Sydney!!!!

Wow.  I still can't believe that we had a week in Sydney.  The time went so fast.  Many months ago I saw Cher being interviewed by Graham Norton and she was talking about her upcoming tour to Australia.  I immediately went to the website and booked tickets.  Of course you can't go all the way to Sydney and just have one night there!  There is just so much to see and do.  As it turned out our trip coincided with the Royals (Harry & Meghan) visit down under for the Invictus Games.  Sydney was abuzz with tourists and paparazzi!
We booked into the Pullman Grand Quay (a recommendation from friends) and it was the perfect location.  It was right on Circular Quay with just a short stroll to the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Botanical Gardens and of course we had a birds eye view of all the cruise ships that docked right opposite our hotel.

Sydney Airport was a breeze to negotiate and we decided to catch the train into Circular Quay. Our hotel was a very short walk from the railway station.  We unpacked quickly and made our way downstairs for cocktail hour at the first bar we came across on the Quay.  We ended up ordering bar snacks to go with our drinks and declared this to be dinner!  It was thoroughly enjoyable sitting and watching the crowd pass us by.  If only the seagulls would have done the same thing.  They really are a pest for anyone sitting outside.  Fries are never to be ordered as the gulls literally fly in and snatch them from your plate!  We didn't eat anywhere outside on the Quay again after our first night.
Our first day in Sydney we decided to walk along the harbour as far as we could go.  We passed the ferry terminal, cruise ship terminal, under the harbour bridge and past all the restored warehouses.  Wow. What a great job they have done there!  Onwards to Barangaroo Reserve and finally ending our walk at The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel for lunch.  We were going to catch an Uber back to our hotel but realised that we were not that far away and it was all downhill.  Dinner tonight at a Chinese Restaurant on the Quay -  inside!

The next day we decided to go to Darling Harbour.  Last time we were there - 1996 I believe - we really enjoyed it here.  Our walk to Darling Harbour took us through the city centre - thank you google maps. Sydney Tower Eye was our next stop.  We made our way to the top but it was quite an overcast day so we probably didn't see Sydney at it's best.  The staff kindly gave us free tickets to return but unfortunately we ran out of time to do this.
It was only a short walk to Darling Harbour and after walking the circumference we stopped at Blackbird Cafe for a delicious brunch.  From here we caught the ferry back to our hotel and had a deserved nanny nap and decided to order room service for dinner.  It was a big day.
The next day was Chers concert and also the day that Harry and Meghan were going to be doing a walk at the Opera House.  Of course we had to go!  Unfortunately for us it was 11am when we decided to make our way to the Opera House (the Royals were going to be there about 12.30) and the crowds had started to arrive at 7am!  The crowds against the barriers were six to eight deep and we knew it was a waste of time.  We headed to the Opera Cafe for a quick lunch before heading back to our room to ready ourselves for the concert.
It was an hour and a half ferry ride to Sydney Olympic Park and then an Uber ride to Quodos Bank Arena so we gave ourselves plenty of time.  We also, on advice, decided to eat at the restaurant attached to the venue and it was also advised to get there early.  We were at Quodos Bank Arena before the doors opened and, indeed, we were first in line!
There are not enough words to describe Chers concert.  It was simply fantastic.  Cher is 72 years old and when she sang "Turn Back Time" she wore the same outfit that she wore in the original film clip sitting on that cannon on the war ship!

Three concerts in Sydney and all were sold out!

We caught the train back to Circular Quay.  Fortunately for us (and hundreds of others) Sydney Rail ran an extra train to get everyone back to the city.  As it turned out the last train from this station had already departed before everyone could board it! We climbed into bed well after midnight but could hardly sleep as we were still buzzing from the concert.
The following day we decided to do a tour of the Opera House and then walk around the Botanic Gardens to have lunch at the Poolside Cafe at Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool.  Another great meal!

The main theatre inside the Opera House.  What a magnificent building!

Another view.  This one from the Botanic Galrdens

We were home early enough to make reservations at Rock Pool Bar and Grill for dinner.  Chef Neil Perry has certainly earned the reputation as one of Australia's top chefs.  The meal could not be faulted and the service was impeccable.  10/10
Our time in Sydney was drawing to an end but not before we boarded the Hop-On Hop-off Bus.  We travelled out to Bondi Beach, disembarked and had a light lunch at one of the many eateries along the foreshore.  We actually think Bondi Beach is overrated but that is just our personal opinion.  I guess we are spoilt with our beaches in the north that stretch for many kilometres with barely another person in sight.
Anyway that's a wrap.  I know it was a long post but there was so much to tell!  Next stop Elim Beach.  Stay tuned. xx