Goodbye Sydney, Hello Brisbane!

Last night we checked out a new wine bar then went for a fantastic dinner at a Japanese restaurant, which was buzzing. I nearly caused a scene by coughing and spluttering noisily on a very hot (teeny tiny) bit of wasabi paste. It hit the back of my throat instead of just my nose.

There are so many restaurants of every cuisine in Balmain - you would never tire of going out and trying them all, and that's not counting the many pubs. Back home in time for the second half of the State of Origin (rugby league) match. Great game, much faster than Union, with fewer silly wee rules to slow it down.

Up early this morning and out for breakfast at the Old City Cafe. This is the one that we had to sit outside because Rufus the dog whined the other day. We wanted to sit inside, because it was amazing. Everything in the cafe was for sale, including seats and chairs. It was stuffed full of bric-a-brac - old cameras, clocks, gramophones - you name it. On the back wall was a screen showing black and white movies. Also groovy soundtrack with a great sound system. I DO like muzak! There was so much to look at. My kind of cafe.

But the best thing about it was the friendly owner, Anthony, and the coffee. Best flat white so far. It was HOT. Often it's tepid. Great breakfast, too. I had a salmon and avocado toasted wrap.

We had a wander down town and did some shopping. Sales were amazing! Everyone in the shops and cafes was super friendly and helpful- not something I can truthfully say about the shopping experience in the UK!

We were sorry to leave Sydney, it's a special place. But we're excited about the next part of our holiday - meeting up with friends who used to live in Edinburgh, but moved back to Brisbane.

This is young J in the bath! He was just a wee lad when we last saw him, but he's a big schoolboy now. I'll post the blip now, before the celebration champagne is opened and my fingers don't work any more...