistakes and decisions but I hope to be more aware of them as I make them!

Amber, Kat, June, Tia, Pete, Sandra

June, Sandra and Pete

Kat, June, Sandra, Tia, Pete & Amber

The Tuddenham Fountain Pub.

The good news is that I had managed to only add a pound and a half in weight whilst I was away, which considering the generosity of my friends at my many farewell parties was quite pleasing. That is now down to just half a pound after last nights 'weigh-in' so it is back to the hard work I guess.

Off now to see my lovely friend Jac and my godson, Benjamin for a long weekend where I can hopefully almost complete the book manuscript.

Anyone reading this who wants to give me a job that pays well and is not too difficult I would love to hear from you. In the meantime keep safe.

One last challenge before I go home.

Sinking feeling in March 2012.

You may remember this photograph from an earlier blog. It was my unsuccessful attempt to kayak on Lake Macquarie, when a combination of strong waves and rubbish balance resulted in me capsizing my kayak a number of times before I was forced to give up. This episode also caused the small cut on my foot that, it would seem, resulted in my attack of cellulitis and caused me much discomfort for the best part of the following few weeks.

Success

Even backwards into a yacht!

Man and kayak both dry.

Alan had invited me for one last opportunity to experience the thrill of kayaking on my penultimate day in Australia. The weather was bright and sunny but there was a cool breeze afoot. Fortunately, when I arrived at the lakeside at Valentine the water surface seemed relatively smooth. As I awaited Alan's arrival with the kayaks I watched various craft coming and going, including a couple of kayakers who seemed to effortlessly skim through the water.

Alan had bought a slightly wider and shorter kayak for me to use today, not to hold my bulk, (before you say it), but to give more stability in the water. With my life-jacket on and with Alan taking my camera (well I didn't want to chance it), I sat into the kayak and wriggled around to get the feel of the balance.

As I pushed off rather tentatively, and despite a few slight wobbles all seemed to be fine. Under Alan's tutorship I practised using the paddles to give extra balance and to turn left and right and to even go backwards. I was beginning to enjoy this and we went for a leisurely paddle around the many yachts and pleasure craft at moorings on this part of the lake.

We were out for about an hour and I thoroughly enjoyed myself and would like to thank Alan for the giving me the opportunity to exorcise, not so much a demon as a slight to my pride.

Alan the master griller.

Not a bad view from your deck Alan.

Afterwards we retired to Alan's for a last barbie, only my second here, and enjoyed a beer as we looked down to the lake in the distance. Thanks mate for your friendship and good humour and for taking me to see the Newcastle Jets and Knights...now I know what I'm missing!!

That evening there was one last meal as dear Glenda had invited me, Jonesy and Alan over for dinner. She showed me where she intended to 'train' the Triffid to grow in her garden and I look forward to seeing photos and reports on its progress. Better still, to seeing it for myself before too long elapses.

It was fitting somehow to be with these three friends on my last night and that is not to single them out for special mention above all of the people who had welcomed me to their homes and into their lives so willingly (and stupidly) over the past three months.

Peter and Neil

Me with Tom

I was to catch a train from Hamilton at 1230 for Sydney Central and my flight with Emirates at 6.45pm on Monday 07th May. Before I left I had to visit Jonesy's father, Peter, one more time. Peter has been sidelined since Christmas 2011, and is currently recovering at a nursing home in Newcastle. He is a lovely, intelligent and very witty man and I wish him the very best wishes for a comfortable and painless rehabilitation. With caring and loving family and friends beside him he will get all the support he needs. It was also nice to see Tom, a fellow patient who I saw on my visits to Peter and who has a wicked sense of humour. Tom keeps an eye on Peter in the family's absence which is a comfort I know.

Finally, I must record my most sincere thanks to my mate Jonesy. He has allowed me yet again to live in his house, coming and going as I please. He has introduced me to so many of his lovely friends and taken me here and there without any complaint. I have been allowed to use his office as my own, which has helped me no end to have almost completed my book.

But most of all he has been a loyal and true friend to me, listening to my ramblings and putting up with my jokes! It is little wonder that his friends, who are now my friends, value him so highly. Cheers Jonesy, you're one of a kind.  

Farewell Party Week.

