Thursday, January 22, 2009

Arrving in Sydney - Australia

Leaving Hong Kong we arrived in Sydney, Austrlia to be met by 35 degree heat. The arrival hall at the airport was very busy, but a immigration officer called us out of the line, asked us a few questions and stamped our passports meaning we were through in quick time.

We jumped on a local train that took us into the heart of the City and dropped off our bags at the apartment we were staying in.


Our first stop was the bustling Darling harbour with its many visitor attractions.
As you arrived, the first thing that  struck us was the expansive waterfront, its shimmering waters reflecting the Sydney skyline, dotted with modern buildings and lush green spaces. The atmosphere was both lively and laid-back, perfect for an afternoon stroll or a full day of exploration.

The broad promenade along the water was filled with people—tourists snapping photos, families enjoying the day out, and locals unwinding after work. The buzz of activity was palpable, but it never felt rushed. The sounds of the harbour were a soothing backdrop: the soft hum of ferry engines as they pulled into the docks, the occasional seagull calling out, and the distant chatter of people enjoying the restaurants and cafés that lined the waterfront.



We took a ferry over to Watsons Bay passing the famous opera house and Sydney harbour bridge. The ferry from Darling Harbour to Watson's Bay was an iconic Sydney experience, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse of the city's blend of urban life and natural beauty. As we made your way to the wharf at Darling Harbour, the air felt alive with activity, tourists and locals alike bustling along the waterfront


 From Watsons bay we took the short bus ride to the famous Bondi beach. The bus stop at Watson's Bay is close to Robertson Park, with its expansive green lawns and views of the water. If you arrive early, you may see a ferry pulling into the small wharf.

As the bus winds through the narrow roads of Vaucluse, you pass grand, stately homes tucked away behind hedges, each offering a peek of luxury living. The bus stop is just a short walk from the iconic crescent-shaped beach, and when you disembark, you’d immediately feel the vibrant atmosphere that Bondi is known for. Surfers with boards tucked under their arms stroll barefoot across the street, while tourists and locals lounge in the nearby grassy areas, soaking up the sun.

The sprawling sands of Bondi stretch out before you, framed by towering cliffs on either side, with the endless blue of the Pacific Ocean stretching beyond.




A visit to the Sydney fish market is a must for lovers of seafood, with a vast selection of fresh fish and cafe's selling ready prepared dishes of the daily catch.
Its a sensory-rich experience, filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of one of the world’s most bustling seafood hubs.

The market was a feast for the eyes. Piles of oysters, with their rough, jagged shells, lay next to trays of squid, octopus, and crabs, their legs and claws artfully arranged to entice buyers. Each stall was manned by vendors calling out prices or chatting with customers in their thick Aussie accents, offering tips on how best to cook their fresh catches. The air was filled with the low hum of conversation, the sound of ice being scooped, and the occasional splash of water as fishmongers rinsed down their counters
.

Memories of Sydney








Monday, January 19, 2009

A trip to Hong Kong 2009

Leaving Cyrpus from Larnaca airport we flew to Bahrain airport and then onto Hong Kong. We have found Hong Kong to be an amazing City, with incredible views from Kowloon across the bay to Hong Kong Island.

As you strolled along Victoria Harbour, the skyline on both sides was breathtaking. On Hong Kong Island, the towering skyscrapers like the International Finance Centre (IFC) soared into the sky, reflecting the city's economic might. These gleaming glass towers contrasted sharply with the older colonial buildings scattered throughout, showcasing Hong Kong's historical legacy. Across the water, the Kowloon side presented a dense, sprawling expanse of residential and commercial buildings, punctuated by landmarks like the Peninsula Hotel.


We walked down to the harbour and joined the tour that sails around the harbour which gives great views of the Laser light show from the skyscapers either side.

A must for any visitor is a trip upto "The Peak" by means of a very steep cable car, the views from the top are simply breathtaking.

Visiting The Peak in Hong Kong via the funicular in 2009 was an unforgettable experience, combining a thrilling ride with panoramic views of the vibrant cityscape and the serene harbor below. The journey began at the base station of the Peak Tram, located near the bustling Central district, close to the harbor’s edge. The Peak Tram, one of the oldest funicular railways in Asia, has been operational since the late 19th century, but its smooth, mechanical charm in 2009 still carried the nostalgia of its storied past.


In the evening we caught the Metro system up to the market areas and strolled around looking at the colourful sights and boisterous noise of this unique area.
 The vendors, set up under their tarps and makeshift stalls, call out in Cantonese, trying to lure in customers with bargains on everything from clothes, watches, and accessories to quirky souvenirs and electronics




Memories of Hong Kong





Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Rob Turns 50 and a Travel Plan.

To celebrate Rob's upcoming 50th birthday (Can you believe this fresh faced youngster has reached his half century.)



This Winter we have decided to take a trip to Hong Kong and Australia.


We will try to keep the Blog updated as the journey progresses.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Lisa and Lee enjoy the trip to New Zealand


Lisa and Lee have been touring New Zealand since Boxing day 2008, they have thouroughly enjoyed the whole expierence of touring this amazing country.



Mandy's Birthday 2009

To keep Mandy’s birthday celebrations rolling, we made our way to the superb Bunch of Grapes restaurant in Pissouri – a real gem tucked away in the village, famous for its warm welcome, rustic charm, and food that makes you want to linger for hours. We tucked into a traditional meze feast, each dish better than the last, arriving in a never-ending parade of flavours that left us both happily full and slightly amazed at how much we’d managed to eat.


Afterwards, we strolled over to Theo’s bar, where a blazing log fire was waiting to greet us. We sank into our seats, nightcaps in hand, and spent the rest of the evening putting the world to rights – as you do – while the flames crackled away beside us.


Floating ships , while walking on Limassol seafront we noticed that the grey colour of the sea and the colour of the sky were exactly the same and gave a strange illusion, making the ships in the bay to look as if they were floating in mid air.

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Sky dive in NZ

News reaches us from New Zealand that Rob's cousin, Lisa, has completed her first Skydive from 15,000 feet.






Sunday, January 04, 2009

Theo's Birthday in the 1911 club, Pissouri













The New Year started with a birthday celebration for Theo in the 1911 club. Friends, family, neighbours and regular customers gathered to wish Theo a happy 60th birthday. On a cold day, a roaring wood fire kept the guests warm as they enjoyed a marvelous buffet.



Wednesday, December 31, 2008

New years eve 2008

New Year’s Eve started with a visit for our friends, Matt, Sue and baby Luke who were on holiday from Birmingham, UK.









We moved onto Jan and Alun’s house where a NYE party was in full swing. Some of the Karaoke singing had to be heard to be believed.