Life This Week 19/3/2018: Out My Window I See….


Out my window I see The Sydney Harbour Bridge as a graceful arching backdrop behind the happily bustling ‘stages’ of Circular Quay, The Rocks and The MCA. I know the area is considered touristy by many self respecting Sydneysiders but I personally cannot stay away.  There’s something about riding the City Circle and stopping at Circular Quay that makes all my senses anticipate adventure.

My fascination with the area really took off when Master SSG went free range and ditched his stroller.  His fascination with trains and his encyclopedic knowledge of the metropolitan NSW train network has seen us spend many a weekend and public holiday traveling around Sydney by rail.  The City Circle is his favourite part of the network. As our lives become increasingly hectic with school, activities and work – these train-centric expeditions around and in our city have become even more special to us both. Not only for the sights, sounds and experiences they afford us but also that precious time when we can just spend time together just being rather than frantically doing.

Everything seems larger than life and I’ve taken to walking Circular Quay with my head permanently tilted upward to see who’s guest starring across the iconic skyline of the harbour this week. 

An afternoon at Circular Quay is a case of pretty much choosing your own adventure.  You can walk up to the Opera House forecourt and explore it and its views if you wish.

Or else you could travel onward via ferry to the zoo, the beach or elsewhere.

If you choose to turn left as you leave Circular Quay train station, you can wonder around the MCA or just grab a bench and sit for awhile, feeling the sun on your arms and legs and watching the world go by.

Last weekend, we took a right turn to Wharf 2 where we boarded the Manly Fast Ferry.

It’s a 25 minute express service without any stops along the way. 

Being Sunday and sunny at that, everyone on board was in good spirits.  We zipped out of the quay and past Rushcutter’s Bay and then a few other bays of the east before heading for Manly Beach.

Where we were greeted with by my old friend Max Brenner at the Manly Wharf food court.

We were spoiled for choice with regards to afternoon tea.  Master SSG was having a look at the fresh fruit juices as he waited for his strawberry smoothie to be made.

There was no time to waste popping into Aldi (I can’t believe I said that).

Because the beach beckoned.

It was just magical. 

It wasn’t as crowded as Bondi often gets and the beach just had a lovely energy about it.

Family groups, tourists, locals and couples.  There was enough room for everyone.

If the beach wasn’t your thing, the bar overlooking it looked to be a good Plan B.

I’m a sucker for spotting those giant inflatable pool floaties / lounges.  The pink flamingos also happen to be my favourite.

We dug a ‘huge hole’.  The Ikea bowl in its bottom is for size reference…

We felt the sand between our toes and the water lap at our ankles.

And we just sat and gazed for a bit as well.

It came time to head for home all too soon.

But at least we were commuting on the water as opposed to battling the Sunday afternoon traffic.

What’s the view like out your window today?


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *