Two buses and half a develoment day later and I’m enjoying a few moments gazing across the beach at Bondi.
One man wears a hooded dressing gown, towel wrapped around underneath, speedos in hand.
Two Asian tourists sit on a low brick fence, drinking water and chatting happily.
Three ancient mariners have plodded their way up from the beach where the salt water was good for their splotchy legs. Four dog paws pad past, with a slight sway in my direction for a closer look.
Five green-shirted girls learn to surf, first on the sand, then with their blue-shirted instructor in the surf.
Six minutes until I’ve got to be back discussing culture, climate and case scenarios. Sevens white-topped waves roll in to say goodbye.