Sunday at Bondi Beach

What better way to spend a Sunday morning than at Sydney's most famous beach! After stopping off for a terrific breakfast I headed across the street and spent some time people-watching and refreshing my suntan. The water temp. was pretty chilly so only my feet got wet. (Bondi is pronounced "bond-eye").

This iconic ocean pool at the southern end of the beach is home to the Bondi Icebergs, founded in 1929. It was originally used by local surf lifesavers to keep fit during the winter months. If the water wasn't deemed cold enough, ice blocks were added.

Since, as I said before, the water temperature was pretty chilly I didn't go in for a dip here either, in fact not many people were swimming.

One can take a 3.5 km cliff top walk along the coast from Bondi to Bronte beach. The scenery enroute is fantastic. This photo is approaching Bronte beach. Shortly after my arrival, thunderstorm clouds appeared on the horizon so I hopped on the bus and headed back into the city. Got back to the lodge just as the skies opened!

A New Day in Sydney

What a difference a day of recovery can make!

After checking into The Travellers Rest (their spelling) which is one of many backpacker hostels located in Sydney I took a really long nap. I didn't even take time to do any unpacking. When I woke up hungry I ate a snack that I'd packed and then promptly went back to sleep. There will be more to say about this hostel in a future blog.

Friday morning I awoke to blue skies and lots of sunshine. The temperature in the mid-70s was ideal. After some breakfast I headed out with map in hand, though amazingly after such an absence from Sydney I recognized some of the landmarks and street names. First stop was St. Mary's Cathedral which had two towers erected in my absence! Inside I lit a votive near the statue of St. Anthony partly in thanksgiving for a safe trip over (dramatic arrival not withstanding) and the upcoming planned surgery on dad's back. From there I headed over to Macquarie street and down the hill toward the Opera House. A brief look inside the Royal Botanic Gardens afforded an encounter with a young man wearing a Minnesota Twins ball cap. I asked if he was from Minnesota. No, actually he was from Manitoba, Canada. Dennis was impressed when I asked what city in Manitoba, "most Yanks don't know to ask that, they think Manitoba is a city." I expressed delight that I wasn't like most Yanks. We chatted a bit and I learned that he was a farmer from Brandon which is west of Winnipeg. Now traveling he was looking to do some migration farming in Australia; working on farms around the country as the seasons produced a need for harvest workers. Sounded fun and exciting for a 22 year-old but not for me, thanks. We shook hands and wished each other well.

Further through the gardens I could catch glimpses of the Opera House sails and arrived mid-morning. Took lots of photos before heading inside to the souvenir shop for a few small purchases. I decided not to take any tour of the inside as I'd done so the last time and in fact had seen a play performed there as well. Back outside and more pictures, this time of the Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay (pronounced "key") area. Next was a leisurely stroll along the waterfront of Farm Cove enroute to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair. Since it was the noon hour the path was very busy with workers out for a jog or run.

Sensing that blisters were forming on my feet I opted to jump on the Sydney Explorer red bus and purchased a 24 hour pass. The route takes one through various parts of the city and points out interesting sights. One can get off, see a sight and get back on the bus. This I did for the remainder of the day and eventually got off and took the city bus right back to where I was staying in King's Cross (the pass is good on city buses as well). I tended to my blisters and had an otherwise non-eventful rest of the night.

Enroute to Tokyo, then Sydney and an Infamous Arrival

Business class on American Airlines seemed nice enough to me. I was also fortunate enough to have a guy who turned out to be a terrific seat mate for the 13+ hour flight. When the champagne was poured Jon was the first to raise his glass towards me and offer a "cheers". That was both classy and sweet. His appearance reminded me of the actor Brendan Fraser and when I pointed this out to Jon he added, "yeah, with about 30 extra pounds."

We watched our progress across the Rockies displayed on the monitor in front of us and chatted much. It's always fun to meet someone and feel an immediate connection. The fact that we both shared the same sexual orientation became evident to each other and that strengthened the bond as well. He has a partner of four years and I congratulated him on that accomplishment. He was traveling to Hong Kong on business, something he does twice a year. The business class on AA he likened to premium economy at best on most of the Asian carriers. I had insufficient information thus far based on my travels but agreed that most Asian carriers always earn high marks for their service. I was looking forward to gaining more experience.

