I Have Arrived...March 29, 2008

I've traveled 7,408 miles and alas I am in Sydney! The journey began with 4 suitcases (I packed well!) in my comfy Palo Alto apartment, continued in the SFO airport to LAX where I got to meet up with Dina for dinner! I tried to get her to come in my suitcase. :-)

I then enjoyed a 16+ hour plane ride to Sydney. Luckily I had half a row of seats to myself and could stretch out ever so slightly. I quickly fell asleep after dinner at about 12:30pm and woke up 10 hours later! Time flies when you're sleeping.

After picking up my bags and lugging them to customs, I of course had an issue with my Visa. They had recorded my birthdate incorrectly and I had to wait for immigration to clear me. No dramas though (some of my new Australian slang). I proceeded through to the customs checkpoint where I caused even more problems. Beef jerky! Don't bring it to Australia because it is not allowed.

After skating through customs, handing over my beef jerky and exchanging some currency, we were on our way. Karina, one of the friendliest and most enthusiastic people I've ever met was there to greet us outside of customs. I thought I had packed well with my 2 checked suitcases and 2 carry-ons, but apparently I am one of the heaviest packers Karina has ever seen. :-) We used some acrobatics to cram my suitcases as well as the other US Ambassadors bags into her car and were on our way. But not before trying to get into the car from the wrong side.

Pre-Hotel Lessons:

Lesson 1: Do not bring beef jerky to Australia.
Lesson 2: Pack light! Even if you think you have, you haven't.
Lesson 3: Australians drive on the other side of the road and walk on the other side of the sidewalk.

We arrived at the hotel and dropped off our bags. Here is a glimpse of my new home for the next 3 months. Yes, there is a kangaroo on my bed. :-)


Then our trek in the city began. We walked all over...probably 10+ miles, which leads me to lesson 4...

Lesson 4: Do not wear flip flops when touring the entire city of Sydney.

We successfully stayed awake until midnight or so before crashing after several days of traveling.

G'Night...