Bryan does Backpacking: Old Friends in Sydney

We were lucky to arrive in Sydney the same day that the Pope left, following World Youth Day. Our hosts, Mel, Rob and Aston (10 months), who moved back to Sydney from Dubai six months ago, are some of our very best friends from Dubai.

The weather has been slightly soggy, although we were lucky enough on our first day to get some beautiful weather to take a trip to Manly for fish and chips on the beach and a cheeky beer at the Steyne pub where Jen had spent Christmas Eve on her last visit here six years ago! After rocking up at Circular Quay for the ferry to Manly we realised we were not alone!! There were still lots of 'pilgrims' from World Youth Day hovering about and heading to Manly!

This was even more evident when we came across groups of many nationalities, complete with crosses, guitars, nuns and monks performing their own versions of Kum Bai Ya up and down Manly main street much to the bemusement of the local surfing population! Whilst all of this was quite entertaining, the 2 separate groups that engaged us in conversation about religion telling Bryan that Jesus loved him despite his flaws were a little irritating!

As a Dubai leaving pressie from Glen and Cheri we were treated to restaurant vouchers for Wildfire - a swanky quayside Sydney restaurant with views of the Opera House. It will no doubt be the most decadent meal we indulge in all trip. Wagyu steak for Bryan and a plate of chilled seafood for me. Thanks Guys! We followed our meal up with a bit of a pub crawl around some old haunts in The Rocks area of Sydney.

The majority of our time in Sydney was spent in the company of Mel, Rob and Aston. This included lunch at Bondi Beach, a trip to the fish market to buy goodies for our very own Spectrum seafood brunch, lunch in Little Italy in the sunshine, and a spot of babysitting or two to give Mel and Rob a chance to go the pub in peace followed up the next day with some early morning jogging!

As punishment for something in a former life Bryan donned the rubber gloves again to dye Jen's roots and make sure she looked as beautiful as ever!!! I will not be changing careers however!!