Another comfortable night and I was able to get everything ready and sorted in my two new bags. My shuttle arrived right on time and I was able to check in at Sydney airport. Because I am going on Qantas to LA and then on jetBlue to Boston I wasn't able to check my bags through to Boston. I have about a three hour wait between flights so I am hoping we are on time.
The flight to LA was actually not too bad, except that there is so little room between seat rows in economy -- and when the person in front of you decides to put their chair back you really feel kind of claustrophobic. I amused myself watching innumerable movies, TV comedies and every once in a while checking to see where we were. Luckily I was able to get an aisle seat, so I could get up and move around when I wanted.
Finally reached LA where I picked up my bags and went over to jetBlue to check in. I hadn't figured on having to pay for the extra check-in bag since I thought it was just going to be checked through to LA, but because I was on two different airlines they got me. I was also once again reminded of the difference between the relatively easy domestic flights in Australia and the whole procedure for international and US flights (take off your shoes, 3 oz of liquids in carry-ons, etc). Welcome back....
After a 15 hour flight, my LA to Boston flight of about five and a half hours seemed like nothing, but I did feel pretty pooped by the time we arrived at Logan. I was waiting at the baggage carousel for my stuff when I felt a hand on my shoulder, and it was CELIA! She surprised me and came to meet me, which was the most wonderful way to return. We took a taxi back to the PP2, with me jabbering most of the way about my trip and the two of us so happy to see each other. After spending some time with me at home she got on the bus to go back to her place.
I really feel so blessed to have such wonderful and thoughtful kiddos, and at each end of the trip there was something special and memorable for me that made the ending of my adventure a bit less difficult. I am a lucky mum.....
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Is It Wednesday, Already?
I can't believe it is my last full day here in Australia. In some ways it seems so long ago that I arrived and even seems long ago that I was with the tour group, but now that I have reached the end of my stay it has seemed to go by so quickly. This morning there was still loads of rain and it was very windy but the weather is supposed to be better in the Blue Mountains, which is about two hours north of Sydney. I had breakfast in the hostel and was talking to the guy who runs the place (very nice guy). When I told him we were planning to go to the Blue Mountains he asked if I wanted to see his photos of his trip there, and then showed me a photo of someone holding an umbrella with total fog behind her. Too funny. This is really the first bad weather I have had while here, so I think I have been pretty lucky. I got everything and met Ethan as planned at the bus shelter across from my place and we rode the bus into Sydney. Unfortunately it was rush hour and by the time we got to Central Station we had missed our intended train, so we had to wait an hour for the next one. That would have been fine except for some screaming and crying and totally annoying children, which made Ethan a bit cranky.
At Katoomba station it wasn't raining but was still pretty chilly, so as we walked up Katoomba Street on the way to our destination I bought a woolly hat which really helped.
The Blue Mountains is a World Heritage area with lots of incredible scenery and natural sights, and many trails and areas in which to walk and enjoy it all. There are so many things to see and do, but we chose a pretty active but somewhat abbreviated plan as we had to make sure to get the train back at a reasonable time. Also, as I mentioned, the sun sets rather quickly, and you don't want to be out walking in the middle of the wilderness when total darkness descends. One of the amazing and interesting features of the Blue Mountains is that there really is this blue-hazed beauty that you can see.
We walked from the station to Echo Point (a pretty long walk!) and the Katoomba Forest, and were able to look over to the Three Sisters rock formation. From there we decided to walk down the Giant Staircase (over 800 steps) - the scenery was beautiful and we chatted with various people who were also walking, in particular a man from DC who was visiting his daughter, also at UNSW and coincidentally in the same Marine Environment class as Ethan. It was quite a long and tiring walk, and at the end of the Staircase we walked another 2.5km to the Scenic Railway. There we got on the railway cars that looked like an amusement park ride open train. When you get in you are facing backwards and the way you sit makes you lean back. The reason is quickly apparent, as the cars shoot VERY quickly up a very long and steep track, and you are facing the bottom looking down and trying hard not to fall out. Ethan and I of course chose the front seat and it was fabulous!
The railway ended at a different place than where we originally entered, and our walk back to town was almost completely uphill, and fairly steep hills at that. Somehow we managed to get back to the station in time to catch the earlier train, so we got into Sydney early. We arrived only to find that it was still raining and very chilly, so instead of staying in Sydney for dinner we decided to go back to Coogee. After again trying to decide where to eat we ended up back at Five-O, our favourite hang-out. With the rain chucking down it seemed the best place to enjoy our wonderful meal and my last round of Pure Blondes. Back at Ethan's for after-dinner goon and Tim Tams and we watched the all-star Aussie footie game between New South Wales and Queensland. All too soon it was time to say goodnight and goodbye, as Ethan's friend Veronica is arriving early in the morning and he is going to the airport to meet her. My plane is at 1:00pm and I have booked a shuttle to the airport at 9:15. It has been so wonderful being with Ethan and having the opportunity to soend all this time with him, and I am really going to miss him a lot. I can't believe I am actually going back - even though I knew it was coming I guess I am never quite ready. It has been an incredible adventure, a real learning experience, a fabulous holiday and another small step for me in creating a life for myself.
