NEW AUTHOR IN TOWN - 'Please welcome, all the way from Cornwall, for one week only......Mrs P!!'
Barry & Pauline Go Down Under

Sunday 11th May 2008
After a long long wait, and an even longer flight (or so it seemed), Barry and I eventually arrived in Sydney . Having safely negotiated Customs, Security and everything else at the Airport, (thankfully the TBags and Bovril made it!), we entered arrivals and immediately found Adam, Nikki and Fraser, together with a helium balloon. How wonderful, after 4+ months we were reunited with HUGE HOGARTH HUGS. It was 7.45am ish!!! Thank you all for getting up so early to make our welcome so special.
 
Once we had fitted ourselves and our luggage into Fraser's car (sorry you drew the short straw Adam), we negotiated the traffic, Fraser in complete control, although he had a fleeting moment of going the wrong way, we were all talking and catching up so much, no-one noticed. He found the Menzies, our home for the duration and we unloaded, said thanks and goodbye to Fraser and entered. First impressions, very good. Adam & Nikki stayed with us until we were given a room. Unfortunately, we were not too impressed and asked if we could have another one. If you don't ask you don't get!! We were duly given a bigger room, which was much better and well worth the asking .
 
At this point Barry and I were in desperate need of a shower, change of clothes and a cup of tea so arranged to meet up with Adam & Nikki for a coffee/tea later.
 
Having refreshed ourselves and unpacked we joined them. They both looked so well and it was obvious so thoroughly enjoying themselves. How wonderful that they had this opportunity and managed to grab it by the throat.
 
By this time we were all feeling hungry so decided to walk to The Rocks for lunch. Walking had been a problem for me since my operation earlier in the year, so, supported by Barry and my trusty stick, we made our way, albeit slowly, to our chosen bistro. Adam & Nic had been there before and it didn't disappoint. The Lamb Shanks chosen by Barry and Adam were amazing, my Chicken Stir Fry was delicious and Nikki had lasagne which beat Adams cooking!
 
Once we had finished Barry and I were feeling decidedly tired, nothing to do with the alcohol you understand, but the lack of sleep over the last 30+ hours!! We thought it best if we went back to the hotel and met up next day, after a good night's sleep . Thankfully we managed this and woke up really refreshed. (Sleep went downhill after this I'm afraid).
 
Monday 12th May
Following a really good breakfast, we decided to make our way to Circular Quay where we would meet up at lunchtime. We walked the moderate distance with the anticipation rising of seeing the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and everything else that goes into making CQ such a special place in my heart. It was just as I had remembered it from 2003, the same buzz was there, together with the same didgeridoo I am sure!! We had a coffee at Rossini's and then made our way towards the Opera House, to await a text from Adam & Nikki to say they were on their way.
 
The Opera House is magnificent and upon walking around it we stopped to admire the stunning design, take several photos and enjoy the wonderful setting. It is a popular place for joggers, who regularly take time out during their busy working day to exercise in this amazing place. We have a lot to learn from the Australians. If only we were that fit .
 
Adam & Nikki arrived on the Manly Ferry having hugged we decided to get a sandwich and something to drink and make our way around the Botanical Gardens. Sandwiches here are nothing like sandwiches in the UK, for one thing they are generous, definitely not like a UK sandwich!!
 
We made our way into the Gardens, somewhere that holds special memories for all of us and found a bench where we could have our lunch and a celebratory drink of rose Champagne with which to toast Adam & Nikki. Much to the amusement of passing tourists we drank their health. Sandwiches consumed, we started our walk around the gardens, eventually ending up at 'The Place' where Adam had first asked Nikki to be his wife!! 3 attempts later she had agreed!! It had taken quite a distance but, overlooking the Opera House and The Bridge, Nikki said yes, not far from Mrs Macquarie's Chair.
 
We had a cup of tea (yes another one) and then made our way back around the gardens, I remembered from our last visit the bats that 'hang' around and having found them, Nikki managed to get some brilliant photos, my attempts were pretty dismal in comparison . Sadly they are doing so much damage to the trees a way has to be found to discourage them. I think this will take quite a long time!!
 
