Last day in Sydney: Manly Beach + Botanic Gardens

It's Friday, and tomorrow I leave... Bittersweet I must say. The weather is lovely today and thank God cos' me and Jess decided to meet up in Central Quay with Tristan and take the Ferry to Manly. As the Ferry leaves Sydney Harbour we get the most spectacular view of Sydney. We pass the Opera House and that beautiful bridge I love, also getting a nice view of Central Sydney. After about 25 minutes we arrive at Manly. It's a sweet little place with a bunch of very cute shops. We head off towards Manly beach where many people are enjoying the beach and even a bunch of surfers are enjoying the waves in their wetsuits. After we walk around for a bit and enjoy the view we head towards the supermarket to buy some lunch. We head back in the ferry towards Sydney and go straight to the botanic gardens. This is a first for me as we were waiting for a nice day to properly enjoy the place. With the Sydney Opera house on the one side, and the sea on the other we have our hummus and bread with some lettuce and dried....something, something... delicious. Jess has to leave early for work, so Tristan and I take a stroll in the botanic gardens by ourself. It really is pretty amazing... Afterwards we go to the Opera House to get a view of the inside, but unfortunately, it is only reserved for tours. Too bad. We head back to the tube station and I say goodbye to Tristan, whom I'm probably not seeing again before I leave.

 Gary, Jess's dad, is so kind to pick me up at Pennant Hills. He's great and very chatty, like me! so no awkward silences on the way home. As we arrive home he suddenly stops the car: What if we stop by the shop first and get some beers, what d;ya think? Sounds good to me! So I have my first taste of Australian beers. Taahoo? Tahaa? Oh no, Toohey's That's the one! LOL. We sit on the terras and have a bid of a laugh until Julie, Jess's mum, get's whom, who I help getting dinner ready. We have some cheese and biscuits, traditional at the Kirckness House, and feel a bit guilty of filling up on them as Jess is throwing a dinner tonight. I go to my room for a little lye down, and when I wake up, everyone is already there: Jess, Kit, Saartje and Andy. Saartje I havent met yet. She's from Belgium, Leuven in particular, and is now studying in Sydney and planning to stay there.

After another one of Jess's delicious meals and another fun night in with the gang, Andy offers me to take me to the airport tomorrow. My hero! And I can't thank him enough, as both my bags are broken (so it would be horrible to carry them around up and down the train) and I'm not too familiar with the tube going to the airport, and if I loose my flight to Darwin I might go insane. Half an hour later the gang goes homes and we say our sad goodbye's...

The next day I wake up and get ready for the big day: Im going to Darwin! GOd...I'm getting nervous already! Chill down woman! As is traditional, we go to Granny's and Grandpa's place for breakfast. They are as sweet and generous as always. I've really started loving this couple! We watch a little of the Olympics and have a bit of a chat before we leave. We say goodbye with a big hug and hopes of seeing each other again soon. This counts for Jess's Mum and Das as well. And of course Turbo, the Dog! Thank you all for your kindness and generosity, you have really made me feel at home...Saartje, Jess and I drive to Andy's house where he's waiting to take me to the airport. It's about an hour drive and I'm nervous all the way, paranoid about arriving there to late while, frankly, there is no need to. Ones we arrive we say our goodbyes and Jess accompanies me too the Jetstar checking point in order to helo me with my bags. Of course, it's a bitter sweet goodbye, but as she is going to try to come to the northern territory in a couple of weeks, the blow isn't that hard. Love you Jess! And thank you for everything!

Today's the day...My first day of Surf!

