Monday, January 7, 2008

Yesterday was a very busy day. We did our cleaning up, did the laundry and prepared some snacks before going out. We decided to bring the kids to explore some parts of Sydney. We drove to the parking lot near Campsie station and then walked to the train station. We are going to purchase Daytripper's ticket which can be used on trains, buses and ferry. We were going to take our kids on the ferry rides. We boarded the train and saw the train officers at work who fined those who did not ourchase tickets. The stations do not have the gates like our MRT back in Singapore and people could actually take free rides. However, when caught, the fines can be hefty.

We alighted at Circular Quay and boarded the ferry to Manly Beach. It was a very famous beach in Sydney. We drove there a few times but taking ferry was fun as the currents were strong and the wind was cooling. The most important fact is that we did not have to find a parking lot to park our car.

The tickets cost us only $40. We purchased 2 adults' tickets and one child's tickets. The country is pro-family so a family always has a better deal. Joe is always the navigator and I will drive. Actualy driving can be quite tiring in Sydney. From Point A to B can be easily reached if there is a straight road but we have to go in a roundabout way as they do not have the easy way out.

We had an interesting lunch. We bought some plums, a charcoal chicken and a 2 litre Cola. We managed to find a shady place facing the sea. The scenery was great and the food was delicious.
The cool breeze was very relaxing and we could easily have stayed at the seaside for a whole day if we wanted.

However, we decided to make a move as we would like to take a river cruise up to Parramatta. When we reached the wharf at Circular Quay, we were rather early so we decided to go for a treat - yummy ice cream. Very expensive but very yummy. Joe and I had the ice cream when we last visited Sydney last year. A child's scoop was $3 and an adult was $5.50 for 2 scoops. Total cost $17.

The river cruise was stuffy and hot. We did not expect it to be so tiring. The one-hour ferry actually was a torture. Channery was running about in the ferry and the air was stuffy. I think a winter's ride won't be so bad but not in summer. People actually take the ferry to work.

After the ride, we walked to the Parrametta train station to catch a train to Burwood before taking a bus ride back to Campsie. The wait for the bus seemed endless and we waited a long time for the bus. When we reached Campsie, I decided that we shall go home for dinner as I have prepared some stir-fry pork with mushroom before I left. By the time we reached home, it was already 8pm. I quickly prepared dinner. Dinner was just noodles, vegetables and stirfry pork but we enjoyed the food.

Tiring day but I still managed to watch a show at 9.35pm- The Chatterley Affair. The book sold a total of more than 2 millions copies as there was a court case on whether it was a book which would "corrupt" people's minds. Interesting movie and definitely not suitable for young children. The TV programmes here are listed clearly on what can be shown as those having M or MA are really not for the children's eyes.

Well! That's all for now. Will write again if I have the time. Now is free time as kids are all sleeping but it's time for my breakfast.









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