James O'Brien

You know you’re having a good time when you ask a friend what the time is, and at first neither of you is really sure. You’ve been together since 11 o’clock, and you’re both surprised to discover it’s 5 o’clock. You’ve been enjoying each others company so much, you’ve simple lost track of time.

My friends and I met at 11 o’clock to go on a walking tour of Surry Hills, specialising in crime stories called “Murders Most Foul”. Though he grew up on the North Shore, the guide, Elliot lives in the area and has a passion for history. The tour was well researched and interesting, and we were one of his first tour groups.

He told us he had a group of fifteen for tomorrow’s tour, but today it was just three of us. Being such a small group meant we could genuinely walk at our own pace, and when I asked if we could stop to grab a coffee, this easily turned into morning tea.

I found it really interesting to walk around parts of the neighbourhood I have never visited before. And along the way, learn about some of the terrible crimes that have occurred in the area, including my own street.

We joked some of the current owners of these homes would be either delighted or horrified to learn of terrible crimes committed behind closed doors.

We all thought the tour was excellent, and Elliot was a wonderful guide. The cost of the tour also includes an e-book with lots of articles, and all of the historical references. Highly recommended.

At the end of the tour, we stopped and had a couple of beers, where we continued our conversation about history.

By about then it was three o’clock, and it was time for some lunch. As we decided we were looking for something light, and a series of different small choices, I recommended “Yulli’s”, a vegan restaurant on Crown Street.

A friend and I used to go there all the time when it first opened, though I haven’t been in a few years. The place hasn’t changed much, with the only significant change being the replacement of the plastic tables and chairs out the back with wooden booths.

As always, the food was excellent. I’m not a vegan, and neither are my friends, but we all agreed the food was delicious, and would highly recommend it to you.