Australia - Part Eight - Sydney

At the Sydney airport, Catherine and Chris were waiting in the baggage claim to collect us and we managed to pack all the bags in their car and head to the Four Seasons. VERY POSH. They took our luggage and Chris’ keys to park the car. We checked in and were teasing the young girl at reception to give us parking for free. She was very sweet (Edina) and instead upgraded each of our rooms. The room I booked six months ago is quite a nice one – king bed, harbor views – now we had a corner room with L shaped windows overlooking the harbor, the opera house, the Sydney harbor bridge – just absolutely glorious view. There’s a separate television area, and the bathroom is enormous.  Edina also let us know that our room came with Executive Lounge access – drinks, canapes, breakfast all day long – Chris upgraded his room to include lounge access so we ALL got the complete V.I.P experience!

After a quick refresh, we changed into our opera clothes and hung out at the lounge for canapes. I was expecting some crudites and small bites – but this was a full buffet with hot and cold appetizers, salads, full cheese spread, fruits and vegetables – oh my goodness, it was gorgeous! Really feeling the VIP vibes just chilling out being waited on like celebrities.

Soon it was time to leave for the opera house and we walked along the wharf and the piers taking in the sights and sounds of Sydney. There were dozens and dozens of restaurants and many upper end stores (Fendi, Pierre Cardin, etc.) so this is definitely the place to shop if you had an unlimited budget. 

It was a beautiful walk to the opera house – we gook some photos and headed in – our seats were in the first row of the balcony, dead center – we had a FABULOUS view of the show.

Miss Saigon is one of my least favorite shows – but it was a beautifully done production. The talent was amazing – wonderful singing, amazing dancing, and the guy who played the Engineer absolutely stole the show.

They have changed the show a lot since I first saw it back in the 90s – nothing earth shattering – just unfamiliar lyrics and the introduction of at least one new song to a show that was already quite long. Alot of the inside jokes about Americans were lost on the Australian audience (like when they refer to Schlitz beer)

The good thing was the show started at 6, so we were out of there by 8:30 or 9:00. We went to the opera bar – a restaurant just outside the opera house that runs along the waterfront – and had small plates (which took an eternity to arrive, but the food was good) and then we headed back to the hotel and went to sleep. Another wonderful but exhausting day.

The aboriginal flag is flying on top of the harbour bridge along with the Australian flag – there's a referendum that Australia will vote on in the next few weeks which would grant Aboriginal voices a say in laws and decisions related to Aboriginal people.

A few observations from today:

Australians acknowledge the original owners of the land – leaders past, present and emerging – on every flight, in every show, and before each television show.

Australians are incredibly polite on the road – if someone puts their signal on, you generally let them in – a lot LESS road rage and finger blasting.

Even in Australia, the majority of uber/taxi drivers are Indian or Pakistani.

MONDAY

Woke up and headed up to Lounge 32 for breakfast – another incredible spread laid out – I mean, think of everything a nice hotel serves in their breakfast bar and triple it. Cappuchino, eggs, grilled tomato, sausage, bacon, crudites, hummus, babaganoush, pastries, orange juice, carrot juice, fresh berries, muesli, pancakes and maple syrup, and on and on and on. There are days when I wish I could eat more to enjoy so many options – but just the few things I had was enough to set my stomach off. Too much food too fast. But soooo good.

Damian tried vegemite. So proud.

After breakfast Chris and Catherine checked out of their room and we jumped in the car and headed to the Blue Mountains. Stopped first at Three Sisters  Koombura and enjoyed the view (and a toilet and a diet coke). I found Rowan’s opal here, thank heavens. $30 as opposed to $560 near the opera house yesterday. From there we went to scenic park – where we rode Australia’s steepest railroad and steepest cable car and walked through the rainforest, which I absolutely loved. It was touristy and hoaky, but I loved it.

Then went to a little nearby town for a late lunch called Leura. Ate at a café next door to the mooncafe (I remember because there was no wifi) – I bought some carmelized balsamic vinegar to try when I get home. Awesome. We walked around the cute little shops in the town – Cabinet of Curiosities, Art galleries, Geekdom, Fancy chocolates, and lots of little ice cream shops.

We then returned to the hotel – where I won’t lie – my legs are killing me. I asked Damian if it was okay if we just grabbed small plates, so we went up to the club and got some food and drinks and called it a night.

TUESDAY

Damian is exhausted. It’s obvious, and I can’t say that I’m not – I offered him a day off today to rest and recover, which he accepted – and I don’t think I’ve ever been so grateful. We had a wonderful breakfast in the club (the girl remembered we had Capucinnos yesterday and brought them again today).

Honestly, it was very sweet but I’d already had three cups of coffee upstairs hoping to poop. Which finally happened, praise the heavens. We then napped and relaxed all day.

At 4:00 we went up to the club and had small plates – they had sashimi today! And more Australian tiger prawns (heads on) – the food has been incredible every day. Then it was time to meet Chris for the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb.

