Over to Manly today on the ferry which I never tire of. Sydney Harbour has to be one of the most glorious places in the world and I love it. And yes, I took another pic of the Opera House as I went by. Of course I did.
Has lunch at a great restaurant called The Boat House a little way from the centre of Manly and the fish was delicious and in a batter that was light and fresh, so unlike the soggy stuff we get back in the UK, and after two hours of chat and gossip decided to stroll along the walkway back to Manly.
And that is when the trouble started. The same as earlier in the week, excruciating pain at the back of my knee which renders walking incredibly difficult and had me sweating. Had to sit down every ten yards or so, lots of great benches thank gawd. My friend's lovey husband came in response to a call and picked us up and we then sat down and all had coffee and cake and I knocked back a couple of painkillers and the pain slowly subsided.
With grateful thanks we then said goodbye (they are both in the UK in the autumn and will be meeting up with them in Aldburgh which is great) and visited a shop which stocks aboriginal designed art and goods. I always pop in there and bought a pair of earrings which I rather fancied.
Set off for the ferry, the wharf just a few yards away when the pain started again and also heavy rain started to fall. Petrified I was going to fall over I made the ferry and thankful to sit down for the half hour it takes to get back to Circular Quay. The bus stands are close by and, luckily, I got on one pretty quickly which takes me half way to my destination. Rain was torrential by this time and the bus was packed but as soon as I staggered on, no doubt looking like the Wrath of God, a rather gorgeous young man leapt to his feet to give me his seat and when I thanked him profusely came back with 'No worries'. Got off at my stop and once again only had to wait five mins when the bus for Bronte Beach hied into view and got on that. Again, packed and, again, I was offered a seat this time by a smiley young lady. I was extremely grateful though it is rather lowering to feel that one looks so old and haggard that this was necessary....
By the time I got indoors I just collapsed on the bed and had a boiled egg and soldiers for supper and an early night reading.
Despite all this it was a lovely day and so good to know I have friends that I can visit and meet with when in Sydney. Makes me feel at home.
I am now in Surry Hils with Kathryn until I go home and very glad to leave the flat behind where I was staying with its cracked and broken window panes and teeming insect life in the food cupboards, but more of that anon.
