Day 12 Australia Adventure (Sydney)

Finally had a decent night sleep. Been waking up at 4:30 am each morning and I actually slept through til 6:30 am. Took it easy this morning and enjoyed the view while catching up on laundry. Today was a social day. Irene Georgakopoulos picked us up at 11:30 am to see some sights and have some lunch. Drove by North Head lookout, a perfect vantage point of The Murramarang coast, the main inlet into the Sydney Harbour from the sea. Manly Beach (seaside) was the next stop. Took a walk along the footpath and had a great view of Shelly beach. Tried to find some bluebottles, but no luck. A middle-aged lady showed us a sting she received from a bluebottle as she walked past us, looked like a slight red rash. We saw a group of Little Nippers (ages 5-14) in training with the Manly Life Saving Club. Impressive to see lifesaving skills for swim and surf being taught in the ocean. Off to lunch at the Wharf Bar. Fish and Chips for me, Thai salad for Alecia, Fish for Irene, and a plate of onion rings to share. Had a great time chatting and sharing information about our cultures. After lunch, we had enough time to freshen up before driving up to Jono & Emily's place in Turramurra, for a truly local Australian evening. Fruit platter with the best calypso mango we've ever tasted. Jono did a Sausage Sizzle on the barbie. Buttered bread, sausage and grilled onions with ketchup. Meanwhile, Justin hand-fed the wild cockatoos who were joined by some lorikeets who wanted food as well. Lorikeets are bright and colorful, small in comparison, but a bit contentious. The Cockatoos were not happy with their presence. We got to help out with dinner prep and received a cooking lesson. Lamb tenderloin laid at an angle across two slices of prosciutto generously sprinkled with crushed macadamia nuts. Four mint leaves layered over the lamb, a light sprinkle of crushed pepper and sea salt flakes, and then wrapped in the prosciutto. Topped with a bit more generous dusting of salt and pepper. Seared off in a cast-iron skillet for a few minutes, then baked in the oven for about 12 minutes so it was still pink in the middle. Cut on the diagonal and served atop seasoned, puréed, kent pumpkin and carrot. Topped with seasoned, toasted, breadcrumbs. Steamed asparagus and broccolini on the side. A five-star meal cooked at home. I was quite hesitant to eat it based on Costco lamb sampling in the States, but I was absolutely floored by the flavor. No words can accurately describe how wonderful it was!!! Something we took note of was the non-separation of food, rather the components of the meal are meant to be melded and eaten together. Definitely inspired to branch out in our kitchen when we return home. One of our favorite days.