At Katoomba station it wasn't raining but was still pretty chilly, so as we walked up Katoomba Street on the way to our destination I bought a woolly hat which really helped.
The Blue Mountains is a World Heritage area with lots of incredible scenery and natural sights, and many trails and areas in which to walk and enjoy it all. There are so many things to see and do, but we chose a pretty active but somewhat abbreviated plan as we had to make sure to get the train back at a reasonable time. Also, as I mentioned, the sun sets rather quickly, and you don't want to be out walking in the middle of the wilderness when total darkness descends. One of the amazing and interesting features of the Blue Mountains is that there really is this blue-hazed beauty that you can see.
We walked from the station to Echo Point (a pretty long walk!) and the Katoomba Forest, and were able to look over to the Three Sisters rock formation. From there we decided to walk down the Giant Staircase (over 800 steps) - the scenery was beautiful and we chatted with various people who were also walking, in particular a man from DC who was visiting his daughter, also at UNSW and coincidentally in the same Marine Environment class as Ethan. It was quite a long and tiring walk, and at the end of the Staircase we walked another 2.5km to the Scenic Railway. There we got on the railway cars that looked like an amusement park ride open train. When you get in you are facing backwards and the way you sit makes you lean back. The reason is quickly apparent, as the cars shoot VERY quickly up a very long and steep track, and you are facing the bottom looking down and trying hard not to fall out. Ethan and I of course chose the front seat and it was fabulous!
The railway ended at a different place than where we originally entered, and our walk back to town was almost completely uphill, and fairly steep hills at that. Somehow we managed to get back to the station in time to catch the earlier train, so we got into Sydney early. We arrived only to find that it was still raining and very chilly, so instead of staying in Sydney for dinner we decided to go back to Coogee. After again trying to decide where to eat we ended up back at Five-O, our favourite hang-out. With the rain chucking down it seemed the best place to enjoy our wonderful meal and my last round of Pure Blondes. Back at Ethan's for after-dinner goon and Tim Tams and we watched the all-star Aussie footie game between New South Wales and Queensland. All too soon it was time to say goodnight and goodbye, as Ethan's friend Veronica is arriving early in the morning and he is going to the airport to meet her. My plane is at 1:00pm and I have booked a shuttle to the airport at 9:15. It has been so wonderful being with Ethan and having the opportunity to soend all this time with him, and I am really going to miss him a lot. I can't believe I am actually going back - even though I knew it was coming I guess I am never quite ready. It has been an incredible adventure, a real learning experience, a fabulous holiday and another small step for me in creating a life for myself.
Lunch with Roxy
Well, the "roomies" are actually not too bad. We don't interact except to exchange hellos, but at least they and their gentlemen friends seem to disappear when I need to get to the bathroom to get ready for bed without having an audience, and they have been pretty quiet. Today it was a bit cooler and windier but still sunny in the morning. I waited for Roxy to pick me up at noon in front of McDonald's and she was right on time. We drove to Bronte Beach, which is just over from Coogee, and after parking we crossed the street to find a place to eat. We ended up at a little place called "swell" (it was!) and got a table just inside the restaurant but open to the outside. During a wonderful lunch of salad and wine we talked and talked and talked - about the trip, the other members of the group, ourselves... It was such a wonderful afternoon. As we chatted the sky slowly darkened and it got chillier and finally began to rain, so that when we finally left we had to walk across the road in the rain to get to the car. We were actually there talking until after 4pm and it just felt very comfortable. I think that we will be able to keep in touch even though she is always away somewhere. She also works for an Australian travel company and leads a Trans-Siberian tour for Aussies that sounds pretty interesting.
Back at Coogee I joined Ethan and his mates for the nightly Jeopardy viewing and then we went back to Five-O for yet another fabulous dinner. It may seem funny that we have been there so many times, but it is delicious, convenient and inexpensive - all the right stuff. Back to my itsy party pad to start a little packing so I wouldn't have to do it all at the last minute. It seemed to be double dates for the roomies tonight. It was pelting with rain all night and very windy - again, lovely to hear from inside my little cell, but I wonder how it will be tomorrow. We are hoping to go to the Blue Mountains and hopefully it won't be raining there.
