A Bankers Holiday

Only in a remote country like Australia could one not be surprised by the idea of a ‘Bank Holiday’. For this banker it was a very welcome break as my work commitments have precluded me from taking any annual leave until later this year. What makes this such as special long weekend is the fact that it is not a traffic congested public holiday with the added benefit that accommodation and restaurants are also more accessible.

The weather was simply marvellous. Temperatures were in the mid to high teens and Saturday was a lazy shopping day followed by drinks at the cosmopolitan ECQ bar.

Sydney Harbour in the middle of winter.

This was followed by a truly astounding Champagne dinner at Sailors Thai. With the food being so scrumptious, taking photos was the last thing on our mind. Sydney’s Thai food has a worldwide reputation, no wonder Sailors Thai’s founder David Thompson is having huge success with his London (Michelin star) restaurant Nahm.

Sunday was an early start as we headed for our traditional winter destination, Katoomba. Spending time in front of a fireplace with class a wine in the Blue Mountains is my idea of the perfect short winter break.

Lunch was in the restaurant at Echoes. Echoes' Boutique Hotel & Restaurant is perched at the very edge of the Jamison Valley at Echo Point in the Blue Mountains. This is a relatively new establishment and is right next to our old favourite Lilanfels.

The Duck risotto with one of our favourite reds.

A perfect winter’s day in the mountains.

Here with my Patek Philippe 5107

All in all a great and much needed getaway.