Wizard Oz

After a few days in Sydney, we moved on to the Hunter Valley - the place we were staying was so remote it had no mobile signal and no wifi, so the perfect opportunity to reflect on a few things. Sadly, this is going to be rather a long post, so you might want to get a cup of tea.

First, a few impressions of Sydney...

Things I like:
The centre is quite small and walkable - it's easy to navigate. There's an open-top bus tour that's worth spending an hour on, just to orientate yourself; after that - grab a map and go for a wander.

An abundance of public loos which are spacious and well kept - and remarkably free of graffiti. Perfect if you're doing a lot of walking.

Jeans shorts. Very short jeans shorts. On women, in particular. Need I say more?

The weather, which has been mostly glorious and has resulted in a lot of pink skin. Especially on the top of my head; it's worth investing in a hat, even if you have a luxurious head of hair like mine!

Things I don't like:
The near impossibility of finding an off- license. Honestly, how hard can it be? And, when you find one, the cost of wine and spirits is eye-watering (roughly £40 for a bottle of gin). When we did, eventually, find one the service wasn't exactly welcoming.

The near impossibility of finding a bar open on a Sunday evening. Seriously, Sydney? Were we in the wrong part of the city or something? It was like the UK 25 years ago. My suggestion of going to the Kings Cross area was vetoed, possibly due to all the strip clubs.

Things I don't get:
Why the women all seem to dress up to the nines but all the men appear to live in vests, shorts and thongs - flip flops to you and I. And honestly boys, take a shower once in a while - the Sheilas will appreciate it, I'm sure.



On Monday, we did the biggest touristy thing it's possible to do in Sydney - the Harbour Bridge walk. Basically, if you picture the bridge, you walk up the semi-circular bit, reaching something like 130 metres above the surface of the bay at the apex. This may not sound like much of an accomplishment but if, like me, you have a fear of heights, this is A Very Big Thing Indeed.

I was (in the nicest possible way) bullied and blackmailed in to it and there were a couple of points on the way up when I seriously didn't think I'd be able to go on. However, knowing that I was holding up another eight people behind me was quite an incentive to keep moving, no matter how scared I was. And make no mistake, I was scared. I did it, though, and as we trudged towards the top I started to feel a lot better and more confident about the whole thing. The view from the top is stunning, I'm pleased I did it (as I was told I would be) and I'd recommend it.

During the bridge walk, I got chatting to a Korean girl called Minju and when the walk was finished, we went for lunch and then for drinks, while Mr & Mrs L and A went to Bondi beach. I have to say (and I know they'll probably read this, so I'm choosing my words carefully and with a smile) I took some ribbing for this when we all met up again in the evening but it was worth it.

For a brief while - four hours or so - I had the best "first date" I can remember for years. We talked non-stop, found loads in common, despite very different backgrounds, and spent the afternoon laughing and sightseeing. We both knew nothing was ever or could ever come of it but it was just fun to be in a strange city, making a new friend. We exchanged email addresses and parted with a kiss on the cheek. For an afternoon, I didn't feel unattractive or lonely or like I had to watch my behaviour or feel like a third wheel; I'd forgotten what it felt like to enjoy someone's company like that. I spent the afternoon with a beautiful woman and it did wonders for how I was feeling about myself, after the job rejection.

She did something really sweet at the meal; the waiter brought our drinks and set down my bottle of beer and a glass. Minju immediately picked up the bottle and poured the beer into the glass for me. I know that doesn't sound like much but I found it truly touching. Other people have done bigger and grander things, I know, but that small gesture got to me in a way I can't fully articulate.

Speaking of touching gestures, one of you did something quite lovely after my last blog - you wrote a blog of your own, for me. I felt quite chastened reading it and I've thought about it a great deal since. I have a sneaking suspicion that I burble on far too much in this blog about my love life, or lack thereof. There are only so many times one can say they are lonely before it becomes tedious for those listening and I suspect I passed that point long ago. I'm going to try not to talk about it anymore - I think it's becoming as boring for me to say it as it is for you to read it. There are many other aspects to my life with which I am perfectly happy; there is no need for me to dwell any longer on the one aspect with which I am dissatisfied.

(One final point of clarification, lest there be any doubt: I have to say in the strongest possible terms that Mr & Mrs L have never, ever done anything to make me feel like a third wheel or, indeed, make me feel anything other than hugely welcome and I love them for it. It's just that, when you tag along with another couple, no matter how thoughtful and accommodating they are, it's hard not to feel like a gooseberry sometimes.)