After my weekend in Sydney, and back in Newcastle the reality of my leaving Australia began to loom large. However, it seemed that my new friends in the Southern Hemisphere were not about to let me go without a leaving do or three.

First there was the last lunch at Souths League Club with Ray Walker, John Duggan and Peter Doyle.These  remarkable gentlemen have been stalwarts of my Tuesday lunchtimes since my arrival back in February. In Ray's case this tradition goes back to my first ever visit to Australia in 2002.

Ray Walker and Dr. John Duggan

They have forgotten more than I will ever know and still have a real grasp of domestic and world affairs. I have so enjoyed their stories, humour and above all their friendship....thank you chaps and I hope to see you again in the near future.

That evening we had a meal at The Bennett Hotel across the road from home (well, my recent home) with two of Jonesy's neighbours, Kaye and Margaret. We enjoyed our Chinese meal whilst chatting about my trip.

So to Wednesday, and the weather was warm and sunny after a coolish start, a typical Autumn day in Australia! I took the opportunity to get a cycle in and whilst heading onto the Foreshore I started chatting to a lady also cycling my way (well, not exactly in the same manner).

Newcastle/Stockton Ferry

It turned out she was a nurse and had been working at Ipswich Hospital in Suffolk for four years and living in the town of Woodbridge, Suffolk with her husband and children. What a small world this is in so many ways.

Christchurch Cathedral above Queens Wharf

In the ten years since I first set foot in Newcastle, I have never used the little ferry that crosses the Hunter River to Stockton. Today was the day to rectify this and I boarded with my bike for the five minute crossing. Stockton allows you to view Newcastle and Nobbys Head from a different perspective and with an easy to access cycle path I was able to speed (trundle) to the end of the jetty opposite Nobbys Head.

Ambitiously, I thought that I might cycle to the Stockton Bridge and then cross the river by road and cycle back through Mayfield and into Hamilton.

When I reached the bridge that spans the Hunter River a ride of about 5km, there didn't seem to be a cycle track and I didn't fancy trying to cross with trucks and cars whizzing past too close for comfort. I later found out that there is a safe path across the bridge between the two carriage ways but only accessible from underneath the bridge

Stockton Bridge shimmering in the distance.

I turned around and cycled back the way I had come and caught the ferry back to Queens Wharf. I did get some work done on the book that afternoon but the weather was too good to miss and who knew if that would be my last sunny day of the trip?

Wednesday night and it was Trivia Night at the Blackbutt Hotel with Team Clueless. I was going to miss these nights but I doubt if they will miss my brain cell as much! We couldn't repeat the feat of the previous week in finishing as winners but we were there or there about as usual.

Thursday's weather was cooler and dull and so my previous days actions seemed justified. Today I really got my head down to some work and am almost at the end of the book, just a few chapters to go. I hope that when it's published that some of you will buy it and read it! Keep looking for the blog to give you details please.

More friends at The Green Roof

Evening time and another gathering of dear friends. This time the venue was The Green Roof and I was joined by Denise, Janet and George, Renae, Alan, Ralph, Mara and of course Jonesy. Nice as these farewells are I'm not sure what they are doing to my weight loss regime!

Friday breakie crew at Cha Chas at The Junction.

Friday mornings had become an early start and out for a brisk walk with Jonesy and Colin. 5.45am is fine but since my first walk in February when it had been light and warm in the summer, it was now dark and chilly and Autumn. Regardless we walked and chatted (obviously not walking briskly enough) around Hamilton. As punishment for all those meals and for those still to come, Jonesy led us up and down the steps at Hamilton Railway Station a few times.

As usual we met up with Cookie, Jenny and Eadsey for breakfast at Cha Chas as some form of reward for our efforts. Good friends enjoying an early get together after some exercise and before a busy day at work.

There was no let up in the evening as I had been invited to dinner with Jonesy's ex next door neighbour Babe who I had known since 2002. Together with her daughter Natasha and good friends Gloria and Renae another excellent meal was provided. We toasted Babe's husband Gerry's memory, who we had so sadly lost last year and whom I was proud to have as a friend.

