Church and beach

Yesterday I rested up because I've damaged some tendons in my feet walking so much on pavement with a heavy rucksack and large lenses. Last night I hobbled into Sydney to meet Becky and the girls coming back from Cairns. The bus and the city were full of revellers as it was a Saturday night.  It was great to see everyone again and they talked animatedly on the bus back to Dee Why about their stay in Cairns. The fast Bline buses seem to run very frequently even late at night. We were all shattered as it was pretty late when we got back. Today I managed to get to the church I visited last time I was in Sydney. The house was quiet when I left except for the younger children who were playing games on screens. The church have led the protests in Australia against the inhumane treatment of refugees. Their liturgies about the aboriginal heritage, their choice of hymns, some which are completely strange to me and the thought provoking sermon and service are spiritual food for me. I met people I met 3 years ago and we had conversations about the treatment of asylum seekers. Some of the English people were also interested in what was happening about Brexit. It would appear that UK politics are even more unstable than Australian politics! They were having a meal to celebrate older people and I enjoyed some coffee and delicious quiche. I felt very at home.

http://www.pittstreetuniting.org.au

The views even from the fast bus are amazing. 

When I got back most people were up as it was lunchtime. They were mostly playing games. 

We eventually mustered everyone to go down to the nearest beach for some fresh air and an ice cream 

Birmingham to Sydney via Abu Dhabi

We have safely arrived. Worst bit of the journey was getting the 16.10 train at Birmingham new street after collecting Abi from her last day at primary school. Lots of emotion! We just caught it with mark's help. My sister was also there to send us off.

The Trip to Abu Dhabi was the smoothest  flight I’ve ever been on. We were in the biggest plane ever, an A380 airbus with an upstairs! 500 people! 

Food was pretty dreadful though and it was very cold! Abi made a friend who was going on to Melbourne.   Airport was bling and fast food with Emirates  adverts. 

Had to go thru' passport control again. Same plane to Sydney. Bit of turbulence over Indian Ocean but everyone else was asleep except me. Jodie and I were freezing and the food was dreadful again. They kept giving us white rolls with cucumber and red pepper paste! 

Sam met us at the airport and everyone cried! it is very cold here! We drove from the airport to Sydney and onto Northern beeches. We chilled and talked and had food and a sleep. Then we went for a walk along the beach at Dee Why, which was weird as it was dark! 

Bad photo but you get the gist!  I crashed out a few hours later after pasta and  Ive just woken up! It’s about 5.30 am here. Everyone else asleep. 

You can see the pole star and Venus very clearly and the plough. And it’s 6 degrees! We have circumnavigated jet lag after sleeping some of the journey on the second plane from Abu Dhabi and getting into sync with the NSW time zone. After a good sleep last night, we are active, running, playing games, and exploring the area. Today I encountered a Bush Turkey on my walk to the supermarket. 

The younger kids have made a fruit salad!