A Sydney Vacation Continues

Following the beautiful first two days of our Easter break, Sunday was a bit dreary and culminated in an amazing lightning storm that night. Thankfully, our plans were inside, as we spent the afternoon sharing an Easter lamb roast with Mimi and Joe and their charming British neighbors, whose company we always enjoy.

I made a delicious - if I do say so myself - key lime pie for the occasion. Though Easter is actually in Autumn here, I can't shake the feeling that it is a harbinger of Spring, and so I baked and dressed accordingly. I have made this key lime pie a few times now, and it never fails, so if you're in the market for a great recipe, may I suggest this one. And, expat baking tip - digestive biscuits are the perfect substitute for graham crackers. They taste almost exactly the same.

Yesterday, the weather turned nice again, so we weighed our options for outdoor enjoyment, and decided on a drive up to Palm Beach. Last time we were there, we wussed out on doing any hiking, but we were feeling more energetic yesterday, and took the trek up to the Barrenjoey lighthouse.

Lighthouse - top of the hill.

I actually expected it to be a much longer hike than it turned out to be. I think we reached the summit in about 15 minutes (albeit, 15 full minutes of climbing up steps - my gym going is really starting to pay off!). We had a pretty view at the top, and found ourselves a big boulder to climb on and eat our picnic lunch, overlooking the beach.

Lighthouse from the top.

Looking over Palm Beach.

When we went back down, we decided to take a walk on the beach. Along the way, we encountered some other hikers who asked if they were going in the right direction. I sent them on their way with directions, not thinking anything of it, but Partner-in-Crime stayed and asked them where they were from in North America. Turns out they were Canadians from Toronto. I had not noticed their accent at all. It's funny - I never seem to pick up on North American accents anymore, unless I've been talking to someone for a few minutes. You'd think I'd hear it right away, but I really don't. 

Hiking onto the beach, we saw a few groups of people watching the water, and we realized that there was a pod of dolphins frolicking nearby. I turned my head in their direction just in time to see two of them "surfing" a wave. It was quite the sight, and all the spectators applauded for the dolphins.

We ended up finding a bench to sit quietly on for a long while, and just watch the sun starting to set, sailboats float along, and happy families and couples wander by. 

Though I'm not religious, moments like these certainly conjure feelings of gratitude to be one small part of something so marvelously larger than oneself. On this Easter holiday, I had this beautiful moment to know that I am so blessed.