Way to Manly

What next for day two, well I think it is time to see some ocean. I don't remember right now why but I decided to go to Manly, a beach on the outside of the northern side of Sydney Harbour. Manly Beach is not as famously known as Bondi Beach but according to locals just as beautiful.

I hop on the free shuttle (thank you Sydney) that runs from 8-3 everyday. On the way I chat it up with Carol and Jon, a couple in there 70's who are traveling the city before heading down to New Zealand. They boast how great Manly is and give me instructions on how to get there.

We talk about politics (they like Obama), how fat people are in the US (all of us dislike fast food) and the drinking problem with the youth today (random).

From Oxford, England

Carol and I both love Las Vegas, kind of ironic because Jon is a minister.

I have to go to New Zealand before I leave.

Carol says "There is more sheep in New Zealand than people". I love it!

Bus drops you off right in front of the ferry station where I purchase a return ticket (round-trip) for $14.40.  I board the large yellow boat and find a seat next to Bill, a Sydney local who kindly points out all the attractions that sit along the northern side of the Harbour. I learn about Luna Park, Taronga Zoo, and Manly Aquarium. The homes that sit on the bay are amazing. All seem empty but then a car passes reassuring there is life.

It takes about 25 minutes to land on an inland beach where we unloaded and made our way through The Corso. It is a wide  street with sporadic water features and water bottle refill stations (big fan of these). The walkway is lined with mostly gift shops and surf stores.

The Corso is about a half mile long, the ending sets you right at the middle Steyne Road (basically Ocean Blvd.) and on the other side sits Manly Beach. I make a left and walk towards the north end of the beach. Along my trek I pass restaurants with super cool conceptual designs. The boardwalk reminds me of the walkways along Kona, Hawaii shores.  A park lines the beach (similar to Santa Monica) that is mostly filled with moms and their new babies. I get a sense that northern Sydney is for the settled.

I proceed to the beach where a little less people are sprawled across the sand. Topless is ok at this side.  I pick a spot and count about 30 surfers taking on the choppy but consistent 3-5 ft. swell. The sun at the beach is intense but bearable with the moderate breeze. Be careful, I got a major burn, tourist mistake #3.

Poem

Carved in a cove

Sawdust still remains

Sticks to your skin as the chopping begins

Aqua to pacific blue as far as thy eye can see

Sun plays hide and seek

Just like a dream

At Manly Beach

After 3 good hours of sun I pack up and walk down the beach where the beach crowd increases. I enter the southern end of Steyne Street. Time to eat I feel like some fish at the Fish Shack. Fish Shack sits with birch wood picnic tables and white walls, which are covered with various nautical novelties. A trio of blonde waitresses wears shirts that say "Crew", very nice girls. No tan lines though, so maybe they do the topless tanning.  

I order the fish (Hoki) and chips with a side of coleslaw (one of my favorites). I also try the Creepy Creatures Apple Cider, served in a glass with ice. It was a good pick, the sweetness paired good with the crisp fried food. My favorite part was the decor, view, and music. I didn't take a picture of the toilet paper holder but I will definitely copy the idea when I get my own house. The views at all the restaurants are first row. They played electronic and acoustic versions of all the hip-hop classics that included Jay-Z, Pharrell, and Andre 3000.

Not quite ready to exit, I head over to Sugar Lounge, passed on my first leg. Their specialty is specialty cocktails. I got the rattlesnake Margarita, a mixture of acai honey, orange liquor, lime juice and tequila. It was ok.

Time to head out I get back on the ferry and sit on the opposite side to catch the southern side of the harbor. The coolest thing was seeing the opening of the harbor.  The waves in the harbor show no mercy feeling a little light-headed the huge waves did not help. I keep my eye on the shore where I see Watson, Rose and Double Bay. All lined with huge homes, I was told by Nick (partner on the plane) that these were the most expensive in Sydney Harbour.  

The best thing came last, the Sydney skyline with the Sydney Opera House. It is a beautiful structure but seems smaller in person then on TV. I go take a look once off the ship and stop at the Opera Bar. Full of people I chill on the booths that line the harbour with a great view of the Harbour Bridge. Now with the sunburn starting to affect me I call it a day.

Find Your Beach Bridge :)