Having the freedom to jump on a flight to Sydney for a weekend away with dad and Michele was just fantastic. Isabel had generously lent her flat, only a few minutes walk up the hill from Sydney harbour. Sure beats any taxi ride, that ferry trip past the Opera House and Luna Park.

A bit of down time always suits me fine, and I was happy enough to let the others visit the market while I sat on the balcony and drew the view for half an hour. It’s just so different to where we live. What really surprised me was how little traffic there was – but admittedly parking is an issue, and who really needs cars when you have a Sydney ferry on your doorstep?