The meal service began and by the time we were offered choices of entrees the selection was limited. American works from the rear of the aircraft to the front on odd numbered flights; we were sitting in the front. Still, my selection remained available: seasonal garden greens, garlic ginger beef with mushrooms, mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Wine too. There was more than I could eat so I left some. Later, Bridgette our flight attendant asked me about dessert. "You probably noticed I didn't clean my dinner plate," I pointed out. "I noticed nothing of the sort, " she replied. I had some ice cream. There's plenty of time on a long-haul flight for conversation, food and watching several full-length movies. I watched two. Then there was the need for some sleep. The seat reclined a great deal but it was not 180 degrees lie-flat, more like 150 degrees. I was disappointed by that.

Before long (so I must have slept) we were being told of our approach to Japan. The monitor confirmed this and showed us gliding over the north island. I'd noted our cruise altitude was 38,000 feet and airspeed around 520 mph. Made good time for sure. Looking out the window after having opened the shades I saw a cloudy day but as we approached Narita airport, Mt. Fuji appeared from behind a cloud bank. We landed on schedule.

Jon and I headed for the Admirals Club which he said had been completely renovated and enlarged. His flight would depart before mine. We both got something to drink; wine for him and diet coke for me. Checked emails, etc. using the wifi access provided. His name was called -- final boarding for his flight and after a hug good-bye we parted company. Emails had of course already been exchanged mid-flight.

I had found upon arrival at NRT that the Qantas desk wasn't open so I had to go back after awhile to check in. I would have needed to depart the Club anyway as it closed at 7:30 p.m. and my flight didn't depart until 8:30 p.m. So I packed up and headed out.

The Qantas representative advised me that my assigned seat didn't exist, perhaps due to a different aircraft (Boeing 747-400 nevertheless). I asked about business class being available and she said it was not (I'd had to downgrade to economy for this segment to get on the flight but kept my fingers-crossed to the bitter end). A new seat was offered and I ended up in 70J, an aisle seat nearly at the back of the plane. The young guy seated at the window (there were only two seats at this point of the aircraft) offered to switch and I took him up on it advising that I really just intended to sleep my way to Sydney.

After an on-time departure, the ear plugs went in and the eye-mask on as I attempted to get some sleep. It was fitful at best but somehow the next thing I noted was an announcement for breakfast. I was hungry, in fact I'd been feeling rather faint; seriously faint. The food arrived and the coffee too -- so did the turbulence. It was pretty rough and after a minute the captain ordered everyone to be seated and buckle up. The tail section of any plane doesn't ride out turbulence very well, at least from a passengers point of view. After watching most of my coffee slosh out and onto the tray I decided to cover the cup with a napkin which in the end was soaked. The turbulence finally ended after we changed altitude. I took one look at the breakfast entree and opted out of eating. Again I felt light-headed; enough to alert the flight attendant when he collected the tray. "You might need a shot of oxygen which we can provide. Sometimes we feel the same after a long flight so just ask," he calmly said.

By the time we landed and taxied to the gate I felt positively awful. I'd been essentially awake for over 33 hours. Fortunately my alcohol intake was minimal the whole time. As people left the aircraft the flight attendant came over to me with the oxygen bottle. I took a hit though the mask made me feel closed-in. Several others came over and the lead attendant started asking me questions and for my passport. I had to ask for a barf bag and then had to use it. It was actually rather a funny sight: this guy in the back of the plane surrounded by a group of five male flight attendants barfing what little contents of his stomach there remained. At one point the thought of being "rescued" by Aussie life savers crossed my mind ... hehe. Too bad it wasn't a good photo-op.

Although feeling a tad better, I was told that my departure off the aircraft would be via aisle chair and then wheel chair. I agreed I didn't have the strength to make the trip any other way. Having loaded up my stuff we headed forward in the long 747 cabin. At the doorway I thanked everyone as I was handed off to the gate agents. The journey continued to immigration and customs and it was a very long journey indeed, like OMG!! No doubt I looked horrible so everyone took pity and passed me through until they noticed I'd declared foodstuffs. Full stop. Main suitcase was opened (by me) and the Jolly Time microwave popcorn packets were removed and confiscated.

Next stop was the airport doctor's office which Qantas staff required lest I be taken to hospital! I agreed. Checked in and saw the doctor. Blood sugar levels were low and blood pressure was low. I was exhausted. He offered some of his own personal banana bread. I tried it but couldn't get much down as I felt nausea. Next came a small bottle of green colored glucose which was cold and tasted awful but I had to drink completely. I did. I got an anti-nausea shot in the arm. I took a nap for nearly a hour later I awoke. The doctor advised me that I should go to the hospital. I suggested taking a cab to where I was staying. He agreed but only if I could sit upright for a short while in his presence. I did.

