Day 19 - Airports, customs and Cairns

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I got to the airport in Denpasar at around seven ish.. I think. It certainly seems like a long time again! The waiting time at the airport was really frustrating as they changed the gate number a couple of times… and they weren’t near by! But when that stuff happens to a group of people, it’s just not as bad as when it happens to you on your own. Passengers of many nationalities were conversing for the same cause…. Being in the right place, at the right time, to get where they need to be.

Finally, we did get boarded. I think that the flight was about a six hour flight, but the time zone also moved forward.. again. So we add a further 3 hours on, so I actually landed at about 07:40 in Sydney.

In the original plan, I was flying to Melbourne first, but that got cancelled whilst I was in Sri Lanka. To be fair, it freaked me out a bit at first, but it really didn’t make much difference!

In Sydney, I had plenty of time for the change over, I got my bag easy enough, but I was nervous at customs!! I watch a programme about the Australian Border Force, and how strict they are. I was sweating it. I declared I had a wooden item.. a coaster from Bali. I declared my medication, I have antibiotics for a ,’just in case’, scenario. He looked at me, shifted his eyes, and said… go straight through… ha ha…, what am I like? I watch too many of those TV programmes!!

I had to collect my case, and go all the way back through check in and security all over again. To be honest, it was pretty quick and easy this time. It certainly makes all the difference when you have the time!

I stopped off for a meat pie and a water, the idea felt right, it looked good, it wasn't long before I was gagging on the fatty bits! I was hungry so I tried at another stall for a different food choice. I got a ham and cheese croissant, and a coffee. It wasn’t great, but I’ve eaten, and had coffee!

I got to the next gate with plenty of time to spare. There was an American family with 2 kids. The kids were not happy as their screens had died through overuse, due to long flights and flat batteries. I watched them struggling with the plugs, I jumped up and set them up with my double charger. It made them happy, and it cost me nothing! It made me think of Beth, Ross, Thea and Ava… aahhh

The next flight boarded on time. It’s only about two and a half hours, so a quick one! I slept for half the flight, and caught up with a couple of episodes of Living with the Walters. Time soon passed.

We landed at just after 2pm. There was a taxi rank outside the airport. I had pre thought the scenario. I knew that the hotel is only a 9 minute ride away; so at this time of day, it will be pretty straight forward!

I’m surprised by the weather. It’s really overcast, but very warm. I am questioning my choice of clothing. The driver did say it’s the rainy season too, but the breeze is nice. Unlike Bali, the heat was suffocating there!

I have learnt over the years, if there is anything you haven’t got, or need…. You can always buy it!

The hotel is like a 70’s motel throwback, but I’m only here for the one night. I always state that I prefer lower level places, but that’s from a cultural appropriate aspect, not from an age aspect. It’s also got a pool, but it doesn’t look particularly inviting!
It’s for one night only!

I put my stuff in my room, it’s not very comfy, and I’m not sure if it’s damp, or just humid, given the weather, it could be either. I set straight off with my map to find the Esplanades, and a cafe… I’m going to sit with a coffee, and work out where my next hotel is!

I found the walk easy! I bought a SIM in the airport. Honestly, it’s always my safety blanket. If I have a SIM, I’ve got internet. I can usually find my way anywhere I need to be.

There are a lot of people dog walking, running and strolling along the Esplanade. It’s not very long before I come across Muddy’s Cafe. On one side of the Esplanade it is lush green, and also very wet, grass. On the other side, there is mud, as far as the eye can see!

I did pass a sign that was quite concerning, so early in my trip! It was a warning, ‘Beware, crocodiles inhabit this area, they may injure, or kill!’ Ha ha WOW!!! Note to self: keep eyes open!

I ordered a water, and a cappuccino. At Muddy’s. I sat for a while, in the warm breeze, just watching the world go by. Then I realised that this is probably my best opportunity to eat, as when I do make it back to the hotel, I tend not to wander so much on a night. It’s just a bit dodgy when you simply don’t know the area, so I ordered Poutine. I do like poutine. It’s basically gravy and chips with cheese on. I did look at the healthy options, then chose the poutine anyway! It arrived at my table…. Shocker…. It’s a share plate for four people looking at the size of that!!! I had a little go at it, I probably managed about a quarter of it!! Ha ha! But I enjoyed what I had!

I continued my walk. The further I went, the more busy it got. The whole area really opened up. There are hundreds of places to eat, drink and relax. I came across a night market. The whole place is buzzing! But it’s in a sort of quiet way! The esplanade is clearly the place to be!

I came across The Lagoon… Wow… it’s a man made beach with huge pool and splash area. It’s amazing there are also more kids smaller play, and splash areas, BBQ areas, fitness stations, and so much more, dotted all along the esplanade. They are all free government community areas! I did make use of the public loo whilst I was there. It is so peaceful, and community friendly! Everyone is just walking, talking, relaxing, and generally enjoying the whole area!

As it is so warm, I decided to treat myself to an ice cream for the return walk. I chose salted caramel on a waffle cone. The perfect accompaniment for that walk back to the hotel! Although, it didn’t last me very long… ha ha

I know it is still early, but I’ve had a very tiring night and day, so I’m having my last cappuccino of the night, and taking a title of water to bed!

Just before turning in, I took a walk around outside at the hotel. It’s actually nicer than my first impression. See you at breakfast!

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Comments

[Sammy Moxon]

That Poutine looks amazing. I'd of finished the lot !!!! Actually craving that now

[Lesley2912]

Hi Sammy
It was good, but enough for 4 people! X