Back at Coogee I joined Ethan and his mates for the nightly Jeopardy viewing and then we went back to Five-O for yet another fabulous dinner. It may seem funny that we have been there so many times, but it is delicious, convenient and inexpensive - all the right stuff. Back to my itsy party pad to start a little packing so I wouldn't have to do it all at the last minute. It seemed to be double dates for the roomies tonight. It was pelting with rain all night and very windy - again, lovely to hear from inside my little cell, but I wonder how it will be tomorrow. We are hoping to go to the Blue Mountains and hopefully it won't be raining there.
Free in Sydney
Online this morning at the hostel, as somehow I have been given 45 free minutes. I got to g-chat with Celia, which was definitely a highlight! I am having a wonderful time but of course I miss my kiddos. I was interested to hear Ethan's thoughts as well - early on in his adventure he said that he really loved Australia and was having a fabulous time. He wasn't homesick, but he said he really missed all of us and knew that Australia was just too far away. I do understand what he means.
It was not quite as sunny and warm today as had been predicted, but it was still a beautiful day, and nice enough for what was supposed to be winter. I went down to Coogee Beach and stepped into the water so that I could say I had put my toes in the Tasman Sea. I took the bus in to Hyde Park yet again and then went to Paddy's Market, only to discover that it is not open on Mondays, but there was a "Market City" shopping area right next to it so I walked around a bit. Then I went over to Elizabeth Street to see if I could get into the Great Synagogue, but no luck - it was also closed, but I managed to get a few photos of the outside through the gates. Then I walked down George Street to The Rocks, stopping in a few places along the way. I had lunch at Circular Quay and went to the Botannic Gardens, which I hadn't really had enough time to see the other day. The Gardens were absolutely stunningly beautiful, and seemed such a peaceful place to be. The way it is set up it makes you feel part of the landscape, and encourages you to participate and enjoy. It was very noisy from all the screeching birds, but the views were just wonderful. As always I thought of Dan and how much he would enjoy this - just his kind of perfect afternoon.
I returned to Coogee at around 6-ish and went to Macca's to check e-mail, in what has become a kind of routine for me. Roxy is going to pick me up tomorrow and we will have lunch together, and I am really looking forward to seeing her. While I was online Ethan g-chatted me and asked if I was at Macca's and when I asked if he was at home he said yes, that he was sitting on the front porch. I said I would be right over. So nice to be able to say that! We sat on the front porch together for a while and in the space of about an hour or so the fire alarm went off - they have been having trouble with it and unfortunately the kids have to get out every time it goes off and the fire brigade has to come. They were able to adjust the alarm so that the faulty bit wouldn't keep setting it off, so hopefully there won't be any more "outdoor meetings" tonight. We went to Five-O for a yummy dinner and then back to Ethan's for some marathon TV, accompanied by goon and fabulous dark chocolate Tim Tams - my new favourite! I left late and when I returned to my common area one of my "roomies" was entertaining a gentleman friend. They seemed to be playing a computer game and were nice enough when I came in, but I have to admit it was just a bit awkward.... Oh well, it is an Adventure.
It was not quite as sunny and warm today as had been predicted, but it was still a beautiful day, and nice enough for what was supposed to be winter. I went down to Coogee Beach and stepped into the water so that I could say I had put my toes in the Tasman Sea. I took the bus in to Hyde Park yet again and then went to Paddy's Market, only to discover that it is not open on Mondays, but there was a "Market City" shopping area right next to it so I walked around a bit. Then I went over to Elizabeth Street to see if I could get into the Great Synagogue, but no luck - it was also closed, but I managed to get a few photos of the outside through the gates. Then I walked down George Street to The Rocks, stopping in a few places along the way. I had lunch at Circular Quay and went to the Botannic Gardens, which I hadn't really had enough time to see the other day. The Gardens were absolutely stunningly beautiful, and seemed such a peaceful place to be. The way it is set up it makes you feel part of the landscape, and encourages you to participate and enjoy. It was very noisy from all the screeching birds, but the views were just wonderful. As always I thought of Dan and how much he would enjoy this - just his kind of perfect afternoon.
I returned to Coogee at around 6-ish and went to Macca's to check e-mail, in what has become a kind of routine for me. Roxy is going to pick me up tomorrow and we will have lunch together, and I am really looking forward to seeing her. While I was online Ethan g-chatted me and asked if I was at Macca's and when I asked if he was at home he said yes, that he was sitting on the front porch. I said I would be right over. So nice to be able to say that! We sat on the front porch together for a while and in the space of about an hour or so the fire alarm went off - they have been having trouble with it and unfortunately the kids have to get out every time it goes off and the fire brigade has to come. They were able to adjust the alarm so that the faulty bit wouldn't keep setting it off, so hopefully there won't be any more "outdoor meetings" tonight. We went to Five-O for a yummy dinner and then back to Ethan's for some marathon TV, accompanied by goon and fabulous dark chocolate Tim Tams - my new favourite! I left late and when I returned to my common area one of my "roomies" was entertaining a gentleman friend. They seemed to be playing a computer game and were nice enough when I came in, but I have to admit it was just a bit awkward.... Oh well, it is an Adventure.
