Our last cycling day in Oz

Our last cycling day in Australia was full of smiles. Warm and sunny our route took us around the edge of Botany Bay, west of the airport, through the suburbs of Alexandria, Redfern and Surrey Hills, before the CBD skyscrapers loomed above us. Through them a glimpse of the steel arch of Sydney Harbour Bridge. Suddenly we felt as if we’d been spat out onto Circular Quay, the towering buildings behind us, with sky and sea and sunshine all before us.

And there it was…

The Sydney Opera House.

Shining white and all in 3D. It was a moment. Known so well as a symbol of modern Australia, it was there in real life. And seeing it meant we had reached our journey’s end in Australia.

I gave Lilz a big hug.

We sat a while taking it all in.

We’d catch the ferry from here to Manly (stopping at Manly Beach to eat the most delicious pistachio icecream we’d ever tasted) and cycle the remaining 6 miles up the coast to our friends Stevie and Fiona’s house. Here we’d stay with them in their lovely home before heading on to Indonesia.

We’d loved Australia, but sadly the budget and time mean we need to move on. Bigger picture sees us trying to cycle the Silk Road in the most favourable seasons, and working back from that we’re a little bit behind schedule. Plus our purse will welcome the cheaper cost of Southeast Asia.

But for now we’re going to enjoy a fortnight with our friends, exploring their neighbourhood and getting ready for hotter and humid climes ahead!Read more