G'day from Sydney, Australia. Arrived to summer heat, from Seattle's rain and cold, early Sunday morning, November 22, 2009. Right on shhedule (sic), not bad, considering I was informed that I needed a visa to get into Australia... as I was checking in. Hmm. Must have missed that note. No worries though, mate. It can be done, online, for free, the day you leave, goes through straightaway. So, keep that in mind for future reference.
Ran two terminal-lengths to make the connection, after leaving Seattle 40 minutes late (off the plane at 6:35, international departure at 7:00PM on Friday evening.) Surprisingly comfy Air New Zealand flight, decent food, largest selection of media entertainment on a personal screen. So, thus far, things have been working out good on me.
Met at the airport by family friends, the Rumps', who live in Sydney, and within minutes, the harbor and Opera House were in view, as fantastic as all the photos make it appear. I'll spend more time around the harbor later this week, including a cruise tomorrow.
Met their son, Jony, who works in the travel industry, including escorting American high schoolers up and down the east coast of Oz. Delicious seafood lunch overlooking a jam-packed, sandy beach with surfers and swimmers stretching for hundreds of yards. Realized, of all the coastline in Seattle, not much is accessible beach, even less is sandy, and, typically, not braved by many... So, it was nice to see a lot of coast dedicated to public use. I jumped in right after lunch, the initial cold shocked the jetlag out of me - I think I was expecting SE Asia temperature waters!
Well, wanted to get the first posting sent out, while I'm relaxing in a well laid out, comfortable flat in Shire, a suburb just a few minutes train ride south of "the City's" main downtown zone. More later, if I have some spare moments on this adventure trip. For now, bonus points for finding all the "Aussie" terms I've included (I'm studying the language while here). How many used accurately?
Cheers.
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and what do I get for pointing out your Aussie terms? :) Yes, i noticed and liked the Aussie flare to your post. I expect a full-fledged accent by the time you get back. So glad you made it safely, and, HAVE FUN! :))) (Sounds great so far!).
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