Very Manly
Slept well again last night - I don't know what it is about the cell, but it seems to work. Had brekkie at the hostel and then over to Maccas for an e-mail check. See? I am beginning to embrace the Aussie vocabulary.
I got over to Ethan's around 11:30 and we hung out and talked about what we might do. He had some work to finish up and was tired after working late, and for a while it just looked like we were going to stay around Coogee and not do too much. Ethan had a flash about going to Manly Beach, which is a ferry ride from Sydney Harbour. Ethan had been there before and there is a lovely long walk around the Heritage Trail that can be as short or as long as you wish. It seemed like something nice for a shortened day and that we could do at our own pace. We hopped on the Coogee to Sydney bus - I am becoming a veteran! - and made it to Circular Quay in time to buy ferry tickets. It was a bit cloudier and not as warm as originally predicted, but the sun came out and the weather was fine for our trip and for the day. We saw some glorious views once again of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, with the city in the background - I never get tired of seeing them.
Manly has a nice beach but is also an interesting town with lots of shops and restaurants. In 1788 Capt. Arthur Phillip of the Royal Navy, looking to establish a colony in New South Wales, explored around Port Jackson. During the exploration the captain was impressed by the "confidence and manly behaviour" of a group of Aboriginals in the northern area of the harbour, and in that typically clever English way, Manly Beach received its name. Henry Gilbert Smith, an English businessman living in Sydney, realised the potential for this area and was responsible for helping to create the ferry service and pier, as well as the planting of many Norfolk pines along the harbour. He bought up land and encouraged the establishment of a village, and Manly became a popular destination for short trips.
We explored around the main streets for a while, including a little street market, and then we saw a burger restaurant with a menu that looked pretty good. It had apparently been voted one of the Top 10 restaurants for 2010 so we figured we had to try it. Ethan got a Lamblicious and I got a burger with grilled barramundi, and we agreed that the honour bestowed was well-deserved. For Ethan it ranked near the top of his Best Burger List, with Fernburger of New Zealand (where he apparently ate Bambi) at the top, followed by Bartley's in Cambridge, and then In and Out Burger and this one in a close tie.
We walked down by the beach and started out on the walk, stopping for beautiful views and photo opportunities. There were several different paths available, all seeming to eventually loop back to the start depending on how much time you wanted to spend. We had a lovely walk and somehow ended up for a time on a residential street, enjoying looking at the different houses built up high to overlook the water. We wended our way back to the trail and found a nice place to watch the sunset - the sun sets pretty quickly here, but it was really lovely while it lasted. We sat on a bench for a while until it got dark in order to take full advantage of an evening cruise back to Sydney. I know Dan was very close to us in our thoughts, and hopefully somewhere with us. We got back to the ferry in time for the 6:10 crossing. It was a bit breezy at first but soon the wind calmed down. We could see some stars and found the Southern Cross. We saw lots of gulls swooping and flying alongside the boat. The views were again breathtaking as we came within sight of the bridge and the city lights. Unfortunately my camera can't take pictures in the dark that do it any kind of justice, so the images will just have to remain in my head, but they are really quite amazing. We got off the ferry and somehow as soon as we got to the bus stop our bus to Coogee was there. When we got back we hung out at Ethan's with some of his roomies and Ethan and I again imbibed our favourite bevvie (goon!) as an aperitif to our dinner. Neither of us was very hungry, and by the time we started to think about eating something most places were closed, even though it was still fairly early. Ethan decided to cook himself some chicken and I said goodnight. I went back to the hostel and thought I might see what was happening there, but when I got to the reception/common area there were lots of "young'uns" watching a movie and I didn't really feel very comfortable - kind of stuck out like the proverbial sore thumb. I went to Macca's and had a cappuccino and when I got back the two girls from the other room were in my common area so after saying hello I went into my room but left the door open so I wouldn't feel so much like Crazy Grace Poole in the attic. I feel I have very little to say to these kids and I am sure they have even less to say to me, so I smile and they smile and that's that.
Ethan has class tomorrow so it is another free day for me, which probably means going into Sydney again to see my favourite places. I can't believe I am actually coming to the end of my stay, and as usual I am never really ready to go. I am so grateful that I was able to take this trip and see so much of this beautiful country. I would really love to see the plans Dan made for our trip but I am not sure where they are. I know it would have been just wonderful, as all our adventures together were. He would love the beautiful views and all the interesting places, and of course I would love more than anything to be with him.
