A day in the sun

Monday was a lovely day off - I really felt like I needed it. I have photographic evidence, but my camera phone doesn't want to talk to my computer, so no can post. Instead, here's a blow by blow account of my day.

My day started with what could be descibed as 'tennis', although I fear to call it such it may be an insult to the sport. Nevertheless Alison and I had a good time as I attempted to run around every backhand :) and we managed the ocassional rally.

Then it was off to Manly with Jess. I had some simple goals for the day: a ferry ride, hot chips, chocolate and a walk on the beach, although not necessarily in that order. We wandered down to Circular Quay and hopped on the Manly Ferry, smiles as wide as kids as the sun beat down and we chugged over to Manly. Of course we were standing at the front of the ferry trying to get the best view, looking like complete tourists as we took photos of each other infront of the bridge.

From the ferry we headed straight to the beach for a paddle. The water was surprisingly warm for April, so with jeans rolled up to our knees we enjoyed the water. We then went for a walk along the beach - all the way to the North end and back again, ready for lunch.

Now, wouldn't you think that finding fish and chips in Manly would be the easiest thing in the world? Well, it wasn't. We decided to bypass the really trendy looking place in search of a more regular fish and chip shop. Heading north along the beachfront road, we were certain we'd find something ... although at one point Oporto's was looking like the best option! Finally we headed back south, past the plaza and found the Manly Fish Shop and ordered - fish and chips for Jess, just chips for me; no drinks, because they didn't have Fanta. So it was off to coles in seach of the orange fizzy drink. After checking out every reridgerator within the store and not finding any, Jess settled for orange juice - paid for it and walked out past the registers to discover bottles of Fanta! So after waiting at the customer service counter for what seemed like an eternity, a refund on the juice was obtained and the Fanta was purchased :)

Back to pick up lunch, then find a seat near the beach. We settled on the ledge at the south end of the beach with a lovely view of the rolling waves and squarks of the seagulls. The next bit of excitement for the day was watching a lifeguard in full sprint down the beach, picking up some kind of rescue type equipment and then run back the other way with 4 other lifeguards. We never did see where they ended up! The rest of lunch was uneventful as we ate and chatted and had a lovely time.

Last stop Max Brenner chocolate shop. I couldn't go past the dark chocolate suckao (a pile of dark chocolate buds and a jug of warm milk to be mixed at leisure over a tea light candle warmed cup then sucked through the stainless steel straw) while Jess had the chocolate souffle with icecream. I think we rolled out of the shop.

Then back on to the ferry for the trip home ... a lovely way to spend a public holiday monday, with all goals achieved!