Up at 0615 and breakfasted with the usual Weetbix and coffee, we were on the road checked out for 0730. It was only a short drive to the airport, it has rained during the night but it is fine now. We drove to the Thrifty car park where we picked the car up from, then dropped the keys off inside – they are much more laid back here about everything, there was no formality just a cheerful thanks and see you again we hope.
Final trip – 325.
There was a massive queue at the Jetstar check in – mainly Chinese people, but the bag drop only had about three people waiting, so we were soon sorted. We went through security and had a coffee while waiting for the plane to board at Gate 18. Today’s plane is an Airbus A321-231. We boarded at 0835 push back was at 0901 and wheels up at 0910. Flight time today is 2 hours 40 minutes.
We made a very tight turn immediately after take off, giving us great views of the airport and the beaches. I spent the entire flight converting the bullet points from about five days of diary to prose, so that I can update the blog. We were again given the coffee and banana muffin deal from our tickets, which was nice. This plane is also very busy, we were impressed by the flight manager who gave us a very detailed briefing abut the emergency exit because we were sitting in the exit row.
Another uneventful flight (which is good). We landed at the domestic terminal and made our way to baggage reclaim – Sue made some enquiries and found our best best would be to get the train to Circular Quay – we thought about getting a bus, but wouldn’t save any money. We bought two tickets for $17 each and went down to the platform – the train was only three minutes away and wasn’t busy at all.
As we got to Circular Quay I got some wi-fi, and there was a message waiting to say our room was ready. We checked into room 2112 on the 21st floor – Sue had spoken to a lady while we were in Melbourne and asked for a room with a bath, and that is exactly what we got – a very nice room with a bath and a shower. Up to the lounge for a coffee and to catch up with the world, to learn that Christopher’s car has packed up AGAIN! It was 0320 in the UK,by the time we got the message so too late to speak to him. We had coffee and cakes and chilled for a while. The weather is okay, but nowhere near as hot as Adelaide or Cairns.
After the coffee, we had a walk out onto Circular Quay. First stop was a cash machine, as we are both running a bit low again. Second stop was the Transit Shop, where Sue has a long chat with a chap who told her our best bet for transport tickets during our stay were the new Opal card, which are more or less the same as Oyster cards in London and Octopus cards in Hong Kong – and the credit on them is valid for ten years. Sue bought two with $25 credit on them.
Following our noses a bit we wandered up to the main shopping street in Sydney – George Street. It is quite busy as there are lots of folk leaving work but it was a pleasant stroll. As we got to Market Street, we saw the State Theatre – on the board outside it said Michael Palin was playing two nights – last night and tonight! We went to the box office and they have tickets left, so we go two. They ranged in price from $95 to $195 and we got some nice seats towards the rear of the stalls for $95. The lady said it was a 2000 seat venue and wasn’t far off sold out. The show starts at 8pm and it was about 5.15pm when we got the tickets.
Back to the hotel to shower and change, then up to the lounge for a bite to eat. I felt a bit funny as it s the first time I have worn long trousers and proper shoes since we left Japan. The food offering was very nice – pork gyoza with sauce, plus the usual salads and cold meats – we managed to put a nice meal together. There were also some nice sweets and, of course, beer, wines and spirits. It was a bit rushed but we ate and drank our fill. The lingo was very busy but the staff worked hard ot clear tables and restock the buffet.
At 7.20pm we made a move and, of course, had to wait ages for the lift. It was a bit of a fast trek back to the theatre, but we made it in plenty of time. The show was very good – the format was Michael Palin being interviewed by a Sydney radio DJ – the first half was about his early life and his travel shows, the second half was about Python and his other films like A Fish Called Wanda. The theatre is very ornate with huge lobby area and a big organ in the stalls. A very nice evening all in all.
The show finished about 10.40pm and everyone left the theatre singing “Always look on the bright side of life”. We walked back to the hotel and got sorted. We checked our tickets and realised the cricket is tomorrow – not Saturday as we originally thought !
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