Sydney

Our first experience of 'airbnb'. We are staying with a family with 2 huge teenage boys, have a lovely tucked away room and own luxurious bathroom. The family are unintrusively friendly and helpful in that straight -forward Aussie way. Notes saying to leave our food in our fridge, because boys can't differentiate in family fridge; it's all FOOD. Their neighbourhood has charmed us, we love it. The Crouch End of Sydney. Darling Street, Balmain - a mix of trendy cafes, bars, restaurants, shops and the most pretty houses. Formerly a dock workers district, so a mix of old and new again. We met a couple in a great fish restaurant on first night, who tipped us off to various local places... We got on well with them, he a boat builder and rowing coach, she an artist!
We trudged the length of Darling Street to Darling Wharf, Balmain East, caught the ferry to Circular Quay and walked ourselves stupid through the city, botanic gardens and its many flying foxes, then to the opera house ( has to be done! )
Next day, more ferries ( the best way to travel and they are so convenient and frequent) to Manly (the new Bondi apparently). More walking: the Manly Scenic Walkway, into Sydney National Park where I had hoped to hear my first kookaburra, but it was not to be.
Obviously so much to see and do in this vibey city that we haven't time for, but we certainly have had a good taste of Sydneysider life.























Balmain houses



down to the ferry port


        







Manly