Today, our last day in Sydney, we just chilled out. Breakfast outside in a small cafe in Hyde Park, a wander through the Hyde Park Barracks Museum and St. Mary’s Cathedral, and a bit of shopping.  Now, we’re getting ready to head to the opera house for a tour, a sampling menu in the Opera Bar overlooking Sydney Harbour, and then the main event — La Boheme in the main hall at the iconic Sydney Opera House.

A couple of highlights from today:

First, I tried vegemite at breakfast. It’s OK. Consistency of Nutella. Color of, well, shit. Salty and really not a lot of taste, in my opinion. It won’t be a regular thing on my plate.

Hyde Park Barracks Museum is great. It’s where every convict sent from Great Britain had to land in order to be given a job and a living arrangement, and be tried and sentenced if they commit a crime while in Australia. It’s also where women who traveled here – to meet husbands or parents sent here, or just to seek a new life — had to stay for a while until a proper place could be found for them (cause, you know, they couldn’t be trusted to handle themselves, apparently). In later years, it became an asylum and then a home for old women and then a public office complex. It’s been lovingly restored and tells the stories of the tens of thousands of people who came to Sydney in the 1800s, either by choice or not. The stories of those who passed through here are told so well and, as you’re given a chance to lie in their beds and hammocks and try on their clothes (I mean, I get that they’re not their REAL clothes, but still…), you can feel their stories and spirits throughout the barracks. Like phantoms.

St. Mary’s Cathedral is beautiful. Serene. Gorgeous grounds.

Opera was amazing. I DID NOT fall asleep this time.  Here we are just before it started.

 

 

First, get your minds out of the gutter. I try to come up with catchy titles that describe our day and maybe have double meanings. I know you and what you’re thinking with today’s title. Totally what I was going for. 🙂

 

Today, we took a tour up to the Hunter Valley Wine Region. The first stop for our merry band of 14, including driver Sam, was the Walkabout Wildlife Park. This was how I found out about this tour, actually. I googled where I could pet a koala, and this park came up. Being about 1.5 hours out of Sydney, my next quest was how to get there. Which led me to this fantastic tour — petting koalas, wine and chocolate tasting, being driven around all day. I’m in!

As we were driving north through Sydney to start our tour, our driver asked us to fill out a form with a bit of information, and then awkwardly began talking about how the tour company had experienced some trouble recently with tourists discussing a certain subject, and how with wine and beer involved during the day, a few of the discussions had become heated and almost led to fistfights. He asked us to read this form (shown at right) he would pass around and follow the request.

The wildlife park was amazing. We were about 10 steps in when we spotted our first free-roaming kangaroos. Our guide told us we were free to pet them, but that we should always approach from the side or back.

We took lots of photos of ourselves petting the kangaroos, and even a photo of a mom nursing a Joey, although her warning look was enough to keep me about 10 feet away to take my photos! And we saw a Joey in the pouch. We also got to pet a cute little koala bear, which was so stinkin’ cute and looked just like a teddy bear, and was very patient as we all took turns petting her and taking pictures. I wanted to see the Tasmaninan Devils, as I’ve never seen one in real life. We wandered over to their enclosure and got lucky to see them in the daylight as they are nocturnal creatures.

Our next stops were all about sampling – in order – chocolate, wine, cheese, wine and beer. All fantastic and fun stops. The people here are very genuine and kind, and always want to make sure you’re having a good time.

Mom and I bought a bottle of wine, bread, cheese, salami, olives and chocolate along the way, and had a nice dinner in our hotel room while watching a movie. Great end to a great day!

Bonus – terrible cheese and beer jokes courtesy of our driver, Sam:

• Why didn’t the cheese want to be sliced? Because he had grater plans.
• I’ll tell you a beer joke when you yeast expect it.
• What did the magician say when he completed his trick? Chedd-ah!
• Be careful. The more you eat, the feta you get.

My mom used to wake up me and my sister by saying “rise and shine” in a sing-songy voice that was like fingernails on a chalkboard to my teenage ears. Fast forward 20 years, and I did the same – with glee – to my kids. This morning, I had the pleasure of saying it to my mom to wake her up. Ah, karma.