I got over to Ethan's around 11:30 and we hung out and talked about what we might do. He had some work to finish up and was tired after working late, and for a while it just looked like we were going to stay around Coogee and not do too much. Ethan had a flash about going to Manly Beach, which is a ferry ride from Sydney Harbour. Ethan had been there before and there is a lovely long walk around the Heritage Trail that can be as short or as long as you wish. It seemed like something nice for a shortened day and that we could do at our own pace. We hopped on the Coogee to Sydney bus - I am becoming a veteran! - and made it to Circular Quay in time to buy ferry tickets. It was a bit cloudier and not as warm as originally predicted, but the sun came out and the weather was fine for our trip and for the day. We saw some glorious views once again of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, with the city in the background - I never get tired of seeing them.
Manly has a nice beach but is also an interesting town with lots of shops and restaurants. In 1788 Capt. Arthur Phillip of the Royal Navy, looking to establish a colony in New South Wales, explored around Port Jackson. During the exploration the captain was impressed by the "confidence and manly behaviour" of a group of Aboriginals in the northern area of the harbour, and in that typically clever English way, Manly Beach received its name. Henry Gilbert Smith, an English businessman living in Sydney, realised the potential for this area and was responsible for helping to create the ferry service and pier, as well as the planting of many Norfolk pines along the harbour. He bought up land and encouraged the establishment of a village, and Manly became a popular destination for short trips.
We explored around the main streets for a while, including a little street market, and then we saw a burger restaurant with a menu that looked pretty good. It had apparently been voted one of the Top 10 restaurants for 2010 so we figured we had to try it. Ethan got a Lamblicious and I got a burger with grilled barramundi, and we agreed that the honour bestowed was well-deserved. For Ethan it ranked near the top of his Best Burger List, with Fernburger of New Zealand (where he apparently ate Bambi) at the top, followed by Bartley's in Cambridge, and then In and Out Burger and this one in a close tie.
We walked down by the beach and started out on the walk, stopping for beautiful views and photo opportunities. There were several different paths available, all seeming to eventually loop back to the start depending on how much time you wanted to spend. We had a lovely walk and somehow ended up for a time on a residential street, enjoying looking at the different houses built up high to overlook the water. We wended our way back to the trail and found a nice place to watch the sunset - the sun sets pretty quickly here, but it was really lovely while it lasted. We sat on a bench for a while until it got dark in order to take full advantage of an evening cruise back to Sydney. I know Dan was very close to us in our thoughts, and hopefully somewhere with us. We got back to the ferry in time for the 6:10 crossing. It was a bit breezy at first but soon the wind calmed down. We could see some stars and found the Southern Cross. We saw lots of gulls swooping and flying alongside the boat. The views were again breathtaking as we came within sight of the bridge and the city lights. Unfortunately my camera can't take pictures in the dark that do it any kind of justice, so the images will just have to remain in my head, but they are really quite amazing. We got off the ferry and somehow as soon as we got to the bus stop our bus to Coogee was there. When we got back we hung out at Ethan's with some of his roomies and Ethan and I again imbibed our favourite bevvie (goon!) as an aperitif to our dinner. Neither of us was very hungry, and by the time we started to think about eating something most places were closed, even though it was still fairly early. Ethan decided to cook himself some chicken and I said goodnight. I went back to the hostel and thought I might see what was happening there, but when I got to the reception/common area there were lots of "young'uns" watching a movie and I didn't really feel very comfortable - kind of stuck out like the proverbial sore thumb. I went to Macca's and had a cappuccino and when I got back the two girls from the other room were in my common area so after saying hello I went into my room but left the door open so I wouldn't feel so much like Crazy Grace Poole in the attic. I feel I have very little to say to these kids and I am sure they have even less to say to me, so I smile and they smile and that's that.
Ethan has class tomorrow so it is another free day for me, which probably means going into Sydney again to see my favourite places. I can't believe I am actually coming to the end of my stay, and as usual I am never really ready to go. I am so grateful that I was able to take this trip and see so much of this beautiful country. I would really love to see the plans Dan made for our trip but I am not sure where they are. I know it would have been just wonderful, as all our adventures together were. He would love the beautiful views and all the interesting places, and of course I would love more than anything to be with him.
Monday, May 30, 2011
On the Beach and at the Palace
Much to my surprise I actually slept very well in my little cell at the hostel. I am also now opening the door like a pro - I don't think it has anything to do with anything I am actually doing at all. It just seems to work all of a sudden for some reason. My "roomies" came back at around 3-ish and I heard them a bit but it didn't really disturb me and I got back to sleep. I woke up again early in the morning but managed to go back to sleep again - a first for me on this trip. My little bunk bed is pretty comfortable and with all the pillows and duvets I have appropriated it seems to work.
