Today was the last day in Sydney. We got up early and packed up our five suitcases and two backpacks. We happen to be carrying a large amount of presents for Ina’s Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. We read that $2 is the standard tip per bag but the porter seemed quite happy when I gave him the second $5 to make an even $10. The hotel stored our bags for us and we went out to Red Eye Records, www.redeye.com.au , which had been closed the previous day. I almost bought a copy of The Beastie Boy’s “Paul’s Boutique” but decided against it. Next we went wondering towards Darling Harbor. We passed by the large outdoor FIFA Fan Fest. All the festivities started later in the day though.
We found our way into a mall and sat in a small coffee shop. The Shop just so happened to have not one but two 5kg jars of Nutella, I was disappointed to see that they actually used a 1kg jar behind the counter.
While wondering through the mall I went into a souvenir shop. A couple items caught my eye. There were bottle openers and lighter holders with furry bases. After picking one up I realized what it was, Kangaroo scrotum. They also had pouches that supposedly bring you luck, health, and good children, I might pick one of them up.
After leaving the mall we had to walk over a pedestrian bridge under a monorail track. The monorail is pretty much a novelty way to get around a small part of Sydney, but they try and sell it to you. From the bridge we could see the Australian National Maritime Museum, www.annmn.gov.au . Ina wanted to make sure I got enough pictures of her as well from the bridge.
We had some time to kill before our lunch spot opened up. There were plenty of bike messengers out. The cars of Australia are pretty similar to those in the US. They do have some vans that look different, and there are not a ton of SUVs, what they do have is a modern El Camino. It comes in two or four door. I have seen dump beds and caps put on the back as well, most have normal pick up style beds.
For lunch we went vegan, Mother Chu’s Vegetarian Kitchen, www.motherchusvegetarian.com.au . I know some people have gluten allergies, well we ate fried gluten. The food was pretty good and some tasted a lot like chicken, I was full after the meal surprisingly. From there we went back to the Hotel to collect our bags and get on the airport shuttle. I ended up tipping the porter again for retrieving the bags, I should really figure this tipping thing out, we have been assuming 10% on meals, as the guidebook says.
We ended up at the airport about 2 hours early, Ina read as I edited the blogs that have yet to be uploaded. I decided to go buy a burger about 45 min before our flight took off. I ended up getting back to gate as the final boarding call came over the speakers. We ended up making the 1:10 flight on a 767, 2-3-2 seating. The plane was probably only 95% full. I was surprised how big a plane it was, but everyone on board seemed to be in suits. The flight was part of the cityhop or some other cute name, much like the Delta shuttle flights.
On board we got fried and salted beet chips and since it was after 5pm beer and wine was complimentary. I learned a lesson, American style lagers are the most popular beer around the world. It is highly likely that popular domestic brands wherever you are will taste like big corporate brews from anywhere else. So I have a new plan, microbrews and putting my wines knowledge to use, that and most airlines serve tonic water. I do love my quinine.
Baggage was pretty easy and we hopped in Ina’s Aunt’s SUV/Crossover, some Toyota not made in the states. We drove right through part of Melbourne and saw the primary means of public transportation, street cars. About an hour later we ended up at the aunt’s house where we were greeted by Ina’s cousins Raymond and Kevin, also Ina’s other aunt was cooking for us. It was a pretty simple meal but it definitely hit the spot. For dessert we had a cheese puff pastry. We do not eat enough pastries in the US.
I now have access to internet which means hopefully daily posts. It also means I can check my email constantly and worry about getting a rejection email from DLB. Hopefully my inbox has good news in the coming days or weeks.
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