We made our way out of the gardens and back to our hotel for a much needed rest and a further wash and brush up before meeting up again for our evening meal. We decided to walk (again) to Darling Harbour and find somewhere to eat. Adam & Nikki did a recky and found Nico's an Italian Restaurant right on the Harbour edge. The food was good, the service excellent and we talked and talked and talked (well Nikki did, sorry, and it was wonderful). It was then we became aware of a lot of Japanese children walking past our tables, they kept coming, and coming, and coming. Eventually the last one left and on speaking to our waiter, 270 of them had been in for a meal of Spaghetti Bolognaise!! It was a school trip, can you imagine arranging that, and we only saw a handful of Teachers. Not like this in my day I have to admit!!
 
It was a lovely evening and Barry and I felt so lucky to be a part of it, especially as we were there at that particular time when they had got engaged, although the ring was to follow!!
 
We said our good-nights and went back to the hotel for a good night's sleep . HAH, HAH, HAH. The dreaded jet-lag put paid to that one. I will not mention it again except to say that it is only now, 2 weeks after leaving Oz that we have finally got into a more regular sleep pattern and that's with the help of Nytol for Barry. No more to be said on this subject.
 
Tuesday 13th May
We caught the Ferry to Manly, where Adam & Nikki were staying, courtesy of Richard (Adam's University friend) & Kath.
 
Adam met us at the Wharf, there had been a bit of a mix up as to where we should meet, no names given to protect the guilty, and he took us back to Rich & Kath's home. It is in a leafy lane, just off the main streets and a beautiful white wooden building. The layout is open plan, geared up for outdoor living and light and airy. The bedrooms are well appointed with so much storage space. (Note to Self: Must speak to Barry!!)
 
Because Rich had said Adam could use his car, he and Nikki took us for a drive around the coast of Manly, stopping at several viewing points to look back at Circular Quay and the river traffic . It was beautiful. We did a few photo-shoots, took in the scenery, the horrible spiders that freaked me out and just enjoyed being here in this wonderful country. Soon food was calling and we found a restaurant not far from the ferry where we had lunch. The portions were huge, (Note to UK: enlarge your portions), and delicious.
 
Once again tiredness was sweeping over us and we thought it best if we got back to the hotel for another rest, particularly as the following day we had decided a trip to the Blue Mountains was a MUST.
 
Wednesday 13th May
 
After another bad night, oops wasn't going to mention that, we breakfasted, went onto the web to look at hotels, came up with a possible choice, packed an overnight bag, informed the hotel we would be away for the night and started our trip to the Blue Mountains. We had heard so much from friends that we had to go and were really looking forward to it. It has to be said it didn't disappoint.
 
We left Sydney behind, well done Nikki for getting us on the right road, and, crossing the Anzac bridge, headed inland . Our first stop was Glenbrook where we had a coffee/tea, Adam & Nikki had breakfast, sitting outside in the sunshine. Perfect. Barry and I then had a mooch whilst Adam & Nikki found the Visitor Centre to get an idea of some accommodation. Whilst 'mooching' Adam came to find us and said they had found an hotel which looked the business. It was the same one we had found, so this was fate, we had to stay there. We booked it there and then and set off to explore.
 
We made our way to Wentworth Falls, sadly, due to maintenance work they were shut!! Bah; a bit of a shame really, but hey ho. We then made our way to Victoria Falls where the first real test of my mobility had to be faced. We had to walk down a fair way to a lookout point, everywhere we went the views were amazing, we went further and deeper into the valley, including negotiating a metal ladder, but it was so worth it. The walk back was good, slow but good and a welcome cup of tea and cake at the end of it was just what the doctor ordered. I think this was the start of my mobility rehab .     
 
Our final stop that day was Echo Point in Katoomba which overlooks the 3 Sisters. Awesome, I had heard about this spot but it exceeded all expectation. The blue haze from the eucalyptus trees was breathtaking. Unfortunately it was beginning to get dark and we needed to locate our Hotel. We would return the next day. We were staying at The Carrington at Katoomba. This is one place that I would really recommend. It was a step back in time, grandeur on a huge scale, and comfort the key. The refurbishments had stayed faithful to the era, our rooms were comfortable and well equipped, the bathrooms were fitted with sanitary ware reminiscent of a bygone age and the colour scheme dark and perfect. Even the bathroom window has stained glass. It was beautiful.
 
We arranged to meet for pre-dinner drinks at 7.00pm and retired to our room for a bit of r&r. At 7.00pm, clean and refreshed we went to the lounge, bagged the very comfy sofas by the fireplace and had a drink, reflecting on what we had done and seen that day, and the plans for the next . We went into the dining room and were shown to our table. The menu didn't disappoint and we enjoyed it immensely. We then retired back to the lounge for a last liqueur and went to bed.
 
