Hop on a ferry

Our visit today is an amazing blend of 19^th century industry and art installations. We are at the 18th Biennale of Sydney at Cockatoo Island. Waiting in the line for the ferry there are many adults with lattes in their hands exulting the virtues of art to toddlers. An ambitious endeavour.

The island is in the middle of Sydney Harbour and has been used as convict site, dockyards and boys prison. The most dominant features are the dockyards that have built and serviced boats since 1850. We wandered around and discovered massive industrial cranes, huge factories and secret tunnels. All the industrial buildings makes this place a worthwhile day trip.

However amongst all this are broken tea cups spilling out of a shipping container, wind chimes in a cement bunker, steam spurting out from a rock wall and lots more. All installation art making great use of the island.

Exit through the gift shop

Bye for now!

Jeff and Mary arrive to take us to the airport. How is that for special treatment. We pass the cricket ground and lots of other buildings that all look so familiar now compared with the day arrived. It was only 3 weeks ago and seems to have gone very quickly.

With a few tears and a bit of trepidation I leave my London family and make for the terminal. I check in and continue the theme of the trip and wander through the shops to settle down in the BA lounge.

It’s been an amazing trip but now looking forward to seeing Stephen and Rosco.

Boarding soon, bye for now.

Champagne tea at Ladywell Lodge

Where I write my blog posts

Pesky squirrel

Lewisham history sign

Ladywell greenery

Final champagne tea

My stay in London is with Jane, a long time friend from the NZI days. After a 20 year stint in Australia she now lives in London. We are based in Lewisham which is kind of funny as my Mum grew up in Lewisham in Sydney and my boss, James lives there now.

Lewisham is about 6 miles from the centre of London. The history of Lewisham goes back a long way as the oldest road also ran through Lewisham. More importantly right near here Captain Cook’s boat the Endeavour was fitted out for the big journey to the southern ocean.

Jane’s house is just lovely and close to Ladywell station. My room has a massive window with beautiful views of the trees. Squirrels run around in the backyard, Jane dislikes them, I think they are novel the way they scamper around.

There is a great big park out the back with kids playing in the creek, dogs roaming and lots of football (soccer) playing.

Our day today was spent with a lie in, followed by a packing session. OMG I had no idea I had brought so much stuff and nearly had a meltdown trying to fit it all in. Luckily Jane is much more experienced at packing than me and sorted it all out.

Then finally we celebrate with a champagne tea, what a way to finish the most amazing holiday.

A big thank you to Jane for making my stay in London so wonderful!