2006 in Sydney
New Year’s day was mostly spent lazing on the beach, it was a record 44.2 degrees - the second hottest day on record. Bush fires predictably blazed as we swam and relaxed. What is it with this madly hot weather, seems to follow us everywhere. Except, I predict, back home in Blightly - where I hear it’s a thrilling 2 degrees!
The 2nd was overcast so a lot cooler. But the sea was churned up, huge waves coming into the coast and Tamarama beach was closed to swimmers (though it didn’t stop them). I signed up for a surfing lesson on Bondi beach with Let’s Go Surfing. The instructors Claire and John said this was the most extreme weather they’ve taught in for a long time. Hurrah!
Predictably the sea was difficult to paddle or walk against to get the board out to sea. I managed it just about and had a few good waves that took me back to shore (even managed to stand up - Kate allegedly has photographic proof). Nose-dived at least once (where the nose of the board is too low and the whole thing goes into the wave and carries me along the bottom of the sea) - that was fun. And I came out battered but thoroughly happy by the whole experience.
In the eve we rustled up our own BBQ at the apartment and held host to Johhny, Jess and Jess’s Dad Chris and his partner Mary. The morning after was my first proper hangover so it must have been a good evening!
On the 3rd we beached again, though the waves at Tamarama were silly and I got tumbled at least twice by waves as high as I am - great fun though!! In the afternoon we headed off to Sydney and wandered around Oxford Street and Paddington - ending up in Johhny’s favourite pub the Lord Dudley for a few pints.
In the eve we went to Double Bay and ate at The Sheaf, afterwards walking around the bay and drinking at the Hotel where Michael Hutchence choked on an orange (The Sir Stamford)! A fine end to a fine time in Australia. The next day up and early for the plane to Singapore - where our adventures continue (for a couple of days at least!!)