Weekend at Manly Beach

Aram's parents surprised us with a ocean view hotel room at Manly Beach for the weekend.  We ended up taking an Uber there since it is about 30 mins from the house.  Uber drivers are a little interesting as they really don't say a word to you at all.  We got there Friday evening and of course it was pitch black so we couldn't see much.  But in the morning, we woke up to the most amazing view.

It was so peaceful and amazing to hear the waves.  There were also sand volleyball courts right below so we could sit on the balcony and watch volleyball.  Aram and I actually got up pretty early to walk along the boardwalk to go get breakfast.  The thing we noticed the most was how pretty the water was with the bluish-green color. Also the water is so clear!  You could see the sand below very easily.  

We ate breakfast at The Boathouse Shelly Beach.  I'll give the Aussies credit, they definitely know how to do breakfast.  Coffee is good, but never seems to be hot enough for me.  And don't even think about drip coffee, that is apparently a specialty.

I thought these were the coolest chandeliers made from seashells.

Here's the beach right in front of the cafe.  Water is still pretty cold, but people were swimming in the ocean, scuba diving and snorkeling.  I'd say the water was warmer than San Diego water, but still way too cold for me in the winter time here.  

It was amazing just looking around.  Also to note, since we now live in a country that drives on the left hand side of the road, that also applies to walking paths.  It was so awkward walking on that side the entire time.  Had to do a little research, but this is the Fairy Bower Rockpool.  "It is triangular in shape and the sculptures that sit along the rock edge are known as 'The Sea Nymphs' or 'The Oceanides', were created by Helen Leete. Built by local residents in 1929, Fairy Bower rockpool is one of a number of historic pools cut and blasted along the New South Wales coast as saltwater bathing became popular."

The sculptures were actually ruined in a storm and the locals are trying to raise money to get it fixed.

Still just couldn't get over the color of the water and Aram said he understands why people spend so much money to live next to the ocean because he got some of the best sleep ever from the waves.  

Watching some surfers and some sand volleyball

We took a hike along the coast and had some amazing views.  We also realized that how the hike was set up that it would never be allowed in the States.  You could literally go to the edge of a cliff and there were no guardrails.  

Taking a break because we are tired from hills

Panorama view

Aram and I got pizza for take away and have concluded, they have good toppings, but the crust sucks.  I have no clue if Aussies actually like it this way.

Next morning, I woke up even earlier to see the sun rise and get some photos.

It was amazing sitting there with a cup of hot chocolate and wrapped up in a blanket watching this.  There was almost no one out, so all you heard was the birds and the waves.  

We went for breakfast at Havana Beach Cafe and Lounge and had some oceans views to go along with it.  Ended up taking the ferry back to Neutral Bay for the walk home.  Ferry ride views below.  

That's all for now.  Thanks for checking it out!

xo, Ann & Aram