One day at a time

  Met Graham at the Museum train station and took the short walk to Hyde Park in the centre of Sydney. We found row upon row of classic and vintage cars, which stretched down the length of Hyde Park and down Macquari Street, to the top of the Botanical Gardens. Filled in a few hours looking at the cars and eating at one of the BBQ stalls in the Park, before wandering down to Circular Quay, through the Botanical Gardens. Sat a while waiting to see the fly pass by the RAAF, only to see all of just one plane swoop over the harbour. We then walked down around the bay to the Opera House and watch the rather slow race between the big ships to the Harbour Bridge. Walked back to Hyde Park and after some more food, relaxed in my hotel room for a while before heading towards Darling Harbour. Unfortunately, whilst we had been in the hotel, the weather had changed from a warm dry day to a very wet one. Luckily one of the free city shuttle buses turned up as we were making our way to Darling ...

  Had a bit of a lay-in as it was a late night, but soon got time to start out to Graham's again, this time to meet Chris and go to Olympic Park. Had to wait a while for the train, but remembered where Graham was staying. Chris was slightly late, but in the end it did not matter, as we reached the Visitors Centre in good time and the Segway man wasn't in any hurry to get going. After a short intro to the Segway, we set off around both Olympic and Bicentennial Parks. They were great fun and certainly got lots of looks and featured in one or two photos. I would agree with Graham that this is the most fun that I have had on this trip and after getting over my initial worries that I would not be able to master the machine, I felt very comfortable on mine. Unfortunately, I did cause Graham to crash, although he has challenged me to a race. After stopping off at Chris's place, Graham and I had a few drinks and dinner at the Bank Hotel in Newtown. The food was good and the oth...

  Didn't sleep too well, I think I over did the food last night. No rush, meeting Dean at 10am so was a easy morning. Fill in the time until Dean arrived and meet him outside the hotel. Walked over to the closest monorail station and took it to Darling Harbour. From there we walked to a cafe in Prymont, behind Star City. Had a lovely brunch and chat with Dean, again he gave me some good advice regarding my apartment in Brunswick. Naturally I would like to get to know him better, but do enjoy our friendship. Arranged to meet Graham later, so filled in the afternoon by walk through Hyde Park and then down to Circular Quay, didn't realise how easy it was to reach there. Took lots of pictures and saw one of the tall ships coming into harbour, although not under sail. It was very hot, the wind especially, but managed to stay in the shade for most of the walk. After showering, it was time to get going to Graham's place in Marrickville. Simple journey and met Graham at the...

  Simple matter of packing and getting to the airport in the morning. The flight went smoothly and we managed to get a couple of the emergency exit seats. The flight passed quickly and I didn't manage to get to the end of my video. I took the train to the city and left Graham at the airport. After a shower and shopping at the local supermarket, I caught up with Graham and we went out for dinner up Oxford Street. Had dinner at a nice Thai restaurant, I was too full to go out for a drink afterwards, but we walked along the street. Then we went to the square in front of the Central Station, which had a Chinese festival on to mark the Chinese new year.

  Not the most successful a day, first set off to visit the Arts Centre, but we decided to forgo the guided tour, as we were the only ones that had turned up for the tour and there was work going on a couple of the theatres. Instead we weren't to the South Terrace, via the East Terrace. Had brunch at one of the cafes along Hutt Road, the gardens along the South Terrace are not as well maintained as the north ones. Took the tram back to the hotel and then went to catch the bus to Mount Lofty. We discovered that the connecting bus only ran until midday, but thought we could walk to the top. By the time we had reached the Crafer Park & Ride, the weather had changed and was getting cold. We attempted to reach the botanical gardens, but there was road works blocking part of the road and I didn't fancy walking on the road passed them. Returned to the hotel and then went out for dinner, again along Rundle Street. Had a hard time choosing between a Greek or Argentinian restaura...

  Long day at the Botanical Gardens in Adelaide, first with a guided walk around the gardens and then individually around to the Rose Gardens and Lotus flowers. It was another very hot day and I hope that I have put enough sunscreen on. After the Botanical Gardens, we went to the Ayers House and were taken on another guided tour of the house, which was interesting. After a quick break for an ice coffee, I returned to the hotel to organise washing my clothing and Graham remained behind to use the wifi available at the cafe. Washed my clothes, which took a while so didn't get out to dinner until after 8pm. Rundle Street was busy again, but not overly. We had pizza and this made a very refreshing change and finished with a drink, and watching the parade of people wandering along the street. Returned to the hotel and both logged on to the internet.

  Arrived early in the morning in Adelaide. Again had had some trouble sleeping on the train. After a quick shower and simple packed breakfast, we detrained and after picking up our luggage, we took a taxi to the Majestic Hotel. Unfortunately, our room was ready, but that was to be expected at this time in the morning, so Graham and I wandered around the centre of Adelaide to fill in a hour or so. The hotel thankfully found a room ready for us and it was a twin room (although single beds), it was great to be able to have a real shower.. Then went out again to enjoy more of Adelaide. Had lunch at the South Australia Art Gallery and then went into the SA Museum. Art Gallery was interesting, but the Museum was a bit of a disappointment, especially with all the kids running around, although did spot one of the previous contestants from So You Think You Can Dance. Came back to the hotel for a rest and had another shower, before heading out for dinner and had a great dinner.