Sydney & The Hunter Valley

Our first step onto Australian soil was in Sydney, where we met up with our great French friends Geraldine and Aloys.  We stayed in their downtown apartment, which has amazing views over the central business district.  Whilst they worked during the week, we explored the city, initially taking a walk through the botanical gardens to get our first view of the harbour:



H and the harbour

We spent time at circular quay, admiring the opera house up close:



G and the Opera House

There was so much to do, Taronga Zoo, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Darling Harbour, the Chinese Gardens of Friendship and the cafes and galleries of The Rocks.  We also booked tickets to see a rather 'special' performance of Aboriginal dance at the Opera House one evening - between all four of us we managed to work out what they were trying to portray!  Nevertheless, the evening views of the harbour whilst sipping champagne were captivating:




Sydney Opera House as we arrived



Sydney Harbour Bridge by night

The weather was beautiful throughout our stay, and we craved for a day on the beach.  We visited Bondi, and took the scenic walk along the coast down to Coogee beach:



G at Bondi

What with all our energetic explorations, we felt we needed a break from the city, so spent the weekend with Geraldine and Aloys in the Hunter Valley.  The area is only 2 hours north of Sydney and is famous for its vineyards.  We tasted champagnes, wines, ports, olives, cheeses, fudge, chocolates and even tea!  It was a culinary delight!  Our car returned to Sydney laiden down with the weight of many bottles of great wine and the food in our tummies!



Aloys, Geraldine and Hannah at the Hunter Valley vineyards

Cheers!

So, we bid a sad Au Revoir to Geraldine and Aloys, and a happy Bonjour to Geraldine's father in New Caledonia.