The Sydney Harbour Cruise had been planned for six months, well before my diagnosis, so I had wondered if I would actually make it.  My granddaughter Cordelia* was having a birthday the day before and I was keen to give her the bracelet and book of stories on the actual day so it combined nicely with our other plans.

Fortunately, I felt better on Thursday, March 12 than I had previously so I was excited at the prospect of staying in a hotel, eating out, meeting up with family and going on a harbour cruise with friends.  I had waited a long time to escape from my prison so when the Uber arrived at my front door I couldn’t believe it was really happening. As a precaution on the train I wore my super-efficient mask which was suffocating to say the least. The hour and a half train trip flew by, we changed at Central for Town Hall and then wheeled our luggage to Rydges, Darling Square.

The room was ready so we gratefully dropped off our bags and examined the view.  It was of a plain, walled courtyard with a table and two chairs, not over inviting but very private.

After coffee and chicken burritos at a nearby cafe we began a long walk to Darling Harbour.  The area has changed so much over the last few years with new high-rise buildings promising expensive accommodation for the lucky ones.  My legs were protesting trying to keep up with John.

A rest and nap back in the room was essential, followed by a shower and dressing for dinner. We decided to walk again so my legs have really had a workout. It was about 1.5 kilometres down Sussex Street and then along the waterfront before we reached the Lotus restaurant.

Juliet and Sebastian arrived first, followed by Duncan*, Juliet’s husband, who, because he had a cold, sat at the other end of the table from me. Cordelia was late from her drama class but arrived in time to open her present before the food arrived. The instructions were as follows.

1. Open the card
2. Open the large parcel
3. Open the small parcel
4. Continue the tradition

Juliet promised to keep watch over the bracelet and Cordelia eagerly scanned the book, promising to read it properly later.  The meal was a banquet so no thinking was required and it was quite delicious. Feeling decadent I ordered a mocktail which was small and expensive but what did it matter.  I was free!

Enjoying a mocktail wearing a wig

Always ready for a new experience I followed the others next door to Yo Chi where the formula is to choose ice cream and toppings (fresh fruit and/or lollies) and then have whole thing weighed.  In the interests of economy and good health, John and I shared a dish. We were surprised to hear Cordelia and Sebastian singing a song together at the piano.  Apparently on Thursday anyone who is brave enough to sing for their icecream gets it for free!

As we strolled to the Barangaroo Metro Station we passed an amazing sight.  Rows of people were lying on mattresses watching an outdoor movie. It was the premises of “Move’in Bed”.

Set on 280 tonnes of pristine white sand, this one‑of‑a‑kind event lets you watch hit movies from the cosy comfort of 150 cloud‑like queen-sized beds, all positioned in front of Australia’s largest outdoor cinema screen.

It was my first trip on the new Metro but after only two stops we bid farewell to the family and left the train at Gadigal.  A short walk and we were back at the hotel.  So far so good.  Everything was running like clockwork and I was tired but feeling almost normal.

• Not his real name