One entertaining day...

I'm going to Perth
I will fly out from Melbourne
Lots of visiting!

I got up at a decent hour this morning because after yesterday night's travel planning I was eager to book a plane ticket and look some things up on the internet BUT didn't want to waste my morning on the net. (Phew! That was one long run-on sentence. I hope it makes sense. lol) Anyhoo, long story short, I now have a plane ticket that will take me from Melbourne to Perth at the end of June (Note to Brit, Han, Sarah & Karen that details are to follow in an email shortly). Thanks to Sarah about the tip on an airfare deal Virgin Blue was offering. :)

It’s a nice feeling to have one thing crossed off of my travel to-do list. So now my mind was clear and ready to explore more of Sydney. Today's adventures took me to the Sydney Opera House. I didn't want to spend $23 on an hour long tour because I don't think I would have truly appreciated it. So instead I walked around outside and marvelled at the hideous architecture of the Opera House. From afar and in pictures the Opera House is such a recognizable and amazing landmark but up close it is different. But don't get me wrong I was awed and thought to myself..."I'm standing on the doorstep of the Sydney Opera House!" So I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to see the Sydney Opera House in person.

My walk from the Opera House continued to the Botanical Gardens. While walking along the Botanical Garden paths I was squinting and trying to read the sign posts to see which direction to go to see Government House when a voice says to me, "Why such a serious face?" Serious face? Just me squinting and why would I be smiling with a goofy grin on my face for no reason? Oh wait a second. I think he's trying to pick me up. lol We chatted a bit and from my five minute conversation with him he seemed okay. He asked if I wanted to meet him for a drink later on at the Hard Rock Cafe since he had to rush off and go meet his friend at 2. I figured it was a public place and I would be relatively safe in a public place like that and said sure, why not. To be continued...

I continued my walkabout around the Botanical Gardens and the Government House where they offer free guided tours. Free! I'm in! lol The tour is about 45 minutes in length and did I mention it is free? haha Our volunteer guide Gail was a lovely older woman who was quite talkative and told us lots about the Governor and the past Governor's that have served in New South Wales. I must note that Government House is no longer being used as the Governor's residence...not since 1996. Gail was so talkative that our tour was just over an hour in length. She jokingly mentioned a few times that she keeps being reminded to keep the tour moving. But I guess she is just so passionate and interested in Government House she just can't keep all that information to herself and likes to share with visitors.

I made my way out of the beautiful Botanical Gardens and walked through the Westfield Shopping area on Pitt Mall and it reminded me of what shopping malls are like what with everything under the sun being sold and lots of recognizable name brands too...like my fave 9 West. (Phew! What is it with super duper long run-on sentences today??) I did very well and didn't spend a single cent. Mind you I didn't really stop inside too many of the stores. lol

I made one last stop before heading back to the hostel. It was at the Mint since it was their one day open house. They normally don't open to the public. I must also note that at the Mint they don't actually make coins on site anymore. I think that's done in Melbourne and Perth. But the buildings are still protected by the Historical Buildings Society or something like that. Many different government departments have been through the building and several times the buildings have been under threat to be demolished. All quite interesting or perhaps it was because it was a free tour and you know how I like free. lol They also had a few displays to look at…what other than coins! Go figure. lol Well, they did have some other coin related stuff. My favourite displays were the piggy banks and the elongated coins collections. Elongated coins are those pennies you get at many a tourist attractions and I must admit have spent more than my fair share of money on them at places like Disneyland!

After a snack and a little reading at the hostel it was time to walk over to the Hard Rock Cafe to meet Harry. So we meet. Hmm, he was a bit different from this afternoon and kind of got a bit "touchy feely" fast so I had to put him in his place...several times! Don't worry though, nothing happened and I felt secure with the really cute waiter Charlie that was nearby. :) I think after a while he figured he wasn't gonna get anywhere with me so Harry, if that's his real name, then starts telling me of his womanizer ways and supposed 2800+ women conquests. Meanwhile since I can't get a word in edgewise am thinking 1) why are you telling me all this? 2) do you think I'll change my mind? 3) am I supposed to give you a slap on your back and be impressed? 4) why are you telling me all this? It was all quite humourous and unbelievable to me. Then he starts to tell me that he likes my sense of humour and feels comfortable talking to me about anything since I have such a positive and glowing personality (damn that good aura. lol) Or I'm thinking with all the other women there's no time for talking. haha. Well, I figured 1) I got a free meal :) 2) It was an interesting way to spend a Saturday evening 3) Nobody (or at least me!) was hurt - not so sure of "Harry's" ego :) 4) I was entertained for a few hours. The whole evening was so funny. Every time he'd try one of his "womanizing" lines on me I'd start laughing and call his bluff/sincerity or whatever and then he'd start laughing cuz he knew he wasn't being sincere. Oh you've gotta give some people credit for being so persistent. lol

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