Balmoral, duck and drinks..

Friday 11th January woke up 7 to speak to mum and dad it seemed to take them forever to connect. Then supposed to be doing something as a house today as I had altered my shift originally to do dolphin cruise but doesn't go on Fridays so Bianca had done with Gabs on Wednesday. So not sure what were doing yet then Jen arrived and decided all off to the beach but which one to go to thought about palm beach but too far, also manly but Gabs choice and been their a few times. Decided to go to Balmoral beach as never been apart from Jen and has a nice long beach, all of it sheltered so people who do not like big waves can go for a swim with ease. Balmoral beach has a nice relaxed vibe with soft white sand, broadwalk, netted swimming enclosure and a bridge to a tiny island. First stop was food but was mainly full meals which didn't really want to just went to kiosk and got Greek salad but could of done with more feta. Was nice to try a different beach as the water is so calm and pristine for a harbour beach, made a change going to the touristy beaches like Bondi and Manly. The surf is virtually non-existent but the ambience is magic and was nice to have a good dip in the sea. Afterwards we got an ice-cream and then walked back to the car whilst admiring all the Beautiful houses.
Once home was quick change decided to put on my new jack wills dress then off to darling harbour to meet Nat and Lou to celebrate Lou's first week at work and them finding a new place. Whilst waiting for them went to look at the Giant Rubber Duck on the water in Darling Harbour for Sydney Festival which was surprising, whimsical and a whole lot of fun for no apparent reason. It feels like Darling Harbour is transformed into a giant bath tub with a very big rubber duck in it and makes you feel like a big kid. It was then for food went to Plate restaurant which specialises in Australian seafood, meat and vegetables delivered everyday. Me and Nat decided to share 4 small Australian plates of garlic prawns, wallaby balls, kangaroo fillet and tempura crocodile was all very nice but think favourite kangaroo and least favourite wallaby. The girls then both wanted pudding but nothing what really jumping out at me so decided to just have fruit platter instead. After food was off to get more pictures of duck as I thought looked better in dark then Lou and Nat when home. So I went to meet Debbie, Bianca and Gabs at the O bar, the O bar is perched 47 floors above the city in the Australian Square building. It offers spectacular 360 degree views of Sydney with a revolving bar. When I got there the girls had a good view sat in the window looking at the city below. Unfortunately their couldn't get me another chair so changed places and view not as good. I ordered a Pink Caipirinha which is Cachaca, smashed strawberry muddled with lime, ginger and mint nectar was nice but stronger than used to. The girls also ordered pudding which not impressed with so complained and got free it free. The O bar was nice as is an experience not to be missed but think prefer sky tower has better views. It was then time to head back to catch the train home.