With Babe

With Gloria

With Natasha

Jonesy was at the office early as he had an appointment with a client and we met at The Alleyway Express for a $5 breakie. I put in an hour on the book before getting ready for an afternoon at the Races over at Broadmeadow Race Track.

Glenda had done her usual organising and galvanising of the troops for a Clueless day at the races. Managing to beg and borrow enough members passes to get us in for free, we had a great time. Michael  is probably the only one who has any real idea on the form of the runners, leaving the rest of us to bet relatively blindly. Dianne for example, bases her bets on the look of the horse (or is it the jockey?). Probably as good a method as any.I think it is important to set an amount you are prepared to lose and bet accordingly, that way you don't get sucked into the whole 'mug punter' scenario.

Clueless..at the races.

I'd bet on these two fine fillies anytime.

Trish, Les & Jonesy concentrating!

From the races we adjourned to the Bennett Hotel were we were joined by Katrina and Marcus, Stephen and Trudie and their son Toby. We moved into the restaurant and took over one corner where we enjoyed a fantastic evening of dining and laughter. I was presented with a 'Goodbye' card signed by all of Team Clueless, which was very touching and I could feel myself welling up as I tried to thank them all for their outstanding warmth and friendship. (The thought that they might be actually making sure that I left the country never even crossed my mind!). Brian and Sue gave me a musical bottle opener lest I go dry back home..thank you.

For my part I presented these dear friends with a 'Triffid' (Golden Trumpet Plant) to remember me by. It was agreed that Glenda would nurture this on behalf of the group. I just hope she keeps it away from young children and animals!

Thank you all.

It's a 'Triffid'

Bull Boy's won shouts Michael

Our evening was complete when Michael and Stephen discovered a Greyhound running in a televised race with the name of 'Bully Boy' and we all threw in $5 for a last bet. Incredibly, it won by a nostrils length and we won $40 each plus a sum to go into the Australian lottery for a chance to win the $70 million jackpot. (We didn't win but there you are). What a fantastic night with truly the most fantastic people. Thank you all, I'll miss you so much.

   

Sydney Weekender.

Alan, Callum & Samantha in 'Train' ing!

6.30am and Hamilton Railway Station was beginning to fill up with bleary eyed folk waiting for the 6.39am train to Sydney Central. Along with Jonesy, Alan, Callum and Samantha, I was one of them. The journey takes about two and half hours and we passed the time by playing a game of Twenty Questions.

Me and Jonesy were staying overnight so, on arrival, we went first to our hotel and deposited our bags there. We had purchased a ticket that included the rail journey and all Sydney Ferry services, trains and buses for a 24 hour period, an excellent and cost effective way of seeing this metropolis.

Samantha hitches a ride.

I've got 'Big Ears' cos Noddy wouldn't pay the ransom!

It was this one wot did it Guv!

Ferry for Taronga Zoo at Circular Quay.

Samantha, me & Callum 'Bridging' the gap.

I just want to sleep, please!

"Mum, there's a man with a camera again"

"This is how it's done son"

Someone's standing on my tail!

"It's not your feathers on my hood, Mr Emu"

We caught an underground train the short distance to Circular Quay, on the Harbour, and from there the ferry that would take us to Mosman, and Sydney's Taronga Zoo. All of the others had been before but I hadn't, and by all accounts it is one of the better world zoos and certainly amongst the most scenically positioned alongside Sydney Harbour.A sort of route was established and agreed upon and off we went to view the animals and exhibits.

At various times, zoo keepers would conduct talks on the various animals, reptiles and birds within the zoo. There were also feeding times and we witnessed the Chimpanzee's having fruit and vegetables hurled into their enclosure. There is undoubtedly a hierarchy amongst this troop of Chimpanzees but the smart ones were gathering as much together as possible rather than eating immediately. Perhaps they were the entrepreneurial amongst them!

Callum and Samantha were keen to visit Luna Park across the harbour at Milsons Point. This iconic Sydney amusement park, dating from the 1930's, is free to enter and pass through and you only pay for the rides that you go on. We caught the scenic gondola ride over the park and down to the ferry and back to Circular Quay, from where Jonesy and I said our goodbyes to the others as they went off in search of excitement and fun and we boarded the SuperCat for the 50 minute journey to the suburb of Parramatta.

