Christmas Break in Sydney

It was time again to take our Christmas break and, as usual, we flew to Sydney to spent time with our son Kenny, now living in Sydney. We decided to fly on the SQ 231 midnight flight, arriving at a more agreeable 11.00 am instead of the usual 6.00 am. A quick turn-around at the Hertz counter after immigration and off we went in a nice Toyota Camry to the Meriton Service Apartment on Kent Street where we were allowed to check in (some places allow check-ins only at 3.00 pm). This being our first time at the Meriton (our previous stays had always been at the Oaks Hyde Park Apartments), we just had to check out the facilities - on Level 15, was the 25m heated pool, whirl-pool, gym, suana and roof-top open area for our morning tai-chi session, all very nice!

Next stop was the 'yam-cha' lunch at the Regal, our fav Chinese restaurant in Sydney. Then, it was off to Chinatown and the Thai Kee grocery store for some serious shopping for all we need for breakfast at the apartment. Eating out can be quite costly in Sydney, so we cook ourselves a good breakfast, have a light lunch and go for a nice dinner at night. And so it was Jimmy Lik at Victoria (nice Thai fusion stuff) that first night, followed by dinners at Regal (again), Billy Kwong (good smoked duck), the Pink Peppercorn (Laotian menu), Din Di Fang, Sky Phoenix and Jordan's @ Darling Harbour.

Unfortunately, all line dance classes in Sydney had closed for the Christmas / New Year holidays ans so, no line dancing for us this trip. However, there were lots and lots of shopping - at Paddy's Market, Paddington Weekend market, and especially at the various George Street malls on Boxing Day when all shops hold their traditional post X'mas Sales - up to 70% off !

On 23rd, we took the 2 hour drive to Hunter Valley for some serious education on wine-making, etc. So, now we can say ' Hunter Valley, Vineyard long lunch? - been there, done that, lah!'

Not wanting to fight with the crowds outside we spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the apartment and at the 'Internet Cafe'. Before that, we had gone to our favourite Sydney Fish market and bought all the sea food we need for our Christmas meals which all three of us cooked by turn and it was difficult to tell who did the best dish, maybe it was the Hunter Valley wine!

All too soon, it was time to pack up and head for home on Sunday 28th - had a good flight back on SQ222 , Airbus 380 no less, arriving home 10.00 pm.