I’ve really been looking forward to it for this trip – but once we walked down to the meeting place, I got really really nervous. I didn’t wear my knee brace because I was afraid they wouldn’t let me climb.

When the guide (Santiago or Sante) asked if anyone was nervous, I made the mistake of raising my hand so he made me go first – with Damian and Chris right behind me. The other guy (Dan) who was terrified of heights saw that and didn’t make a peep – so he climbed at the back.

Checked in once Chris arrives and the first thing the guide does is breathalyze you to make sure you haven't been drinking.  Thankfully, Chris warned us - not that we would be drinking before climbing!  Then they said we had to remove all jewelry, including watches and fitbits!  Curses!  They even had us walk through a metal detector to prove that we weren't bringing anything that could potentially fall off our bodies and become a hazard.  (You have to have straps around your eyeglasses as well)  They wouldn't let Damian take his hat, which haunted him when we got out in the cold - and they convinced me to keep my hoodie on under the climbing gear, which haunted me in the hour of preparation we did before climbing.  I was getting dangerously close to passing out from overheating when we finally made our way out onto the bridge.   I didn't have any issues with the climb - I mean, it wasn't easy, but we did it at a nice pace and stopped for photos a few times.  Chris and Damian both had vertigo when we walked across the top of the bridge, but I didn't have any issues at all.  EXCEPT when I was coming down the ladder, I didn't realize just how close the train tracks were to the climb and a passing train nearly stopped my heart as it swished by my head.  Scared the bejesus out of me.  There were also a couple of places where you had to pass by obstacles, they were a bit tricky - moreso coming back in the dark - but we made it through injury free!  

After the climb, we had dinner with Chris at the pub across the street - we all ended up having chicken schnitzel and a pint.  We ran into our guide, who was having a celebration for one of his coworkers.  

In SO much pain after the climb – but it was worth it – the views were amazing and there’s a huge sense of achievement that I did it, even though it was pushing the limits of my knee.

Back to the hotel – slept immediately.

WEDNESDAY – last day in Sydney

Slept in a bit – went up to the club for breakfast – it feels weird to be leaving, we have loved it here so much the last few days. Stored our luggage – got on the hop on/ hop off bus – transferred from red to blue line and went to Bondi Beach. Stopped after walking the length of the beach, had a quick drink and appetizer – I took us in the wrong direction and we missed the bus. So I called an uber and got us back to the hotel via a stop at the CBRE headquarters for a quick picture. Damian was really cranky, which happens after 9 days – I know he’s exhausted – I know he misses the doggies. And to be honest, I’m pretty damn tired too – I’d love to stay, but I’m ready to go home.

We ubered back to the hotel and picked up our bags – had a wonderful conversation with Christiano (valet) from Italy while we were waiting for our ride. – the service here has been so so good - then ubered to the last night hotel – Cetadines Connect Sydney Airport – checked in and ordered delivery pizza. Then hung out in the hotel and watched television, rested up, snuggled, and just prepared for the long flights tomorrow to go home. Had some wine. Had some food. Chilled.

Damian took a nap – I worked on my journal and watched shows on my laptop. Not how I planned on finishing my trip – but we’ve done SO much and it’s been remarkable and I have ZERO regrets.

Australia - Part Seven - Melbourne

The flight was fine – about 90 minutes – and then we grabbed an Uber to the Mercure Southbank hotel.

There’s a train that will get you a lot closer and a lot cheaper, but I’m so tired and sore it seemed like a good purchase. The uber driver (Harvey) was pretty funny – he was from Malaysia but had lived in California, Texas, Oklahoma and Canada – and retired to Australia but then became an uber driver because he was bored. 

The line to check in to our room was absurdly long and there’s some sort of gaming convention going on, so there were people walking around in VERY interesting cosplay outfits. Kinda wish I could sneak over and take a peak, actually. 

Reunited with Mark and Anna for a quick bite to eat at a pub down the street  (just some bruschetta and chips) while Damian laid down for a nap.  We booked a fancy dinner cruise for tonight, and it was only about a five minute walk down to the harbor from our hotel.  We got to see a little bit of the waterway, some statues, a ridiculous number of 

expensive waterfront restaurants before boarding.

We sat down and had some wine as the other passengers were being seated and gave Mark and Anna the rundown on our trip to Tassie.  After awhile they started serving appetizers, but the boat still wasn't moving and the lights kept going on and off at random times.  Turns out they were having generator problems, which took them some time to sort out.  We did get a magnificent meal and a very short cruise - but nobody was paying attention.  There were weather guards around the tables so you had to step outside to get a good view, and we were just enjoying the company.

Having serious issues with my knee today - heard a major POP at dinner and then it was feeling a little better.  Pressure from the plane?  Not sure.

SATURDAY

Woke up early enough for some coffee before we had to meet the van for our Ocean Road day tour, which is supposed to be magical.  Really excited about it - but our perfect weather from yesterday didn't carry over and the skies were very gray and overcast, but Anna mentioned that yesterday started in the same way - so perhaps it'll clear up.