I wake up, 6 am. Kit is getting ready for work. After about an hour Jess and I decide to wake up and get ready too. We head downstairs and prepare ourself a nice toast and tea breakfast. We head down to the nearby station and take a train to Wynyard. One stop later we're there. I give Jess a big hug and get off the train, that's where it hits me: Today's the day...My first day of Surf! As I have mentioned before, the weather is quite cold, and once again the sky is overcast. Of course, I'm a little worried about the temperature of the water, but as we're going to be wearing wetsuits I know we're going to be fine. I reach the YHA Youth Hostel where we're they are going to pick me up. About 15 mins later they arrive in a 4x4 and ones they pull over they don't look very sure about whether I'm the girl they're supposed to pick up. I'm still wearing yesterday's leather pants, boots and top.... Not the usual surf outfit I'm afraid. So I nod, they recognise the gesture and let me in the car. Immediately me and the other girl hit it of. She is fun, wild and just as crazy as I am. Her name is Cath. The other student that has decided to join us is  japanese guy named Yo, unfortunately his english isn't too advanced but the three of us manage to get along. Then there is Deano, our instructor for the day. Although he's probably in his forties, he's all you would expect of a surf instructor: funny, easy-going, and crazy as hell. After stopping for food at the local supermarket, we drive for about half an hour to our location. It's a private owned beach surrounded by dunes. And thus, our surfer adventure begins...

Step number one, swimming gear. Dean hands me an XS wetsuit. But, OH NO! It has a hole in the back, so to keep out the ater we need to put another top on top of it. After that it's time for our very first surf technique lesson. Basically he explains the following:

1. How to slide on a board
2. How to get on your board

As simple as that. Basically, you have to try and get on your board in three simple steps. Number one, put your hand under your chest and push upwards so your back is stretched and your looking up, legs on the board. Number two, you do a kind of downward facing dog yoga-like move. So basically, your as is in the air and your face is looking down. Number three, you put your back foot in front of you , then your front foot in a vertical like position, slide your hands to your sides, bend your knees, and look in front of you.

And we're off! Many off you may not believe this, but after my second try I got up on my board and manage to hold my balance. Holy s***! I'm actually doing this right!!! I must say I'm pretty proud off myself, especially after Dean tells me to go further into the sea and catch some bigger waves. 'You're ready for an intermediate class' lekker ding! Oh yes, from now on this shall be my name: Lekker ding. The only dutch expression Dean knows and that literally means 'Hot thing', and yes, thats what he calls me. LOL. After what I can only guess are about 2 hours of surfing bliss, we get out of the water and start preparing the barbecue. Although the temperature hasn't been too bad in the water, out of it it is torture. However, standing next to the barbecue we manage to warm up, even if just a little bit. Also, the jackets Dean brought us are much appreciated, as we're not taking off our wetsuits. After about 2 burgers, 5 sausages, half a baguette, some fruit and coffee, I feel ready to get into the water again. This time, I must say, I am rather sceptical about the water's temperature, as we are currently freazin' our tushy's of!!! However, all is well in the water and I am happily surprised to find it's actually a lot warmer inside the water than out. However, this time, my arms are tired and so are my legs, so my balance isn't as great as the first half of the session, which is rather unfortunate, as Dean has decided to do a photo shoot. And of course, Baywatch is the appropriate theme. LOL!

After about another 2 and a half hours we decide to head back for the City, and of course, this is when the sun decides to show up. Oh well... At least we get to warm up a little now. I take e the train back home and after a nice cosy dinner with Jess and her family I stumble into bed.

ROAD TRIP: The Blue Mountains

Never seen this much fog in my life... I get up and open the curtains, damn there's a lot of fog, and the sky is completely overcast. Normally I wouldn't mind but today it's Jess's day off and we planned on going to the Blue Mountains with her friends Tristan and Michael, whom i've both grown very fond of I must say. Luckily, by the time Michael gets to the house (After I stand in one of Turbo's, the dog, turds, good morning Sydney!) and pick Tristan up at his house, the fog has started fading and so have the clouds. And thus starts the Road Trip!!!

We listen to the Spice girls, Disney songs and other 90' hits while screaming at the top of our longs (Jess: OMG it's 'a whole new world'! Let's do a duet!). We arrive at a place called Katoomba after about an hour and a half drive. We decide to take a ticket that includes a cable ride, several sightseeing walks and a sort of roller coaster ride. It is beautiful... We get to see an incredible view of the blue mountain's valley and of the 'Three Sisters' (a group of small mountains. Legend has it that three sisters from a local tribe fell in love with three rival tribe members. So their magic man froze them in stone in order to protect them. However, before being able to release them from their curse, he lost his powers, and therefore, the three sisters remain frozen in stone). Then we stop for a quick bite to eat in a small cafe neer Katoomba. I must say, the most delicious gnocci I've ever tasted.