Anyhoo, speaking of “shine,” today mom and I did the Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach walk. About 5 miles of beautiful coastline. We had lots of shine – and more rain than we would have liked. There were moments on this path that we were struggling against a strong wind, and moments where the sun came out and made the rocky landscape around us absolutely gorgeous. And then there was the moment we were walking through a cemetery and it started raining HARD. The wind was blowing the rain sideways, so we sought shelter next to a mausoleum with a bunch of German tourists. We were all in it together and had a good laugh. They didn’t seem to speak much English but one proudly said “all done” when the rain slowed to a sprinkle.

 

There is a “thing” here where they build seawater swimming pools right next to the coastline at just above sea level. These swimming clubs are incredibly popular. We saw several along the walk, and most were filled with people doing laps and little children learning to swim. Given that the ocean along this stretch is fearsome – mom asked it, “why are you so angry?” – I can see why they choose to swim close to the ocean, but not in it.

We had dinner again with Susie and Krysten. Italian this time. Absolutely fantastic food and a fun conversation.

 

As gift to our tired feet, today we did the hop on/hop off bus that took us all around Sydney and out to Bondi Beach.  The weather was gorgeous so sitting on the top of the double decker bus was a treat!  We saw many beautiful sights along the way, and decided to get off here and there. Our most notable stop was the

famous Bondi Beach, where we saw insanely tall waves and, owing to the high winds, ate some sand and got a Bondi Beach-style microdermabrasion treatment! We grabbed a bite to eat and a glass of wine at The Bucket List, which cracked us up.  THAT’s checked off our list!

 

 

We topped off the day with a dinner with Susie Howey and her daughter, Krysten. Susie and I worked together for many years. Imagine  our surprise when we learned we’d be in Sydney at exactly the same time! Japanese food, and plenty of wine and laughs, topped off by a nitrogen cooled “dragon’s egg” for dessert – fun!

 

 

 

 

After 19 hours on two planes and a harrowing plane change in LA, Mom and I spent our first full day in Australia wandering Sydney. We walked nearly 8 miles, wandering the Royal Botanical Gardens and taking in the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Our feet hurt, we’re exhausted and we’re pretty sure we’ll be sore tomorrow, but we’re super excited to be here.

I’m trying out Instagram for the first time on this trip. Follow me at thebikerswife for instant Sydney photo gratification.

Ten or fifteen years ago, Biker and I got called out of the audience at the Dixie Stampede in Branson. Our goal? Represent the “south” in a “horse race.” Like the real South, we lost.

Saturday we drove from D.C. to Gettysburg to see the real thing. No horse races, but a lot of walking and climbing. The weather was amazing, and the colors of the trees were gorgeous as we were at the tail end of the fall.

I’m not a huge history buff, but Biker is. He’s watched the (IMO, boring) movie Gettysburg dozens of times.
But the real thing is very impressive. The scale of the battlefield, the stories of bravery and loss, and the impact on the locals — all of these stories are woven together to create a memorable visit.
We were shocked at how large and how well preserved the battlefields are. And at how many monuments are placed around the battlefields. The more than 1,300 monuments to battalion
s, infantries and people represent one of the world’s largest collections of outdoor sculptures. Who knew

A few favorites:

• Favorite participant: Sallie Jarrett. This Pit Bull Terrier was the mascot of the 11th Penns
  ylvania Infantry. She stuck close to the troops until she was killed in action just shy of her 4th birthday and just two months before the war was over. She now has a place of honor as a statue at the base of the infantry’s monument. When we were there, people had placed milk bones on her statue. Awwww.
• Favorite location: Little Round Top. This important Union position held a prominent place in Col. Chamberlain’s fabled performance and it’s simply a beautiful spot to look out over the battlefields. Very inspiring.
• Favorite fact:  Carrying a regiment’s colors into battle was considered an honor and a privilege. It was also a very dangerous job and would likely get a man maimed or killed. Thus, it required a great deal of courage. The flag bearer was extremely visible and capturing an opponent’s flag was considered a great feat, therefore being the guy carrying the flag was quite dangerous.

