Blogs from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Oceania - page 23

Brother Garry arranged this 3 day cruise out of Sydney with a return to the Harbour for the full day of celebrations on the 26th.... read more

Geo: -33.8671, 151.207After some kerfuffle at the hotel, including a leaking fridge we all head down to darling harbour for a few drinks and then a fantastic tapas. Sydney puts on an amazing electrical storm and huge downpour leaving the skyline almost invisible. It was a balmy evening for sure.Rob, Chris and I go the the slip inn on Sussex for a few more and it's here that we get the news that Stalin is in the vets. Jason & mum made the call to take him to the vets and so Chris and I change our flights to get home and make a decision.... read more

It's time to go home but first there is time for a champagne breakfast with Melissa, Emily and Kayleigh. I have already blogged about how Melissa met Emily but Melissa's meeting with Kayleigh is just as spontaneous. Melissa met Kayleigh when they were both having their medical check ups in the UK which is a condition of working as a nurse in Oz. They found out that each were travelling alone and a common basis of their friendship was established. Kayleigh was leaving a few weeks ahead of Melissa but her plans were to permanently emigrate whereas Melissa's was planning a 2 year working holiday. Eighteen months on Melissa, Kayleigh and Emily remind me of the bond that she has with her best friends at home Hannah and Robyn. The talk over breakfast naturally turns to ... read more

Part II I can't recall how Sydney Kingsford Smith International airport arrival hall looks like from the inside, I can only remember the waves of the ocean at the nearby bay before the plane landed, exiting the immigration gantry and queueing up to get a sim. It was a Wednesday morning, around 10am, Sydney time, and there were 50 over people waiting to get their sim. I saw someone purchasing 3 sim card as he had 2 phones and an iPad. I'd really love to interrupt and suggest to just use tethering so he does not have to take more time in purchasing multiple sim, and save money as well. Among the tourist, who can use 2GB in a single day? Certainly not me as I'd be spending time wandering around appreciating the view and ingest ... read more

Sleeping for the first time with 6 people went quiet okay. Did sleep pretty good, but was not very long as I woke up at 5 and could not sleep anymore. All of my roommates had group activities today. As I did not book my trip with Australian Backpackers I could not join unfortunately, so I had to find out everything myself. First went to the store to buy some breakfast and get some cash. After that I had to arrange a bus card and some other stuff. As most of the people in this hostel was on a group tour, it was very quiet. But there were some people that stayed behind, so I could talk to them and ask some questions. Late in the afternoon I went for a walk in the neighborhood. There ... read more