I got up before the girls were awake so I could be assured of full use of the communal bathroom. After breakfast I took my laptop to McDonald's (Maccas) which is right next door and checked my mail. Then I went to reception and bought two bus tickets for Sydney and back. It was a lovely day and I really felt like going back to Sydney and enjoying my favourite places on such a beautiful day. I found that I was able to get around Sydney pretty well, at least the places I have been, and doing so much walking has helped me to be able to connect the places so I can find my way around. I went to Darling Harbour, past the Aquarium and Wildlife Centre to King Street and then to George Street. I wandered down to The Rocks, another place I very much enjoy. It is so rich with history and I like how they have managed to blend the old with the new. I crossed over to the wharf area and Circular Quay, which afforded me gorgeous views of the Harbour Bridge, a sight I could never grow tired of. As it was Saturday, there were loads of people everywhere, enjoying the weather and the scenery. I had some lunch outdoors and then walked around the Quay and the Opera House came into view - truly awe-inspiring and amazing. Even though I have taken so many photos of the bridge and opera house I find myself taking more because they are just so incredible. I walked around to the Botannic Gardens, where a sign welcomes you and tells you to walk on the grass. It is a lovely area that invites you to become part of it, and the views to the harbour were wonderful. I continued over to Government House to have a look and then decided I would get the bus back to Coogee from Circular Quay. That way I could return and grab more views.
I got back to Ethan's around 5 - he and some friends were on the balcony of the third floor so I came up. We went out and got some goon - really cheap wine (people of my generation, think Ripple or Thunderbird) - and had some on the front porch. Ethan and I took a walk up the main street of Coogee to check out all the restaurants. He was going to work that evening at The Palace, a large pub on the beach, but we needed to grab some dinner first. We ended up at a place right next to my hostel called Five-O - great food and good prices. Ethan went off to work and I went over later to hang out a bit. Coogee is a nice area and there are so many kids around in addition to everyone else that it is pretty safe. The Palace is huge with three floors. Some of the time Ethan works as a "glassie", bringing and clearing away glasses, but sometimes he does some bar tending. I have to admit it was an interesting experience to go to a bar alone and also to be amongst so may young people. There were a couple of themed parties going on but also many people just out for the evening. Ethan got me a Pure Blonde, his favourite beer, which I really liked, and I pretty much just sat and people-watched. Ethan has a couple of managers - one is pretty nice and one is a real jerk. I saw the jerk in action tonight and have to agree that Ethan's assessment was accurate.
I stayed at the pub until about 11:30 or so - it was about all I could take on my own. Ethan will most likely not be home before 3 and will want to sleep in tomorrow. We haven't yet decided what we will do tomorrow. I am trying not to think of the days dwindling down, especially as I know I have given myself this gift of these extra days with Ethan, and they are really precious. It is wonderful to be able to see where he lives, who his friends are, and what he does, so that I can imagine him here when I leave.
I got up before the girls were awake so I could be assured of full use of the communal bathroom. After breakfast I took my laptop to McDonald's (Maccas) which is right next door and checked my mail. Then I went to reception and bought two bus tickets for Sydney and back. It was a lovely day and I really felt like going back to Sydney and enjoying my favourite places on such a beautiful day. I found that I was able to get around Sydney pretty well, at least the places I have been, and doing so much walking has helped me to be able to connect the places so I can find my way around. I went to Darling Harbour, past the Aquarium and Wildlife Centre to King Street and then to George Street. I wandered down to The Rocks, another place I very much enjoy. It is so rich with history and I like how they have managed to blend the old with the new. I crossed over to the wharf area and Circular Quay, which afforded me gorgeous views of the Harbour Bridge, a sight I could never grow tired of. As it was Saturday, there were loads of people everywhere, enjoying the weather and the scenery. I had some lunch outdoors and then walked around the Quay and the Opera House came into view - truly awe-inspiring and amazing. Even though I have taken so many photos of the bridge and opera house I find myself taking more because they are just so incredible. I walked around to the Botannic Gardens, where a sign welcomes you and tells you to walk on the grass. It is a lovely area that invites you to become part of it, and the views to the harbour were wonderful. I continued over to Government House to have a look and then decided I would get the bus back to Coogee from Circular Quay. That way I could return and grab more views.