On our way back in town, we stopped to pay tribute to Abe. His leadership and resolve during this war brought us to where we are today … a nation led by a free black man. And, as a writer, much respect to Mr. Lincoln for what is widely considered to be one of the greatest examples of mastery of the English language … his Gettysburg Address at the Soldier’s Cemetery. Just 2 1/2 minutes long, the speech was written by Lincoln himself. The word choice is exquisite. Just in case you’ve forgotten … here it is for your enjoyment:

“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

 

“Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold.”

I was reminded of this old Campfire girls song this weekend when spending precious time with one of my very best friends. We were reminiscing and she mentioned we’ve been friends for 20 years. In that time period, she’s lived and traveled all over the world and I’ve stayed busy with raising two kids. And even though our lives are very different, we are bound by our common heritage, our energy backgrounds and work, and our appreciation for spending quality time with each other. Linsi is family.

This led to an interesting conversation between me and Biker about friends. We each still stay in loose touch with a few friends from high school and college, but much more time is spent with friends we’ve accumulated over the past 10 years. These are people we have lots in common with – work, hobbies like motorcycling, and interests like reading. While Biker spends every Sunday with his motorcycle friends, I have a small group of girlfriends that I see mostly individually, having a drink about once a month plus book club once every 6 weeks. This is enough for both of us.

In the end, my circle of close relationships is small and that’s the way I like it.

Although there are many types of friendships, there are common characteristics that bond people together — common backgtounds or interests, similar geographies or occupations, enjoyment of each other’s company, honesty, trust, and the ability to be yourself, express your feelings and make mistakes without fear of judgment.

There is a place for new and old friendships in life. The richness of these bonds make us who we are, provide us solace and laughter, and alter our view of the world.

Seeing my gold friend, Linsi, as always, was such a treat. And I know that next time we see each other, – whether it’ sin a month or six months – we’ll  pick up as if we were together yesterday.

 

The day started off beautiful, but COLD!  See attached pic for view of early temp -45 degrees. So, obviously we were suited up like the Michelin Man, making it warm but hard to move around. Tough to get the leg up over the bike when you can’t bend your leg very well! 🙂

We headed out on the classic 3s loop — 337, 335 and 336 — then turned north up 83 and up the River Road into Hunt (beautiful drive!) and up to Luckenbach to the Harvest Classic Bike Rally.

We ponied up the $20 each for a day pass – I had to remind Biker it was for a good cause (they’re raising money for families battling childhood cancer). We stood in a loooooooong line to get a beer and a pulled pork sandwich, then wandered the antique bike show looking at the bikes and searching for some buddies from the Houston BMW Club. Never did find the friends, but saw lots of cool bikes.

We headed out of Luckenbach and tried out a few new roads (thanks, Butler maps!) on our way back to Leakey – Grapetown Road, Grape Creek Road, Bear Creek Road and Cedarpoint Road. Lots of cattle guards, but other than that, all good roads and something a little different from the usual Hill Country fare. We also really enjoyed Highway 16 south of Fredericksburg into Medina and 337 back into Leakey (although new chip seal left it a bit gravelly for my full comfort). A less-than-inspired meal back in Leakey and then it was back to the rental for some of that great Bordeaux and Jaws on the incredibly tiny TV in our rental.

Quick side note – every time we saw a sign or talked about Medina or Luckenbach, those songs would pop into my head. I got so frustrated with trying to remember the words to Funky Cold Medina that I finally Googled them and discovered I wasn’t crazy — that song and Wild Thing, both by Tone Loc, are the same exact song with different lyrics. I kept mixing them up and kept thinking, “these are the same tune!” Sure ’nuff.

Headed back to Houston now. Our beautiful weekend is over, as it’s already feeling more humid as we pass south of San Antonio.  Now if I can just get Funky Cold Medina and Luckenbach, Texas out of my head. They were playing on a loop all weekend whenever we would see a sign for either of those towns.

 

 

Decided to take advantage of pretty much the best weather Texas has to offer — mid 70s, no humidity and not a cloud in the sky — and head over to the the Hill Country for a little moto riding.

