I'm not really one for spending a lot of time on beaches. Sure I like a walk along a sandy bay as much as the next man but I wouldn't say that I was at home there. I mean I'm not about to don speedos and hurl myself into the foam or lie face down and soak up the rays for hours on end. That would drive me potty. Or rather more potty. But I am inexplicably drawn to them. A moth to the proverbial flame.
But I don't think it's the beach as such, but more the allure of the open sea. The infinite horizon and what lies beyond. It's either that or the opportunity to stare at bronzed, semi-naked bodies. Err let's stick with the horizon thing.
Whatever the reason, today was a beach-tactic experience. And all for the bargain price of $2.50. Sydney's transport system is a wonder and, once you have a Opal card, the maximum cumulative fare for a Sunday is $2.50 or, if you prefer, £1.25. So today we took two buses, three ferries and a train all for the price of packet of crisps and a Mars Bar.
Although the main aim of today's wandering a was the iconic Bondi Besch, which was nice and all that, it was the amusingly title Manly Beach that was the real star. Maybe it was the name, accompanied by enticingly named restaurants such as Manly Hotel, Manly Chemists and my particular favourite Manly Italian Restaurant. Or maybe it was the fact that, as dusk descended on the little seaside suburb, the sand took on a luminous glow and the subdued lighting cast soft shadows. You decide.
Just like our adopted home town on Auckland, Sydney is blessed with a multitude of beaches, all within striking distance via a great ferry service. And Manly surely takes the crown. I've not seen the rest of the beaches, but this must surely be first on the list to visit. Besides, how could you not when the ferry service proudly boasts 'Welcome to the Famous Manly Ferry Service'. Indeed.
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