After Katoomba, we head off to this little village, also in the blue Mountains, called Leura. It is deliciously Vintage, with an old lollipop shop where Jess makes me try my first 'Red back', or something like that, anyway, a christmas shop that opens the entire year, a toy store and a vintage dress shop.

Last but not least, we end up at a place called Wentworth Falls were we go for a nature walk. OMG! Again, we get an incredible view of one of the Blue Mountains valley. Then we head off to the waterfalls all the way down the path. After me and Tristan have our little 'Blue Lagoon' moment. They too, are amazing. The biggest one of them has a sort of pond at the end of it where people sometimes go to swim. I must say, the way back up the track is a little more intimidating. But in the end, to my surprise, I make it back in one piece like the rest of the group.

After a quick stop at Mc Donalds for ome french fries we arrive home. After a very short siesta me and Jess start getting ready for 'The Shins' after party. Apparently, there some kind of famous band Jess really likes so we definitely didn't want to miss it.  Al, Jess' s friends, is so kind to pick us up at the tube station, and parks at King's Cross parking. Apparently, this is the dodgy part of Sydney, but also the place where everyone goes clubbing. We get to the club, called 'The Back Room, and Al has managed to put us on the list. After a couple of Indie bands, the lead singer of the group enters the room. After a couple of more minutes we leave and although Al offers us him home to stay in we decide to stay at Kit's house, one of Jess's best friends. Because of the cold, yes, it's winter in Sydney and thus, FREAKIN' FREAZING!, we end up, the three of us sleeping in the same bed. Well, at least it's warm... and cosy, lol.

Shopping + Gelato :D

Today it's kinda gloomy again, but no worries I have the perfect plan: SHOPPING! Yes, I know, not a conventional sightseeing activity but its cold and wet and I need a dress for the Army officers Ball. George's arm candy... hmmm, definitely need to look my best. We go to a nearby shopping centre where we start our hunt for the perfect dress. In other words, cheap yet elegant. George, this is all your fault! So after a couple of hours budget scouting, still nothing. However, Jess takes me to this lovely Chocolaterie called Max Brennar something, where we had some delicious chocolate milk (Jess dark, mine white) Jummy. After another half an hour we get to this shop, kinda an australian version of a small Selfridges, and we find the Pilgrim collection. And they have sales, YES! So after a longs day search we finally find the perfect dress (the details shall be revealed to you by the 10th of August, lol). So, after a quiet day of shopping we head back home where I have a much needed rest. Damn you jet lag! After Jess gets back from work, her lovely friend Andy suggests for us to go with him to a lovely italian place here in Sydney at a place the locals call 'Little Italy' in order to get some pasta and gelato. We drive to it in Andy's car while listening to Australian Indy bands all the way. It's a cosy little place with 'Godfather' pictures on the wall. We have our food, great laughs and then some awsome gelato. Berry yogurt, mmmmmmm... All together a fun dinner out with friends, simply a great time!

Kangaroo's - Central Sydney... I'm in Love!

Day 2: Australian Wildlife

I wake up... Almost instantly I'm greeted by the sounds of the garden. Birds chirping, I suppose, but they are sounds I have never heard before in my life. Fascinating, finally something different... I go to the kitchen and realise that unfortunatly once again the sky is overcast. Oooh well. After a lovely breakfast with Jess and her mum, Jess proposes to go and see the Featherdale Wildlife Park, where one can marvel at Australia's local wildlife. Translation: kangaroo's. YES! So we did. After about an half an hour drive we arrive to this wonderful park. First thing that shocks me are the massive birds. I'm even more shocked when Jess informs me that, unlike any other regular zoo where most animals are rare and mostly from other countries, all these animals live in Australia and that they all run around happily in the wild. Holy s***! You mean to tell me that those horrible birds with the intimidating black beaks simply fly around the Outback??? You me an the withe Ibis? Those fly around my Uni all the time! OMG... Some animals are beautiful, such as kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, the baby dingos etc. Others, such as some of the reptiles (including the worlds most deadly snake), some of the birds and the crocs, I find far more intimidating...