Trailered over to Leakey, arrived about noon.
Checked into our lovely little cabin (thanks Frio Springs Lodges!) and marinated some steaks for dinner. Then headed out for a few hours of gorgeous riding on arguably the best of the famed Twisted Sisters — 337. Great ride, with a stop in Bandera for a quick snack.

Back at the cabin, Andy fired up the fire pit to cook the steaks and we cracked open a beautiful bottle of bordeaux. The view from the patio is fantastic, and we watched deer wander along the river, heard wood peckers and just generally enjoyed the great weather. I’m typing this sitting at the patio table, actually. Such a great night!

Last weekend found mom, Misty, Tammy and me in Charleston, SC, on our long-awaited girls’ trip.  Our last one – to Cabo – was seven years ago so this was long overdue. Fortunately, we picked a good weekend. The weather was beautiful … if we’d scheduled for one week later we’d have been impacted by Hurricane Matthew.

Day 1

We arrived Thursday around noon and easily found each other, got our rental car and made our way to our rental house. Let’s just say it was a little off-kilter. Like walk-in-the-front-door-and-stumble-forward-three-feet crooked. It became quite the joke over the course of the weekend. Misty commented, “it leans to the right, like the rest of the family.”  Add a spot or two of black mold and an orange spider to the crookedness, and we felt like we were in a Halloween house. It wasn’t fancy, but it worked.

The biggest challenge to this house turned out to be getting into the driveway. I missed it every. Single. Time.  The first day we learned the roundabout to ge
t back to the driveway on the narrow one-way streets. During this outing, Misty was navigating and asked me to turn right. As I moved into the right lane and turned on my signal, she shouted “abort, abort.”  We were all already cracking up so this became our trip rally cry. Abort, abort!

As would become the norm on this trip, we ate well this first day. Light lunch at Poogan’s Porch followed by a great dinner at Hall’s Chophouse. Both were fantastic!

 

 

Day 2

Day two dawned with a long walk and a great breakfast at Toast. It doesn’t get better than huge biscuits and a pitcher of mimosas.
After breakfast, we made our way out to Magnolia Plantation. We spent a great day there, but were a bit surprised when we first arrived to find that the main house was burned down during the Civil War. In fact, most plantations in this area were burned at the end of the Civil War, and the only one left standing today is about a mile away. Drayton Hall was spared that fate because it’s owner put up signs that it was a smallpox hospital, and Union soldiers wanted nothing to do with that so they moved on. Smart!

We mosied back to town, wandered the market, and stopped into Hyman’s to get off our feet and get a drink. If you’re ever in Charleston, you MUST go here. There’s a guy who walks around handing out simply the best hushpuppies I’ve ever tasted. Seriously.  They’re the crack of fried foods.

 

After a great dinner at Poogan’s Smokehouse, we headed back to our crooked abode and watched old family movies on mom’s iPad. Funny and poignant … dance recitals, birthday parties and Grandma and Don’s wedding.

Day 3

After a quick breakfast at Sweetwater Cafe (so-so), we went on a carriage ride through the city. It was really great and we highly recommend. Such beautiful homes and great history.

We spent the day wandering — market, shopping, a brewery and a dessert cafe. By this point, we were pretty much wearing muumuus because of all the eating we’d done!

After dark, Misty and I talked mom and Tammy into touring the Old Charleston County Jail. No electricity + scary stories = fun.  Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and clearly cares a lot about telling the stories of the jail’s inhabitants. He told us that of the 30 or so tour guides in the company, only three continue to be comfortable going in the jail to give tours. He told a story about one of the former guides who had a brick thrown in her face by an unseen force. He then said “Ginger doesn’t do this tour anymore; she just does the carriage rides.” She had been our tour guide on our carriage ride!  Though they claim many people have seen, felt and heard unexplained things there, we experienced none of that. Which was OK by me.

We ended our last night in Charleston back at Hyman’s for a true meal. Fantastic!! Seriously, you must go.  We sat at a table with Sandra Bullock, Earth Wind & Fire, James Brown, David Lee Roth, Sarah Jessica Parker and Phish. Well … plaques with their names on them. Apparently they had all, at one point, sat at the table we were sitting at. A fun touch.

Day 4

We all hugged and went our separate ways. Great trip in the books!