Today is the day for bridge climbing. Woke up again very early, may be because we are getting to bed early...tired after walking all day or we may still be getting used to the time change. This city also has lots of hills which means LOTS of stairs to get around. No need to worry about not getting to gym, there is enough stairclimbing going on here. Sydney is a beautiful city, a mix of old architecture and new construction, simliar to many cities I'm sure but when traveling one seems to appreciate this more.
There was one mission this morning and that was finding a decent cup of coffee. Our hotel has complimentary breakfast in the lobby but the coffee is not what you would see at home. Really more of a cappuccino and in a small cup.The instant in the room is horrible. We knew before anything else happened today finding that cup of coffee was a must! Funny where we ended up and actually it was a good cup of coffee. Thanks McDonald's!The weather today was brighter for some pictures at Circular Quay.
Again we walked back to The Rocks area to book a time to climb the bridge. We are fortunate that the weather today is clear. The views will be fantastic. The Brit Lions are in town for a rugby game and for Aussies this is winter vacation so there are more crowds and there is a wait to climb. The girl at the desk asked if I would be joining by sons and husband. Although I knew it was something I should do I also knew it was something I may be able to do. Being attached is one thing but being that high in the air....whole other matter!!!
As we had a wait Ian thought it was a good time for some pastries. The boys have discovered macaroons...YUMMY!
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| A rainbow of flavours! |
Sweets enjoyed..time to climb! Diane and I were given passes to climb the pillar with cameras to take some pictures of them starting their climb. A bit of a unnerving walk along the pedestrian walkway and an exhausting 200 stair climb we made it to the top of the pillar. Worth it!
It took a while to see the boys group emerge from the stairs and catwalks to start their climb. We didn't mind, how often do you get to be at the top of a pillar on the Sydney Harbour Bridge on a gorgeous sunny day taking in breathtaking views with a good friend. Life is good!!
And after some time enjoying everything around us. Finally they boys and Ian were about to start their climb. Of course we got there attention for a picture. I'm sure the boys thought I should stop waving and calling down to them but heh.....I'm Mom, I'm allowed to embarass them sometimes....LOL
Diane and I headed towards city centre. Destination Queen Victoria Building or QVB. This is one of the oldest buildings in Sydney.
"Since first opening in 1898, the QVB has had a mercurial history. Designed by George McRae, it replaced the original Sydney Markets and was named to honour the monarch's Diamond Jubilee. Elaborate Romanesque architecture was chosen for the grand building, which housed a concert hall, coffee shops, showrooms, warehouses and a wide variety of tradespeople. Over many decades, the concert hall became the city library, offices proliferated and many tenants moved in.
Drastic Art Deco 'remodelling' occurred during the 1930s to accommodate the main occupant - Sydney City Council. From 1959 to 1971, the QVB faced near-demolition. A massive restoration project was given the green light and, in 1982, Ipoh Garden was awarded the restoration project and a 99-year lease. The fully restored Queen Victoria Building reopened her doors to Sydneysiders and visitors alike in 1986. A major refurbishment in 2009 restored her even further. Today the QVB stands in all her glory, testimony to the original vision for the building and the superb craftsmanship of the artisans who put it all back together again." (taken from QVB site)
Ended the evening with a fabulous meal at an Italian Restaurant just around the corner from our hotel. Always fun to try foods we enjoy at home in another country. Apparently anchovie fillets and a poached egg are fairly standard on a ceasar salad.
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