Day three: The City

YES! FInally some nice weather. Today we head out for Sydney City's Centre. We decide to park the car at Pennant Hills Library and take the train from there. After about an half an hour train ride and another 5 minute tube ride via Wynyard station we arrive at the City Centre. OMG... It exceeds ALL my expectations! The beautiful white Opera House, the blue water surrounding it, the trees and grass that pop up here and there and the Sydney bridge.... What can I say about the bridge... Simply magnificent. After the sightseeing Jess takes me to this famous Pancake place called: Pancake's on the Rocks where we become, what we can only describe as absolute PIGS! Not only do we order to massive pancakes (one banana, one chocolate-strawberrie), but we also order a plate of vegetarian nachos....My.pants. are. about. to. burst....Must. undo.button... After that it's of to work for Jess so I decide to take a stroll through Australia's Contemporary Art Museum. See dad? I also do cultural stuff.

To be perfectly honest, I'm not a a modern art kinda gal' really. So, although there are some pieces I can appreciate, other simply creep me out. Lol. Although there is one thing that took my breath away entirely: the Sydney Harbour view from the Museum's terrace.

Ten I decide to have a look at the Discovery Museum just  around the block from the Museum of COntemporary Art. It explains how this particular part of the City called 'The Rocks' was created. Very informative. Then, a Tourist information centre caught my eye. Inside, it is filled with helpful brochures about Sydney and other parts of the country. I have a look at the City Tours and others related to the northern Territory, but one was especially interests me: LEARN TO SURF.... But that's a story for later on.....

Being that Jess's mum offered to pick me up after work, I decided it was time to head towards the tube station. Although I am officially a Sydney tue expert now. NOT! lol. Jet Lag still plays its dirty tricks on me, and it makes me fall asleep on the train. Luckily, I wake up before arriving at Pennant Hills, so in the end all is well. After a lovely lamb dinner and a Sex in the City episode in Jess's room, I'm absolutely exhausted and I decide to call it a day. 

The Trip: London --> Abu Dhabi --> Sydney

G'day everyone!

My goodness, where to start... I left for Sydney on the 19th. The day of my departure was, to say the least, emotional. I got up early and sorted out everything I needed to on time. However, some minor things still needed to be taken care of in my room. The remaining bags that Alejandra hadn't been able to take with her I left with my friend Mahfooz, who was kind enough to promise me to take care of my stuff until I returned from my trip. Saying goodbye to my best friend was a b***. After that was was sorted, I realised I still had more than 3 hours before heading off to Heathrow. So, as the day had taken an emotional toll on me, I decided to lie done for a bid and rest before my big trip. Unfortunatly, my siesta lasted longer than expected... I woke up at 4 o'clock, realising I had only about 15 mins to take my luggage downstairs (of course, the lift wasn-t working), have the manager inspect my room and hand him the keys. I took down the last of my unwanted stuff and threw it in the garbage. When I got back to the residence, I was happily surprised to see that my friend Dan was standing outside chatting with a some friends. I had made peace with the fact I wasn't going to be able to say goodbye to him, so it was really nice to see that in fact, I still could. He helped me with my bags (always the gentlemen), and accompanied me to the bus stop.

I arrived to Kings Cross tube station right on schedule, no stress, I simply got on the tube which took me right up to Heathrow Terminal 4. I arrived at the airport about 3 hours prior to departure, as the agency had recommended, and checked in my bags with no problems. Also, my visa didn't give me any trouble. Thank God... When I passed security, had a look around the airport, bought myself a wrap at Pret a Manger, and looked around for a comfortable place to spend the next 2 hours and a half. I took out my book and time, much to my surprise, flew by.

The flight boarded right on schedule (9.10 pm) and as I entered the plane I was amazed by it's luxury. Ethiad Airways sure knows how to take care of it's passengers. Having grown accustomed to low cost flights such as Ryanair, I was astonished by the plane's elegance. The classy beige seats, the individual hight-tech screens and the breath taking stewardesses with their elegant uniforms. That's when I met Vanessa. Almost instantly after sitting down we started talking. She was seated in the seat next to me, and after a rather emotional phone call with George, I felt the need to apologize. I must say the ice breaker was when she explained to me how the menu worked and she kindly informed me that, during the entire flight, there was free booze. Wanna get slouched? - Absolutely... And we were off. 