I got back to Ethan's around 5 - he and some friends were on the balcony of the third floor so I came up. We went out and got some goon - really cheap wine (people of my generation, think Ripple or Thunderbird) - and had some on the front porch. Ethan and I took a walk up the main street of Coogee to check out all the restaurants. He was going to work that evening at The Palace, a large pub on the beach, but we needed to grab some dinner first. We ended up at a place right next to my hostel called Five-O - great food and good prices. Ethan went off to work and I went over later to hang out a bit. Coogee is a nice area and there are so many kids around in addition to everyone else that it is pretty safe. The Palace is huge with three floors. Some of the time Ethan works as a "glassie", bringing and clearing away glasses, but sometimes he does some bar tending. I have to admit it was an interesting experience to go to a bar alone and also to be amongst so may young people. There were a couple of themed parties going on but also many people just out for the evening. Ethan got me a Pure Blonde, his favourite beer, which I really liked, and I pretty much just sat and people-watched. Ethan has a couple of managers - one is pretty nice and one is a real jerk. I saw the jerk in action tonight and have to agree that Ethan's assessment was accurate.
I stayed at the pub until about 11:30 or so - it was about all I could take on my own. Ethan will most likely not be home before 3 and will want to sleep in tomorrow. We haven't yet decided what we will do tomorrow. I am trying not to think of the days dwindling down, especially as I know I have given myself this gift of these extra days with Ethan, and they are really precious. It is wonderful to be able to see where he lives, who his friends are, and what he does, so that I can imagine him here when I leave.
Heading for Coogee!
I received my new suitcase last night. It turned out that they were unable to fix both suitcases, so Ed and I got two from a set. For some reason he got the larger one, so I am hoping I can fit everything into my "new" one. I got up early to have breakfast with people before they had to get on the coach for the airport. It was lovely talking with everyone - some are feeling sad about leaving but others are already focused on going home and resuming their routines. I am sure everyone wil be thinking about their next trip, especially as most of these people have traveled quite often. It has been a very good group to be with, and even though a couple have quirky personalities (as we all do!), we have really meshed and worked and played well together, and it is a bit sad to say goodbye after living together for such a long time. After talking to a few people I decided to take some good advice and get another small duffel so I won't have to worry about my suitcase being overstuffed.
Back in the lobby I hugged everyone and then got on the bus for a final goodbye. Just before I got onto the bus Roxy gave me a hug - we are making plans to have lunch sometime next week. I waved goodbye to the bus as it pulled off and then brought my things downstairs to store while I had a wander around. I walked to Paddy's Market, just at the edge of Chinatown. It is a huge covered area where you can find just about anything - T-shirts, jewelry, souvenirs, handbags, clothing, everything. There is also a whole section that has food, as well. I found a duffel and a few more bits, and headed back to the hotel to wait for Ethan. When he arrived we took my things and walked to Hyde Park to catch the bus to Coogee Beach. It is about a 30 minute bus ride and we passed the stadium and also Royal Randwick, the huge horseracing course. I could see that the area was pretty hilly, and can understand when Ethan says that his walk to UNSW is uphill for much of the way. We finally arrived in Coogee, which conveniently is the end of the bus line, and we walked across the street to Coogee Surfside Hostel where I checked in. There is a women's dorm that is basically a large common room with a bathroom, and there are two bunkbeds across from the bathroom. There are also two door leading to two other bedrooms, each with two bunkbeds as well. In my area the only place that was occupied was one of the bedrooms, and the other bedroom was my "private" room. I made good use of pillows and duvets from all the beds and managed to make it comfortable. It is definitely a different situation for me at this time in my life, but I think it will work just fine. The biggest problem for me initially was not being able to get the outside door open with my key - it is really temperamental and you have to keep twisting it until finally by some unexplainable miracle that doesn't seem to have anything to do with anything different you have been doing, the key magically turns and the door opens. The guy who runs the place said that everyone always thinks the keys don't work and that by the third day they don't have any problems. I would rather not wait until the third day... Ethan came with me when I went back and twice so far I have finally been able to open the door, so at least I am not imagining I will have to sleep outside. It is an Adventure, and as Ethan says, "You're only in Australia once".
Coogee looks like a nice place and the beach is beautiful. There are lots of young folks at the hostel so I am feeling just a smidge out of place, but Ethan is really sweet. He is so helpful and introduced me to his friends and it is just so nice to be with him and able to spend time together. His house is just down the block from me. I know he has school and work and also needs time with his mates, so I don't want him to feel he has to be with me every second.
After I got myself settled I went over to Ethan's and we got ready for our walk from Coogee to Bondi. It is about an hour walk with lots of up and downhill walking, but the path is paved so it is a good workout and tiring but not overly difficult. It was warm and sunny and we had a nice walk, pausing for photos of the views and sometimes to rest a bit. Parts of it reminded me a little of Cinque Terre with the up and down walking along the cliffsides. We were remembering that trip and how nice it was, and then we were remembering all the wonderful colleagues Dan had that made that trip so special for us. I felt sad to think that many of those connections will be lost.
