Sydney + Gareth !!

This is an amazing storey. Yesterday I went into Sydney from Picton by train. Because the train was splitting (only so many carriages on the train were going into central Sydney) I had to move carriages, the carriage was quite full and I sat down next to a young bloke. After a while he turned to me and asked if the train was stopping at Central (what a person to ask), I said I hoped so as I was heading in that direction. His accent was local, as very local, he then asked me where I came from, I told him Sunderland, he then said he was also from Sunderland. Within minutes we both realised we actually knew each other, I had interviewed him for a Job in my department a few years previously (the move was blocked by his boss). His name is Gareth (sorry Gareth can't remember surname) and he had worked at our garages at Stoneygate and on Wessington way. Gareth has been out here for about a year and loves it here. He offered to show me around Sydney, which was great for me as I got to see much more than if I started off on my own. The chances of such a meeting must be millions to one, life is so surprising.

So to Sydney, first impressions are is its just what you expect, the Sydney opera house is incredible and much bigger than it looks on TV. The Sydney harbour bridge is huge. It has some scaffolding on it at the moment, but it still looks good. You can actually walk up and over the spans of the bridge. We could just make out a couple of groups walking on each span as we were watching. The shore line is very busy with all kinds of ferries, charter boats and the like coming and going all of the time. The weather was very good when we were there so there are some nice pictures. The city its self is a bit infectious as you don't want to leave. I only scratched the surface on my wanders. Anyone who likes shopping would love it. One of the large shopping areas is named after Queen Victoria, its very old fashioned inside and has several levels with a central atrium. If you have been to Jenners in Edinburgh its a lot like that but bigger. The Pope is visiting the city in about a months time, so the Cathedral St Mary's is getting all spruced up for the visit. Gareth had to leave about 1 pm but before we split we got someone to take a picture of us to-gether to prove we actually met. I hope he gets what he needs to continue his life in OZ.

By about 3.30 I was worn out and set off back to Picton. As usual I have attached a whole load of pictures, I hope you like them. Finally, I have attached a photo taken at Sydney Skydivers the other day, I had trouble posting it the first time round. Off to New Zealand to-morrow, so not sure when next posting will be .john 25/6