One day you get to a certain stage in your life when your children seem to want to protect you from the outside world. Its a strange moment when you realise this. Years of being a parent and the role is suddenly reversed. You either bend in the wind with this turn of events, or resist.
We decided to bend and enjoy the ride on this new roller coaster. First job for Ben, it seemed, was to escort us to the ferry and make sure we got on the right one. We sat in the foyer of 50 Pitt Street, his office building in the SBD and waited for him to appear. He later confirmed this was a surreal experience for him to exit the lift and see his mum and dad sat on a settee looking and feeling quite proud of their son.
Enough of this sentimental rubbish and lets get down to the ferry terminal and look at the Manly Ferry, the biggest and best set of ferries in the whole of Sydney !!!!!
The ride takes around 30 minutes and offers, in my opinion, the best views of the outer Sydney harbour. Its also perfect for people watching. Busy young men and women going about their business, tourists and a few people who should be on the stage. Being guilty of always looking for the best seat, or vantage point, on board any moving object, on this particular occasion I decided to observe, after Pauline, quite rightly, decided keep me on a tight lease. Anyhow the view needed to be captured.
The Sydney business district does look magnificent as you depart from Circular Quay. As you pull away the vista just opens up and encompasses the Sydney Opera House and Bridge.
Two views that really say it all,
The town of Manly has a unique feel to it. Straight off the ferry it seems to hit you. Many years ago I read an article from a Manly resident, who returning on the ferry for the first time, since his 2nd World War service ended, sank to his knees and wept openly. He recalled being hit by a wall of difficult emotions, but the main emotion was of relief to be back in his home town alive and well. Manly has that small town feel, its got something you can't really articulate. Walk along the Corso towards the North Shore Beach, plenty of shops and cafes on your route, either side, all different and adding to the excitement of walking towards this most iconic of surfing beaches.
beach side at the end of the Corso.
Typical views of the North Shore Beach.
After a delightful afternoon on the beach we had a light bite and sat and ate a sandwich just opposite the small war memorial just up from the ferry terminal. People watching here was terrific, even the local alcoholics were tidy. They disposed of their empty tinnies in the rubbish bins and only muttered to themselves in low tones...very civilised.
Another great day in and around Sydney....tomorrow we depart for the Blue Mountains...day four would be a eventful day.
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