Our flight to Abu Dhabi ran smoothly. No turbulance, no delay, and we even got to catch some sleep. We had time to eat, watch a movie, and have a couple of laughs. When we landed, I realised how much all airport looks the same. Here I was, 7 and a half hours away from home and still it looked the same. We looked for a comfortable place to sit and while she was busy with here Ipad, I continued reading my book, and after a 3 and a half hour wait, we boarded our plane to Sydney.

The flight from Abu Dhabi to Sydney didn't, unfortnatly, run as smootly as the prior one. I soon realised the difference between Ethiad and Virgin Airlines. The only was to describe it is by saying that Virgin is to international flights, what Ryanair is to European travel: low cost. And it showed. On top of lack of Ethiad's elegance, we also had to put up with an hour delay. Luckily, we did get the girl next to me to switch her seats with Vanessa, so we could spent the flight together. Ones the plane took off, me and Ness got to, what we found to be, the only sensible way to survive a 13 and a half hour flight: getting drunk. And that we did. We ordered some whine with dinner and kept them coming. The more we talked about our issues, the less important they became, and the more we laughed about our problems... It was hilarious. Eventually, the wine had its inevitable effect: we both fell asleep as babies. When I woke up, the buzz had gone and the stewardess offered as a much appreciated cheese and lettuce sandwich.  Mmmmm foood. So, after watching a movie, having lunch, getting drunk, sleeping, waking up sober and a cheese sandwich, I was sure we had almost arried to our destination. Yeah, you wish! To Vanessa's and my own dissapointement, we had still almost 5 hours to go. F**k!!! So, we had some more laughs, ate some more food, watched a coupe of tv shows and read some more of my book.


We finally started our descent towards Sydney and I got my first look of Australia. As I looked outside the airplane's window I saw its magnifiscent landscape underneath us and watched in aw. It's so beautiful... When we finally landed. we got the great news that, because of our late departure in Abu Dhabi, only very few bags had been put on the plane, which basically meant we wouldn't get our bags until the next day. Crap, my make up... So we got off the plane, went through the passport check and much to our expectations, our bags didn't arrive. We took care off the necessary paperwork and said our goodbye's. Vanessa, being the sweetheart that she is, invited me over to her place and to take me to see Canberra (did I write that down wright?) where she lives with her roommates, if I had the chance to visit her. Ofcourse, George was more then welcome to come along. Your an angel Ness, Ill definatly try to come to see you.

I headed of to the train station and took a train towards Central. Much to my liking there was a train 2 minutes after a bought my ticket, so no more waiting. After that I  took the Northern line tube towards Jess's place in Pennant Hill, where Jess's mother was kindly waiting to pick me up. On the way over, I noticed the weather was quite overcast and chilly, but I had already expected that much, as I checked the weather before I left home. On my way to Jess's place, I got a glimpse at the Sydney Opera House and it finally hit me: Holy c***! I'm actually here. When I arrived to the station Jess's mum couldn't have been more welcoming. When we got to Jess's place her mum instantly made me feel at home. She made me a nice warm cup of tea which I greatly appreciated, as I was frozen after the long flight. I took a nice long hot shower, washed my hair, and since Jess was still at work, I took her mum's advice and lay down to sleep off my jedlag. You have no idea how great it is to be woken up by a friend you have missed for so long. After Jess got home and woke me up, we started chatting about everything that had happened in the last couple of months. Which was a lot. Unfortunatly, she wasn't feeling too well so we decided to have another nap, as she had arranged for her friends to come over for dinner that night.

Her friends are AMAZING! Jess was so great to make us a vegan supper composed by a vegan pizza and pasta with mushroom sauce. Absolutely deliscious. Thank you Jess!!! This culinary feast and great conversation ended with a pancakes. Can it get any better? So after the lovely dinner and ever more lovely company, my first day in Aussie land reached its end, and it was of to bed for me...