The Parentals

Peter's parents came to Sydney for a visit - and we had a banner time together! They arrived early Saturday AM - and we immediately whisked them away to an open house in the Eastern beaches. Then, we took a walk along the coast into Coogee. We stopped for lunch at one of our favorite spots in Coogee, Art Lounge Cafe. My cousin, Matt, introduced this place to us during our first visit to Sydney. We highly recommend it - great food and service with a smile! Late afternoon, we popped over to Matt and Beck's for tea - and then out with them (sans enfants) for dins.

Sunday, we made plans to go to a Wine and Cheese Specialist event at the Four Seasons. I know, I know - what am I doing going to a cheese show?!? Well, I thought I could get away with just drinking wine and not eating any cheese . . . what was I thinking?? We got our tickets and began to walk towards the doors to the convention room and . . . it hit me... The smell washed over me like warm cheddar (a descriptive for my fellow cheese haters - you know who you are!) I began feeling really hot, couldn't breathe, and had to turn around immediately to get my money back. I could not walk another step into that room! I had to step out for air - ended up walking around The Rocks for a few hours while they stayed at the show. Barry, Sue and Pete finally emerged a few hours later having had enjoyed the show. Apparantly, Sue enjoyed the show a little too much - she ended up with a cheese block in her purse - that remained there throughout a day of touring. This hunk of cheese ended up permeating her purse, our apartment, and their luggage - as she attempted to travel home with it. Once she arrived home, she ended up tossing it - as it stunk up the joint!! After the cheese party - we sailed on to Manly for lunch and a walk along the harbor!

On Monday, we took a trip to the Blue Mountains. We had rented a car for the day - the drive is about 1 hour and 20 min. from Sydney. We headed up to Katoomba we bee-lined it in. Enjoyed some "real" hot chocolate (the chips - first stop with the Duff's is usually a cafe or for a chocolate fix. And, what did we happen upon??? A chocolate shop! So,melt in a little fondue-like set up) and some cakes and fudge. Then, we thought it would be nice to check out the Blue Mountains - since we did drive all this way. So, we stopped at the vista point for some photos and a hike. We also took the railway down a canyon - back up on a skyway (like an enclosed chairlift). We watched a storm coming our way as we went back up to the base. By the time we got off the lift, the lightning, thunder and rain came in. It was amazing to see the storm travel into the mountains. We left the park and went back into Katoomba for coffee. By, the time we parked, it was hailing and the car was covered in the white stuff when were ready to leave. 4 seasons in one day!!

Peter was working Tuesday and I hung out with Barry and Sue. It was a rainy day - so we stayed in the city. Mainly shopping and then met Pete for dinner at our favorite pizza place in The Rocks. Barry and Sue spent the following day on their own - visiting the Royal Botanical Gardens and shopping downtown. Peter and I were leaving for Tokyo that evening, so I spent the day getting ready for the trip. So, we ended the visit with a trip to the new Lindt cafe in Martin Place for hot chocolate just before Barry and Sue left for the airport. What a sweet ending to a wonderful visit!