DINNER AT ZACS!
It took an hour and a half to get back to our Bungalow. Ferry travel is all about waiting. Waiting for the connecting ferry! But it's a nice way to travel.
We quickly changed and headed out to Zacs, in our new hire car. A Ford XR6! The tolls in Sydney are something that is hard to get used to. They range from $3 - $5 on the Bridges.
Running a car is not cheap that's for sure. Along with fuel, tolls and the cost of the car, I'm wondering if public transport would be more cost effective. Food, wine and tourist activities all seem higher than i remember Perth to be. The cost of living in Sydney is definitely higher.
We, along with our Australian wine (Award winning Taylors Promised Land Shiraz cabernet)and Lindt chocolates, finally made it to Zac's townhouse.
And we were reunited with him and his Austrian wife Verena. And their very gorgeous Olivia. It was a case of 'And then there were three'! What beautiful little family. The last time we saw Zac and Verena they were on a year long sojourn away from home. It extended into being away for 18 months.
In that time they house sat in Perth, and were married in Tennant Creek. We met Zac at Toastmasters and Greg and he were doing their 'manual speeches' at about the same time. Both had different stories to tell, but both stories bound them together, and the four of us as firm friends.
We admired the fact that they had left their secure jobs in Sydney to pursue their dreams. We too, wanted to take 'a year out' and travel. To travel, house sitting and taking time out from the normalities of life. We were inspired by them and as we planned our trip away this year we often thought of Zac and Verena.
Zac has been following the blog, and has an insight and depth of understanding about our relationship and our travel pursuit so it was with his acute insight, also associated with his profession, that we discussed our and their experiences tonight.
Dinner was beautiful as well. Cheeses and veal prosciutto served with a white Goundry and red Taylors wine graced the table.
Oliva's beautiful big eyes and toothless smile searched our faces as we all chatted. Classical music played in the background. It was so nice to spend an evening with such warm and cultured, hospitable people who possess such a keen wit.
And especially nice to be with them, in their home. It's a very intimate way to share with friends. Something we can't wait to do when we finally get settled in our home again. The top purchase on our list is a new bbq. The last one hit the verge rubbish pick up before we left on this journey of ours!
Life with a baby is never without sleepless nights. So when the mains of rice and beef with vegetables arrived i was wondering how they did it! Dinner preparation and babies don't generally mix!
We felt very special, sharing this meal with them, knowing how difficult it is to serve a simple meal, without going to all the effort of a 3 course banquet! Dessert was supreme. I only wish i had room for all of my serve. I could only manage half (But Greg benefited!). Baked white peaches, topped with raspberry sauce and ice cream. Ohlala.
We left Zac and Verena waiting for the next baby awakening and we headed home. After a Goodbye Sydney Friends Day we slept like logs. (Didn't sleep like babies this time - Zac and Verena reminded us how they sleep!) It was the first time we'd slept so soundly since we've left our blow up mattress!
And.......after much discussion, we've decided not to to to Canberra, not to go to the Blue Mountains, not to go 'Do the tourist thing' and just BE. STAY "HOME" tomorrow!
