Kangaroos and Wine

I went to Australia for the fourth time in February. Some might say it’s a long way to go for just two weeks, but it really didn’t feel like it. We were lucky enough to fly Emirates business class – my first time on the Airbus A380. I was a little concerned that this huge plane would mean long queues for boarding, but it was actually a great experience – we boarded the plane’s upper deck straight from the business lounge and never even saw any economy class passengers!

And once on the plane it didn’t really feel any larger than a “normal” plane, and service was impeccable. We slept most of the way to Dubai in our comfortable flat beds, changed planes, and slept again en route to Sydney, arriving at our friends’ house in very good shape and hardly a trace of jetlag.

Having visited Australia before we were content to relax with our friends (who emigrated there several years ago) and live like Australians rather than tourists for the two weeks. However, we did manage a day trip into Sydney where we zoomed around the streets on an exhilarating motorbike tour, and people-watched from pavement cafes – the day we were there coincided with the Mardi Gras parade so some of the sights were rather interesting to say the least.

We also managed a 3 night trip to the Hunter Valley in the middle of our stay and stayed at the wonderful Spicer’s Vineyard. An amazing small boutique hotel within a vineyard, with an inviting pool, THE most comfortable beds, delicious food, and a home-from-home feel. The bedroom was extremely well appointed and even had a working fireplace, although we didn’t need to use it as the weather was so warm.

At the Hunter Valley the emphasis was heavily on wine! We joined a one day wine tour with a company appropriately named Two Fat Blokes. They took us to 7 vineyards where we tasted what seemed like every wine that the valley produces. We also enjoyed some cheese and wine matching, and some oil and balsamic vinegar tasting – there are many different flavours, infused with various fruits and herbs. And then we ended the day at a local brewery, just in case we were still thirsty! Such a lovely, but very tiring - and shall we say intoxicating - day!

Back with our friends in the suburbs of Sydney we shared the wine and cheeses we had brought back from the Hunter Valley, and continued relaxing by their pool, going to the local shops, and having barbecues – as you do. On our penultimate day we packed their son off to school and arranged after-school care, and went off for a great day in the Blue Mountains, where we were blessed with clear sunny weather and stunning views. One of the highlights was a ride on the Katoomba scenic railway, the steepest incline railway in the world – even though my legs went to jelly.

We said our sad goodbyes and headed off for a 3 night stopover in Dubai – back to our favourite hotel, the Residence at the One and Only where we have stayed about 5 times before. We were greeted as returning family and were given our usual room - now that really makes you feel special. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff there, the food was superb, and we only left the hotel to visit the sister hotel on the Palm island.

Once again, another fantastic holiday and we’re looking forward to going back again when the money tree says yes to business class!