SuperCat to Parramatta.

I use Colgate toothpaste!

  From the ferry landing point we walked up the river tow path which has been decorated in Aboriginal artwork depicting the culture and heritage of the area.















This leads to the Heritage/Information centre and has an interesting and informative history of Parramatta.

Parramatta has some of Australia's oldest recorded buildings with the Old Government House built around 1799 housing the seat of power in the life of the formative colony. Nowadays it houses the finest collection of colonial furniture in Australia. Within Parramatta Park is the Old Dairy Cottage with its sunken milk room and stone steps for separating the cream from the milk.

In the local Burramatta Aboriginal language, Parramatta is 'the place of the eels' and it is from this that the local Rugby League team derives its nickname. This afternoon, they were hosting and losing to the Balmain Tigers by 31-30 points. A case of the Tigers mauling the Eels maybe.

We decided to catch the train back to Central Sydney as darkness fell so did the temperature. We checked into our hotel formally before finding a pub across the street and enjoying dinner. Sated, we once again made our way to Circular Quay and took the ferry across to Milsons Point and the well lit Luna Park, onto McMahons Point, East Balmain and finally Darling Harbour.

Jonesy and I reminisced about the time we stayed at a friends unit at East Balmain with wonderful views over the harbour. That was ten years ago and yet it seemed like only yesterday. Darling Harbour is a hub of entertainment venues, shops, restaurants and bars. It is busy day or night and it amazed me how all of the different business outlets survive side by side.

Darling Harbour

Cockleshell Bay, Darling Harbour

Darling Gardens

Fountain-astic.

As well as the swish harbour-side hotels, there is the Sydney Convention Centre, Aquarium and the soon to be opened Madame Tussauds Museum. The Darling Park Gardens are beautifully lit at night as is Cockle Bay, and is a popular place for both visitors and locals alike.





From Darling Harbour it is a short walk into Sydney's Chinatown district and from there, avoiding the temptation to be ushered into one of the many restaurants, it was back to our hotel and a well earned rest.

Let me on please..I'm a Pom.

Next morning we were up bright and early and after a resuscitating Flat White at Starbucks, we caught the underground to Bondi Junction and had breakfast. We then caught a bus that would take us towards Bondi Beach, perhaps the most famous of all of Australia's beaches. We stayed on the bus past the beach until its furthest point at Watson Bay.

This marks the entrance to Sydney Harbour from the Pacific Ocean and is close to where the first convict fleet settled at Botany Bay in 1788, before moving to the more natural harbour of Port Stephens or the  Sydney of today.

Watson Bay

Sydney Harbour from Watson Bay

Bondi Beach Lifeguard Audition

Bondi's famous surf.

Climbing up the steps to the top of the point we had superb views of North Head and back towards the harbour in the distance. Taking the bus back we stopped at Bondi Beach and walked the hallowed sands much beloved of backpackers, billionaires, surfers and the body beautiful....oh, and me and Jonesy.

We caught the Bondi Bendy Bus back to the city passing the famous Sydney Cricket Ground before coming through the district of Paddington, famous for its vibrant pub life and the fashionable boutiques of Oxford Street. Victoria Barracks, dating to 1841 are found here and finally we disembarked to walk the last half a mile past Hyde Park, along Liverpool Street and onto Pitt Street. You could be forgiven for thinking we were taking a tour of London with such familiar names.

One thing that London doesn't have is the Monorail that does a loop above the city centre streets from Darling Harbour. Unfortunately, neither will Sydney for much longer as a decision has just been made to discontinue this iconic mode of transport. Hopefully the tram system will survive as an alternative transport system in a city that is clogged by motor vehicles for much of the time.

Monorail passing over Pitt Street

Spot the odd one out!

Sydney Opera House

As we waited at Central Station for our train back to Newcastle we took the opportunity to visit a small exhibition for the Southern Aurora, a deluxe train that first made the journey from Sydney to Melbourne in 1962. It was interesting to see how things have changed over the years from the fashions of the day to the time taken to complete such a journey. 

So back in Newcastle and a last chance to see the Newcastle Knights in action at the Hunter Stadium against The Panthers. A resounding victory for the Knights by 34-14, although the opposition was poor on the night (no pun intended).