Thursday 15th May
After breakfast, we walked through the hotel, admiring the décor and reading about its history, took some photos, paid our bill and checked out. First stop Echo Point again, this time there was an eerie mist encircling the landscape, although the 3 Sisters rose above it. It hung in the air and gave an extra dimension to the view. It reminded me of the mist coming up the Fowey Estuary in Cornwall, (but not so scary). We then decided to walk down to the 3 Sisters, stopping at the various lookouts on the way, Prince Phillip etc... Barry, Adam & Nikki decided they were going all the way down to the 3 Girls as they had now become and I stopped at a lookout point above them, the thought of an extremely long flight of steps, both up and down, did not appeal. I soaked up the view, looked down on the intrepid explorers and enjoyed the moment. Next stop Leura, The Sky Train, amazing, walking the boardwalk, fantastic, you get a real feel of what it must have been like before man intruded. The Cable Car, the views from which were awesome and finally lunch and more walking. We then went into Leura itself, a lovely little town with fabulous shops, one in particular selling fantastic candles, thank you Nikki for my present.
 
We found yet another café/deli for another cup of tea with a stunning view over the tops of the eucalyptus trees . The deli looked delicious but we decided we really ought to make our way back to Sydney. By now it was 4.00pm, where had the time gone?; the rush hour beckoned. Adam made good progress until we hit the outskirts, what had been a 1½ hour journey going, turned into 3+ hours back. The traffic was horrendous and getting through Sydney was a nightmare. Well done Adam for keeping your cool, just!! Eventually we were dropped off at our hotel and Adam & Nikki then had to drive back to Manly. Quite a day. The whole visit had been wonderful and somewhere to re-visit.
 
Friday 16th May
The day dawned and having decided on a morning trip, we met Adam & Nikki again at CQ and got on the boat for Watsons Bay. This was a short trip across the river but the destination is brilliant. The lure of such a place, apart from the beautiful beach, has to be Doyles, famous for its fish & chips. This was our main intention and, after a cool, cool beer, we purchased said lunch and overlooking the beach, salivated at the freshness of the fish . The seagulls were a pain, as they are at home, and silly people feed them here as well, but we were very quiet whilst we ate and the seagulls went hungry. We then went for a short walk along the waters edge, waiting for the next boat to take us back, we had to prepare for the evening and Adam & Nikki's official engagement meal. (Adam had collected the ring that morning).
 
We had arranged to meet Adam & Nikki and Richard & Kath at Otto's at Wooloomooloo Wharf at 7.30. We needed to get a taxi. Normally there had been a line of taxis outside our hotel since we had arrived. Having got ourselves ready we went to find one and, what do you know, nothing, zilch, diddly squat!! We asked the Concierge who said they had tried to get taxis in the evening but, to no avail. We would do better if we went to the road beyond the hotel! It was 7.00pm and we had plenty of time!! To cut a long story short and having moved from street to street in the vain attempt to find a ride, we eventually saw the tell tale light atop a taxi and flagged it down . It was 7.45pm!!
 
I asked the taxi driver to take us to Wooloomooloo Wharf and was amazed at the reaction.   With a look that could only be described as grim, impatience, disgust, and other negative reactions he told us to 'get in'. We had been surprised at how rude the taxi drivers were in Sydney but this really took the biscuit. However, we eventually arrived at Otto's and joined our party. Hugs all around and the first look at 'the ring'. It is beautiful, a very good choice and it looks wonderful on Nikki's finger. It is with a huge amount of relief that these two have finally got their act together. Welcome to the world that is Hogarth Nikki, we are so pleased to have you as part of our family. The meal was amazing, the service first class and our waiter so lovely and helpful. We had a very special evening.
 
Our return taxidriver was little better than our arrival. What is the matter with these guys?
 
Saturday17th May
We were off to a Birthday party!! Adam's godson, William, was one year old and we were invited to join in the celebration, courtesy of parents Fraser (school friend of Adam) & Lisa . We took the ferry to Manly, met Adam & Nikki and after a last minute shop for a present, we walked to Richard & Kath's home who had very kindly offered to put us up for the night. We were due to meet up for the party anytime from 1.00pm onwards. We arrived at 2 and found the spot they had booked. What we like about Australia is that it is so geared up to outdoor life. They provide all the essentials to make an outside party so agreeable; a table and seating, gas BBQ, and all in beautiful surroundings. There is no graffiti, damage to property by bored individuals and it is wonderful. People appreciate it and take care of it. Can you imagine this happening in the UK?
 