Our bus arrived at 7:55 as promised, but it wasn't the 12 person "small group" tour bus I was expecting - it was a packed 24 person "small bus" tour with only four seats left.  So we climbed in and headed out.

Our driver’s name was Ash – a full time teacher (this seems to be the norm here) and e tried to drum up some energy and excitement with the "Clap if you're from THIS country" stuff - but nobody was playing along.   WAY too early for that.  He continually offered to take photos for people, which he did, but then he'd turn the camera around and jump into an uninvited selfie.

Our first stop was a bathroom stop for tea/coffee/cakes at Torquay park on the Ocean Road.  Still quite cold and gray, we had a quick stretch and climbed back on the bus.

Next we stopped at Koala Bay, where we got to see Koalas in the wild and some absolutely AMAZING birds.   It wasn't a very long stop, so you had to choose between getting in line for the toilet or seeing the Koalas.  Shya!  No brainer!  It wasn't really "walking through the koala natural habitat" - it was more like, two koalas that lived in a tree by this roadside cafe.  But I still loved it.  (And I still want one!)

Our next stop was at the tourist archway marking the beginning of the Great Ocean Road - we took some photos and walked down to the beach. The Great Ocean Road reminds me very much of the Pacific Coast Highway in California - absolutely beautiful views, cliffs, beaches and such.  Mark and Anna had CHOICE seats by the window on the ocean side - just a fantastic view.

Midday we stopped at Apollo Bay, which is right after we passed by Donnie & Connie's motel (Mark's friend that is also staying in Melbourne).  Taking the advice of our tour guide, we grabbed lunch at Ash’s recommended place - the bakery – for their famous scallop pies. They have two types of scallop pie – the traditional scallop and leek curry pie, which I had, and the scallop and cream cheese pie, which Damian ordered. Unfortunately, when he took a big bite into it – he discovered it was actually filled with the equivalent of molten lava and burned his lip really badly. 

You wouldn’t think that lunch would be the most dangerous thing we saw today….

We then walked over and sampled the Vegemite ice cream at Dooley's down the street.  The sample was more than enough to know - this is a hard pass.

Back on the bus – we next went to the rain forest, which was the highlight of the day for me.  It was so peaceful and beautiful and diverse.  We took our time walking the trail while the rest of the bus just seemed to sprint.  WHY?  It was just glorious and I'd have gladly stayed there all day.  Big highlight, even if we weren't able to spot any of the black carnivorous slugs that live there.

From there, we went to the 12 apostles – spectacular, 45m (150ft) tall, limestone pillars that were once connected to the mainland cliffs.  The Twelve Apostles were originally named the Sow and Piglets, after the nearby Mutton Bird Island, which was known as the Sow. However, in the 1960s, the Victorian Tourist Board renamed the stacks the Twelve Apostles in order to attract more tourists.

We also saw Shipwreck Bay is named after the many ships that have wrecked on its shores over the years. The first known shipwreck in the bay was in 1827, and there have been over 50 shipwrecks in the area since then. The most famous shipwreck in Shipwreck Bay is the Loch Ard, which wrecked in 1878. The Loch Ard was a cargo ship carrying immigrants from England to Melbourne. Of the 54 people on board, only two survived: Eva Carmichael and Tom Pearce.

From there, we walked down Gibson’s steps all the way to the Ocean – Anna and I trudged down them – not going to lie, that was a mistake on a sore knee - but it was really pretty.

Back on the bus – next and last stop was dinner – Damian ordered some noodle soup for both of us while Ash drove me down to find a pharmacy to see if we could find some stuff for Damian’s burn. Of course, everything was closed except 7 eleven – so I made do with what I could find then joined Damian for dinner.

The return drive was brutal – the bus is so cramped – and the heat is burning my tennis shoes while the air conditioner is freezing the top half of me. Ash played music for everyone – wasn’t a bad playlist.  The only highlight on the drive?  Mysterious blue church of the flying spaghetti monster.  We made it back to the hotel just past 8:30 pm.

I tried to do some laundry – but the machines only take $1 coins and the reception desk doesn’t provide change. WTF?

Managed to scrounge up six between Damian and I and did a load of washing – then drying – but the clothes were still incredibly damp when they came out. I was so frustrated – I had the choice of walking down to the 7-11 and finding change or just throwing the clothes around the room to dry, and I chose the latter.

Slept like the dead – did 12,000 steps today. Impressive. And ouch.

SUNDAY

Slept in until 8:00 (Damian slept until 8:30) then showered and packed up. Caught an uber to the Melbourne airport, which was thankfully not as busy as I was expecting – so we zipped through. Mark and Anna are flying out just after we are, so we shared an uber XL and hung out having coffees and snacks waiting for the plane to board. Mark bought me breakfast and Damian a coffee. Said our goodbyes and preboarded to avoid the hoard.  

This is the third Qantas flight we’ve taken and once again it was absolutely PACKED to the gills – not a single open seat on the plane. Fortunately, it was only an hour and 15 minutes, so it wasn’t too bad – but BOY do I miss Delta.