At Bondi we watched the surfers a bit, but mostly we were starving and looking forward to having a delicious lunch at a place Ethan had been talking about called Sun Cafe. A friend had recommended it but Ethan hadn't been there yet. It seemed like it took forever to get there, and I am afraid I was just a teensy bit crabby, but in the end it was well worth it. We ate outside and it was just wonderful. When we finally got up we walked a little in the Jewish section (as it was after 4pm everything was closed for Shabbat). We went back to the main road and decided to take a taxi back to Coogee. We did our laundry and went shopping for some food for both of us. Ethan has a field trip tomorrow so he needed to have a lunch to take with him. We hung out at his house and watched some movies and then as I knew he needed to get up early for his field trip I left him at around 11:30.
Back at the hostel I found a couple of my "roomies" getting dressed up ready to go out. When I go into my room the door locks behind me, so it is a bit like being in a cell, but it feels private and hopefully will be quiet. It's an Adventure!
Back in the lobby I hugged everyone and then got on the bus for a final goodbye. Just before I got onto the bus Roxy gave me a hug - we are making plans to have lunch sometime next week. I waved goodbye to the bus as it pulled off and then brought my things downstairs to store while I had a wander around. I walked to Paddy's Market, just at the edge of Chinatown. It is a huge covered area where you can find just about anything - T-shirts, jewelry, souvenirs, handbags, clothing, everything. There is also a whole section that has food, as well. I found a duffel and a few more bits, and headed back to the hotel to wait for Ethan. When he arrived we took my things and walked to Hyde Park to catch the bus to Coogee Beach. It is about a 30 minute bus ride and we passed the stadium and also Royal Randwick, the huge horseracing course. I could see that the area was pretty hilly, and can understand when Ethan says that his walk to UNSW is uphill for much of the way. We finally arrived in Coogee, which conveniently is the end of the bus line, and we walked across the street to Coogee Surfside Hostel where I checked in. There is a women's dorm that is basically a large common room with a bathroom, and there are two bunkbeds across from the bathroom. There are also two door leading to two other bedrooms, each with two bunkbeds as well. In my area the only place that was occupied was one of the bedrooms, and the other bedroom was my "private" room. I made good use of pillows and duvets from all the beds and managed to make it comfortable. It is definitely a different situation for me at this time in my life, but I think it will work just fine. The biggest problem for me initially was not being able to get the outside door open with my key - it is really temperamental and you have to keep twisting it until finally by some unexplainable miracle that doesn't seem to have anything to do with anything different you have been doing, the key magically turns and the door opens. The guy who runs the place said that everyone always thinks the keys don't work and that by the third day they don't have any problems. I would rather not wait until the third day... Ethan came with me when I went back and twice so far I have finally been able to open the door, so at least I am not imagining I will have to sleep outside. It is an Adventure, and as Ethan says, "You're only in Australia once".
Coogee looks like a nice place and the beach is beautiful. There are lots of young folks at the hostel so I am feeling just a smidge out of place, but Ethan is really sweet. He is so helpful and introduced me to his friends and it is just so nice to be with him and able to spend time together. His house is just down the block from me. I know he has school and work and also needs time with his mates, so I don't want him to feel he has to be with me every second.
After I got myself settled I went over to Ethan's and we got ready for our walk from Coogee to Bondi. It is about an hour walk with lots of up and downhill walking, but the path is paved so it is a good workout and tiring but not overly difficult. It was warm and sunny and we had a nice walk, pausing for photos of the views and sometimes to rest a bit. Parts of it reminded me a little of Cinque Terre with the up and down walking along the cliffsides. We were remembering that trip and how nice it was, and then we were remembering all the wonderful colleagues Dan had that made that trip so special for us. I felt sad to think that many of those connections will be lost.
At Bondi we watched the surfers a bit, but mostly we were starving and looking forward to having a delicious lunch at a place Ethan had been talking about called Sun Cafe. A friend had recommended it but Ethan hadn't been there yet. It seemed like it took forever to get there, and I am afraid I was just a teensy bit crabby, but in the end it was well worth it. We ate outside and it was just wonderful. When we finally got up we walked a little in the Jewish section (as it was after 4pm everything was closed for Shabbat). We went back to the main road and decided to take a taxi back to Coogee. We did our laundry and went shopping for some food for both of us. Ethan has a field trip tomorrow so he needed to have a lunch to take with him. We hung out at his house and watched some movies and then as I knew he needed to get up early for his field trip I left him at around 11:30.
Back at the hostel I found a couple of my "roomies" getting dressed up ready to go out. When I go into my room the door locks behind me, so it is a bit like being in a cell, but it feels private and hopefully will be quiet. It's an Adventure!
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