I was interested to see how Adam would react to William as he would normally growl at babies!! Would this happen this time? Actually, no, Adam was really taken with the little man, who by the way is adorable. Although he was teething, (William not Adam) he was so good and took the party and all these strange people in his stride. We had a lovely time, the food was beautifully cooked by Fraser, we chatted to people we had never met before and enjoyed the moment, which was actually quite surreal . Here we were, the other side of the world, with good friends of Adam & Nikki, that we knew so well and hadn't seen for several years, and it was as if it was something we did regularly. Thank you Fraser & Lisa for inviting us to join in William's special day. We are sorry we can't see you more often and watch William as he grows up.
 
The odd thing about visiting Australia in May is this is their Autumn and it gets dark early, also the temperature drops.   We helped clear up, said goodbye and left to go back to Manly and get ready for another BBQ.
 
As it had turned quite cold it was decided that Richard would go outside to do the cooking and the rest of us would stay indoors. Barry had his eye on the fire and asked if it 'was real'? When the answer came back yes, would you like to light it? Barry needed no encouragement. It is at this stage I have to tell you about Barry and 'his wood' at home. He counts every log that yours truly puts on the burner and, if he is going to be out, he counts the logs he leaves me!! When however he is at someone else's house he is like a thing possessed . He lit the fire and 'was in charge'.   It was wonderful, as was the food. Prawns the likes of which we have never seen, wrapped in flatbread. dipped in oil then dukkah (a mix of sesame seeds, chopped nuts, salt and several spices). Amazing. During the starter, Nikki & Adam showed Rich and Kath how to use their newly acquired highchair.....at the end of the table for holding wine bottles of course! Starter was followed by fillet steak and salad, and we finished off with fresh fruit. Very delicious and healthy.   The perfect end to a brilliant day.
 
Sunday 18th May
Sadly we had to leave as Adam & Nikki had to start their packing for the next leg of their incredible journey around the world. After a walk to the local deli for coffee, which we drank sitting by the Ocean, we left. Adam & Nikki would join us at the Menzies on Monday afternoon for their last night as they had an early appointment with Sydney Airport on Tuesday morning. We said our goodbye's, wondering how on earth they were going to get all their 'stuff' into their rucksacks and caught the ferry back to Circular Quay . At the weekends there is a market at The Rocks so, after we had lunch at the Bistro again, we just had to go. It is worth a visit and we bought a few gifts. By the time we had finished we picked up a taxi and got back to the hotel. In case you are wondering, we were still suffering from jetlag!!
 
Monday 19th May
I decided I needed a massage, so I went to one near the hotel. It was lovely, if a little fierce, but it set me up for the rest of the day. Adam & Nikki were due to arrive later so we decided to visit Hyde Park, somewhere we were determined to go to before we left. It is a quiet sanctuary in a busy city and a lovely place to sit and have lunch in the sunshine. Having done a bit of window shopping we bought ourselves another Oz Sandwich and marvelled at what we got for our money.
 
We returned to the Hotel to await Adam & Nikki's arrival and were astonished at just how much they have to carry on their backs. Once booked into their room, we all needed a wash & brush up before returning to Nico's at Darling Harbour for our last meal together . Richard & Kath were joining us as well. We had a lovely meal, a few glasses of the amber nectar, conversation flowed and photographs were taken as a memory of the fantastic week we had spent with them. We left Richard & Kath, wishing them well and good luck for September, when the baby is due, and caught a taxi back to the Menzies. Another charmer!!
 
We decided we would all have a drink in the bar and we reflected on the time we had spent and the engagement and the rest of the trip. It finally hit me that this was it until Christmas. We left the bar and they came back to our room to say goodbye in private. It is so difficult to say goodbye to people you love so much and like all the Hogarth women, I hugged and blubbed, but, what they are doing is priceless, they are having the time of their lives and with the immediacy of text messages, e-mails and Skype, we stay in touch. Thank you both for making our week with you so special. We will see you on Christmas Eve, one way or the other!!!!!!  
 
We were then on our own and would make the most of the time we had left.

'A BIG thank you to Mrs P and to all the readers who have made it this far (Adam's joke!), normal service resumes as of tomorrow where I am sure most readers will now stop reading...!!'