October 31 Sydney, Australia - Halloween

October 31 Sydney, Australia

Happy Halloween!!

Today we were up early and said farewell to Sharon who was leaving our trip and heading home. Sharon and I have been travelling together since September 21 and have had a marvellous time, so many memories, such amazing friendship bonds! Terry and I saw her to the Limousine to to take her to the airport, said our goodbyes and wished her well. She was looking forward to getting home to her kids and grand kids. We will miss her!

Terry and I, back in our room got ready for the day, grabbed a quick bite of breakfast and then met Bill Crispin in the lobby of the hotel to spend much of the day together. Bill and his wife Judith live in Queanbeyan, Australia. They were part of an Australian group of teachers who visited Alberta in 1999, and we were their hosts while they were in Alberta, Canada. They stayed in our home and we so enjoyed getting to know them over several days. When they left to return to Australia we were hopeful that we would meet again...that reunion happened today!

When we were planning to come to Australia, we connected and made plans for this day. Bill caught the train to Sydney and met us at our hotel. We had a lovely day together! We travelled by ferry to Manly Beach, where we walked the beach and reminisced about those days 20 years ago, and brought ourselves up to date on family, etc.

We walked along the boardwalk for a while, then stopped for a refreshment at Hemingway’s restaurant. There was much history in this building and we chatted for an hour or so. Then we moved on, enjoying the area, the weather, the conversation.

After a time, we took the ferry back to Sydney where we walked through the downtown streets and then stopped for a bite to eat. In no time at all it was time for Bill to go, and we walked home to the train station where he took his 4 hour trip back to Queanbeyan.

It was so nice to reconnect, visit and share stories about our current lives. Such a great fellow!

After Bill left we refreshed in our hotel room and went out for a walk, to the Wharf area at Darling Harbour, on Halloween night! It was a happening place with hundreds enjoying meals in restaurants by the water and many cruise ships heading out for Halloween parties in the Bay. Oh My! Wasn’t that interesting. Here’s what happens in Sydney on Halloween night. Lots of party, lots of young people, lots of beverages, and lots of fun!

It was enough for us, and after 16,000 steps in the day we decided to retire, and headed back to the hotel about 9:00 PM (I know, we are getting old), and crashed in our hotel room. Life is good, we are celebrating that we can make it until after 9 PM and still feel good, and still find our way back to the hotel.

And that’s a wrap on the day, more to come. Life is good, Carol on the go!!