Quick stop in Coogee

We left our boy (Sammy) at the gate on Saturday morning, knowing that Abi and the rest of the family, (just back from Bali) would be there to look after him that afternoon. He looked like he was sad to see us (and our carrots) go. We had all enjoyed our time as Sammy's caregivers, and now it was over - until next time! 

We were heading up to Coogee that same day - just a two night stay, to take Haruko back to some old haunts before her flight back to Jakarta this morning.

Saturday afternoons in Coogee in summer time are intense: crowded, lively, people everywhere. Haruko couldn't get over how crowded it was compared to her last visit 23 years ago - in July!

We reminded her how that same July she planted one of these coastal bushes in a community tree planting effort organised by the Council, at the time....... and look how they've grown!

Rob took this pic of us at Coogee 23 years ago (in July).

We tried to emulate the same pic this visit! We haven't changed much have we? (But my teeth were so much whiter 23 years ago!)

I've not seen the salsa dance club operating at Coogee before - great fun!

We introduced Haruko to her first Sydney Pub meal that night. She was amazed by how different (and better) it was from her previous British Pub experience.

We only had one full day in Sydney with Haruko, on Sunday. She chose our destinations: the big icons at Circular Quay ..........

...... wandering the Rocks area (with a laid back lunch stop) and some souvenir shopping........

... and visits to Sydney city's historic shopping precincts .......

.... followed by an delicious afternoon tea stop at the QVB Tea Rooms. It was our first chance to try a Dubai Chocolate tart, which was an absolute taste sensation.

We said goodbye to Haruko this morning - she's heading back to a work day tomorrow in Jakarta while we have more travel preparations to get underway back in Canberra. We loved the time we spent with our dear friend Haruko over the past 10 or so days: quiet days in Canberra punctuated by daily visits to Sammy, lots of beautiful meals and conversations together and sharing the delights of Sydney. We are already planning our next catch up - maybe in Jakarta next time??