Wow my last night abroad. Well technically it will be over the ocean and what not but ohh well. I’ll be sleeping in Atlanta time anyways so that will be good.

Didn’t sleep well again last night. Maybe it is my mind subconsciously acting to resynch to Atlanta time. But probably not. I was dead dog tired after snorkeling and what not so I got to bed around 10 with the lights on but woke up at 1:30. Somebody in the room (I suspect it was one of the two old people in the room) was breathing with this high pitched almost screaming sound. It was also hot in the room and there were periodic smoker outside. I slept in and out. As well one of the two old guys like randomly talked loudly in his sleep. It was weird.

My alarm went off at 3AM and I was awake and ready. All of my stuff had been set out so it was easy to get going. I went down and found the kitchen locked but fortunately found an employee to open it. I then ate breakfast and waited for the shuttle. It was easy enough and we arrived at the airport 50 minutes later.

I got in the Virgin Blue line, thankful for not going in the Qantas line as it was out the door with a mix of school groups and others. I got up to the counter and checked in. I requested a seat change to a window seat near the front of the plane after reading that Virgin Blue’s flights had premium economy seats at the front. The lady booked me in 3A on both flights for no extra charge.

I went through security without being second tested and wanded which Is really rare than searched the bookstore and sat down. I watched some scrubs and then got in line to board the plane. We walked through a temporary tunnel to the plane as they are constructing new gates. A lot of airports are doing major renovations it seems. The plane was a Boeing 737-800 with seats for 180. The boarding was done on the Tarmac at both the front and the back. I don’t think I have seen that much in the states.

Because Virgin Blue is a LCC, they IFE was not free. I just got out my laptop and slept for the flight. Arrived in Brisbane, found my seat, and then boarded a new plane for Sydney. This was a 737-700 which is smaller in capacity by about 40 seats. Takeoff was on time and everything was easy. I was very grateful for the increased leg room. It was really nice.

Arrived in Sydney, collected my bags, and headed to the train. It seemed familiar now but the $15 ticket still hurts. I got off at central checked into my room and dropped my bags. I then went and picked up my duffle. I prepped my daypack and went off to the city. I was gonna by some souvenirs from the Market I saw the last time I was hear but I forgot it was closed on Tuesday. Ohh well. I can’t really fit too much more in my bags anyways.

I went to the Hyde Park Barracks museum. It was good, similar to what I expected. An old lady talked to me for 20 minutes about the history of Sydney. It was a great story but very long. There was also a kids group here. It was fun to see though as the two girls leading the 20 or so kids were dressed in a pirate outfit.

Afterwards I went for a stroll down the gardens and back to the Opera House for the last time. The day was gloomy with the occasional drizzle. I then headed to see the Rocks as Mary had suggested. This is the oldest part of Sydney and was very neat. I walked through some stores and then back towards the main drag. I picked up a couple shotglasses and then headed up Pitt Street. It is only one over from George street but it looked interesting.

It was just before rush hour so there were lots of people out. I was looking for a food court or something like it and walked through a shopping plaza. Inside a guy was selling Asian meals 2 for $5. I found my dinner. That was a very small mall so I continued on and found the Sydney Central Mall. It was at least 5 stories around from the way I walked and probably a few more. There were 2 food courts and tons of shops and boutiques. I sat down and ate my dinner and watched the people go about.

I then headed back to the hostel through the full rush hour crowd and then started writing this.

I really like Sydney as a city. There are a lot of Asians but it is very mass transit and walking oriented. As well there is good history and a wonderful harbor. All in all one of the favorite cities I have been too.

I am really tired as of now. It’s amazing how the human body will function when you need it too like this morning when I needed it. But when I was on the plane all that energy disappeared. Kinda like now, I have no real goals and thus my brain is tired. I think I will got to bed early.

If your reading this on EST it might be weird as my flight leaves tomorrow morning which is still your Tuesday. I leave SYD at 9:50 Local time and arrive in Atlanta at 3:00 PM the same day. Should be smooth flying. I will take the train in tomorrow and get there plenty early to do some plane watching.

I am excited to be going home to the familiarity of my friends and family.

All the Best and Cya Soon!

-Mathias