Thursday 22 February: SYDNEY

After breakfast in our hotel we catch a bus to Bondi Beach. It is overcast but humid but this has not stopped the swarm of cool locals prancing around in their wetsuits or board shorts on the esplanade. The surf is impressive and popular and there is even an outdoor gym area. The backdrop is a mix of Exmouth and Torquay but the swathe of fine golden sand is certainly beautiful so close to the big city. We have a delicious flat white in Porchers (as recommended by Ellie) before a tab around the surf shops. We stop at Icebergs Swimming Pool and do a few lengths, exhausted by the 50 metre length and having to contend with the incoming waves as they spray into the pool. Very exhilarating. We then follow the well trodden coastal path to Coogee Beach where we have some lunch: barramundi and poached trout salad at the Pavilions. Then time for a bit of sunbathing, the first time we have stopped to relax for some time! Simon braves the waves which are enormous and terrifying just before the lifeguards close the beach for being too dangerous. Bus back to the Rocks and our walk around Circular Quay to the Opera House. I am overcome with emotion when we are seated at our perfect table for two by the window for our pre opera dinner. Fabulous views of Harbour Bridge and the passing ferries. The performance of Carmen surpasses all expectations: exhilarating, sexy, colourful and brashly exotic in an Australian sort of way. The singing is sublime and I am emotional once more. A truly memorable experience. It is Chinese New Year and Circular Quay is adorned with enormous colourful statues representing the figures of the lunar year. There are still crowds of people and the atmosphere is buzzing as we make our way back to the hotel in the dark.