The bill came to $130 Australian dollars! Then the wheel chair returned and off to the taxi stand I went. The outside temperature was rather warm, the skies blue and the sun was shining. Wow, what a way to return to Sydney!

Day of Departure

Sitting in the Admirals Club of American Airlines at the DFW airport isn't half bad.

My flight departed MSP on time and a continental breakfast was served to those of us in first class. My friend Brad would be please to know that Cheerios were served (he works for General Mills). The older man seated next to me didn't eat breakfast. He was too busy playing with his iPad, well, I thought he was playing but in fact it turned out he was reading scripture lessons and there was video too, some guy in what I assumed was the Holy Land. I shouldn't be so mean in my thoughts but the guy creeped me out. Wonder what his reaction would have been if he knew he was sitting next to a gay man ... I dozed off, still very tired from the lack of sleep the night before.

The alarm didn't go off at 03:30 as planned. My sleep was on/off anyway so when I finally looked at the clock I discovered it was 04:08 and jumped out of bed. (Most heart attacks occur in the morning as a result of activity such as mine). Made the bed and jumped into the shower. The tazi would be waiting at 05:00. I had to be at the airport two hours prior to departure since I was ultimately flying international. The bag was packed and I was out the door at 05:05 as the taxi arrived out front. We're off --- and running.

The flight into DFW was uneventful until just prior to touch down. Suddenly one could feel engine power applied and we climbed out and away from the runway, banking to the right and circling back. Some time passed, quiet time. The captain came on and explained that he had come in "a little to high and hot" for his liking so he decided to abort the landing. As a result we might be a few minutes later than scheduled arrival. I hoped that this wasn't an omen. We landed the second time around without incident, possibly my last flight on an American Airlines MD-80 as they're scheduled to be phased out. The lay-over at DFW was enough to catch my breath, briefly. The flight to Tokyo was called for boarding and on the way back down to the gate I called my sister, Anne and received a text from my friend Matt who I presume was at work (with Delta at MSP). I replied that his text was the last official one to be received for quite some time since I'd be phone-less while traveling. (Phone messages can still be left on the home number and I can access them via the internet, but the cell phone will not be used due to associated costs). Then I called the folks to say good-bye and was in fact talking to my mother while having my boarding pass scanned and walking down the jetway to board the aircraft. I felt just like a corporate road warrior.

The doors to the American Airlines Boeing 777 were closed and we pushed back from the gate on time. Take off from DFW and it would seem that there's no turning back now.

Time Zones - A Reference Tool

To assist you with determining "my time" versus "your time" a handy website to check out can be found here. I use this a lot.

A Lot to Pull Together

The trip planning is one thing but then there's the business of getting house and yard in order as well. Lots to do. At least I don't have to worry about someone taking care of a pet (sad as it makes me to think about my little Miss Noshi the cat who has been gone two years April 16th). And then there were the usual "other things" like family functions, visitors, life in general. Many around-the-house projects have again been placed on hold.

Outdoors there was plenty to do in preparation for winter arriving sometime while I would be away. Amazingly the Indian Summer and warm temperatures prevailed. I absolutely hated having to cut back the plants in the gardens and tip the roses in front. The yews were covered in burlap and hay was mounded around other rose bushes. Even the extension cords were laid on the ground and positioned near the spruce in preparation for holiday lights -- just in case there's snow on the ground upon my return. Last year there was snow falling on October 10th! The first frosty temperatures made me feel a little better about all of this but so did the feeling of accomplishment and saying to myself, "the yard is done now forget about it!"

Accommodation Planning

As if planning the itinerary wasn't hard enough, trying to find relatively cheap places to stay is proving to be equally difficult.

Various websites were pointed out in a travel article in the New York Times which proved helpful. Among them: Air B&B, CrashPadder, Couch Surfer as well as hostel and back-packer sites. Since this is meant to be done on a frugal traveler budget the idea of staying at even a two-star hotel was dismissed. I reminded myself that I wanted to mingle with the people -- real people and they're rarely found in the posh hotels ... haha. I bought it!

Focusing on Air B&B was easy as there were lots of good listings. Still, one must do some research and a visit to Trip Advisor is always helpful. Best to learn what others think of places. CrashPadder is very similar to Air B&B though I was less inclined to use it. Couch Surfer, while an interesting concept seemed to be geared more toward the 20-something crowd needing to keep accommodations expenses to a minimum so as to have more money for drinking?

I'm working through various options, the results yet to be determined ...