Staying in an apartment meant we could prepare our own breakfast. Once we had finished eating we walked to the nearby Milsons Point station and took a train into Wynyard and swapped onto a circle train to reach St James. I had to collect my mother’s will from the Law Courts. It was very busy there and security was as high as an airport. Once inside we waited to take a lift up to the fifth floor. Pretty soon I had the will and we headed back to the lifts, only to find every time one opened on the fifth floor it was full. A legal assistant was also waiting and she told us it was a bad day to be there as all the law students had their graduation ceremonies. Finally we made our way into a lift and exited as students and their families were entering through the other door, bunches of flowers being held by many.

From there we made our way along King St to Pitt Street into the shopping district.
After a short walk we came to the well preserved Strand Arcade, always worth a look, and as it had started raining we were happy to seek shelter as we browsed our way through the arcade.

Of course, with Koko Black at one end and Haigh’s Chocolates at the other we couldn’t leave without some chocolate. These Christmas Balls quickly being purchased after a tasting of their Christmas Pudding chocolate.

From there we made our way down the street and into Myers, another favourite of ours. After a good look around and a few purchases we were on our way back to our apartment where we dropped off our shopping. From there it was a short 15 minute walk along Lavender Street, with its iconic views of little Lavender Bay with the Harbour Bridge in the background,

to our rendezvous point at the North Spoon in North Sydney with Kaede, our future daughter-in-law, for lunch. The bicycle laden with flowers was a nice welcome.

After a light lunch we headed back along Lavender Street and down along a well treed path

to Quibaree Park.

At the entry to the park you can see the remains of a slipway with an information plaque next to it.

However the best view is from the water’s edge towards the Harbour Bridge with the Opera House seen beneath in the background and Luna Park.

After a brief rest we began the return walk up many, many steps,

passing large boulders as we went.

Back up at Lavender Street we continued our ascent until we reached North Sydney Metro. Here we relaxed on the train as it took us out to Chatswood Shopping Centre. More retail therapy for Karen and Kaede as we continued Christmas shopping.

At the end of the afternoon we returned to Jay and Kaede’s apartment where Kaede cooked for us, a Japanese pork, ginger and noodle soup. Delicious.

After chatting for a while we walked to North Sydney station and took the train back to our apartment in Milsons Point.

Next post we spend the day alone with our son Jay, while Kaede works, exploring Sydney as it prepares for Christmas.

PS As this will be my last post for 2025 I wish you many happy and safe travels in 2026. Happy New Year.