Being too lazy to drive out to Hunter Valley and probably tired of being behind the wheel, we took the car on a half-full tank for a last spin around the city and drove to the viewing point near the Wharf before doing the compulsory circuit of the Sydney Opera House, bridge and harbour at dusk. F and i were here as backpacking unni students 10 years ago and nothing's really changed. I could still remember the awe at first sight of the Sydney iconic structure whereas now we're probably more jaded. 
When the sun set, we strolled around the Rocks area and spent happy hour at one of the trendy waterfront bars, lapping up the A$3 potent screwdrivers and priceless view of the harbour against the lavender-pink sunset. With or without alcohol, we never failed to reduce into a bunch of silly 18 year-olds everytime we meet up (ok admittedly worse when there's cheap abundant booze!). B was a fabulous tour guide as we walked through the city's spanky district in search of dinner. 
Admittedly I found Sydney more culturally integrated and welcoming from the friendly vibes and many enclaves from the bustling Korean, Spanish and Chinatown quarters. Dinner was an abundant affair of ginseng chicken soup, hot stone rice, fried vermicelli and eggy pancake in the comfort of this cosy family-ran Korean restaurant. The World Cup soccer fans were out in full force and I was just gaping at the 3 Brazilian hunks showing off their sizzling Capoeira stunts in their super tight yellow-green outfits around the street corner. 
The next day, we woke up early and headed for the almost 2-hr 6km Coogee-Bondi Coastal Walk passing by many dream retirement villas at Gordons bay and Clovelly. The serene cliffside Waverley Cemetery overlooked the great blue ocean and apparently you could find the graves of many famous Australians here but we spotted the headstones of many young infants dating to the early 1900s. The hike was gently sloping and none too challenging but soon we found ourselves peeling off the layers under the sun's harsh glares at high noon.
The coastal views were as stunning as the cute surfers in their skin-tight wetsuits and we were wondering aloud how cold the waters were. Past noon, I found myself geared up with a good appetite at one of Bondi's many italiani ristoranti. The oysters and seafood pasta were alrite but none too impressive while I - being the craddle-snatcher - was making eyes at the boyish waiter. An hour later, we nearly choked on the awful dry chocolate cakes at a mall's cafe and comforted ourselves with bags of trendy purchases. 
On another early morning, we headed to Sydney Fish Market which turned out to be a major disappointment. The oysters, salmon sashimi and cooked seafood were way below our expectations and I was left with a sour taste which luckily was salvaged by a post-lunch gelato and latte caffe at one of Newtown's many cafes. I liked the buzz here and the shops were great for retail therapy. When I bought a red polka-dot top, the Thai shopkeeper asked if I was Vietnamese or Thai, to which I said none of them but 'kor-poon-ka' anyway! 
On our last night, just when I thought I'd never remember Sydney for a good meal, B brought us to this really fantastico and cosy ristorante 'Strangers with Candy' tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood (visit www.strangerswithcandy.com.au). The waitress kept saying 'si' as we placed our orders for the stunning starters of duck liver & brandy paté w red onion jam & ciabatta, and braised pork belly w a shao hsing, soy & ginger jus. The mains of barrunmundi, seafood spaghetti and duck confit were also faultless though we were trembling a tad from sitting in the small cold backyard. I couldn't remember the names of the desserts but all it mattered was they were darn divine!
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