So, after an abominably long flight schedule, that was delayed by an extra hour as the plane had to circle Dubai, waiting for permission to land, the Ninja Turtle was not only exhausted, her feet had swollen from blood pooling in them as her seats were too big and her feet just dangled off them. Her back was stiff and her legs were numb. Luckily, Sonic the Hedgehog was waiting for her in Sydney, and upon arrival, swiftly relieved her of all her bags, like the best friend/gentleman that he is. They headed back to his share-house, where he lives with 3 housemates. Just as well she arrived at night, because she could pass out without being impolite.
This little cupboard under the stairs chez Sonic the Hedgehog was her “room”.
This cute little sleeping area is known as The Safe Space.
After a wonderful night’s rest, she woke up reading to hit the road. Literally. Sonic the Hedgehog is very easily bullied into doing things, and when the Ninja Turtle asked if they could go for a run, he said “yeah OK, let’s do Coogee to Bondi”.
So it was off to the coast for them…
Where Sonic the Hedgehog left the Ninja Turtle in a cloud of dust…
But with such remarkable scenery,
And landscape features…
not to mention the current collection of art between Bondi and Tamarama, titled Sculptures by the Sea (on till 9 Nov and free to the public)…
the Ninja Turtle was happy to just slow down and take her time on this run, enjoying the view. She had to adapt to the sudden change in climate, the time difference, her still-stiff-and-sore body, and there were some killer hills along the route, so she decided to ignore the splits and just go by the heart rate monitor.
Very pleased to finish their run at Bondi, only to remember they had to walk back to Coogee, where they’d parked the car. The walk back was leisurely and permitted more photography.
Then it was back home for a quick shower and snack before heading in to town for drinks with a friend. The haunt for the evening was Oxford St, known as “the gay district”. Most pubs and bars in the area are LGBT-friendly, with a few that specifically cater to this group. The street art in the area also reflects this attitude of tolerance.
They walked around the area hunting for a watering hole, and walked past a couple of interesting ones.
A bar casually known to locals as “chopsticks and walking sticks”
Another reputed hang-out for the locals, with a large banner saying XOXOXOXO which was a PSA banner to reduce HIV by promoting safe sex practises (specifically, condom use).
Finally found one they liked – The Stonewall
Pre-dinner drinks. Some like it beer, some like it wine, some like it strong, with Coke, poured on ice.
The 道 of our L’Art de Vivre 