Coogee to Bondi, and Back!

I did the famous coastal walk today, from Coogee beach to Bondi, and then back. It was 6km one way, so I walked 12km total (like 7 and a half-ish miles), which isn't like a marathon or anything, but still a big deal, even though it was split in half by an order of fish and chips and a beer.

The map above shows the route I took. It went through areas called Clovelly, Waverley Cemetery (picture an enormous cemetery, on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the ocean- so crazy), Bronte Beach (tonssssss of surfers), Tamarama, and Mackenzie's Point. I was told it would take about 2 hours to get there, so I set out around 10 am and planned to grab lunch in Bondi. Below is a picture from afar of the cemetery overlooking the ocean.

Below is such a gorgeous shot! You can see all the separate beach communities along the walk.

I got to Bondi a little before noon and relaxed a little on the lawn. I watched people and dogs and the surfers in the ocean as I stretched. I decided to grab a bite to eat, so I crossed the street and got fish and chips (below). I am still sometimes unsure how to act in restaurants. It is so laid back here. In America, servers want you in, order and pay, and out. Here, servers are content to let you sit all day at the table after your have gotten your food and eaten. I am not sure if it is proper etiquette to request a check, but I think my server would have left me all afternoon if I hadn't asked for it. It would never be an issue in the states; they are certain to get their money ASAP.

I spent a couple of hours in Bondi before stretching again and starting my race with the sun to get back to Coogee. It seemed like an easier route going back, until I reached the insane number of stairs right before you get to Clovelly. Ugh.

Also, I met these two guys (below) just before I got back into Coogee! Yes, they are as big as they look. Enough to make your skin crawl and to check your hair and clothes and bag before your get back to your room. And this is in Sydney, the big metropolitan city. Imagine what lurks in the real bush...