We were pretty excited about arriving in Australia. Asia and Africa were incredible, but it’s nice to be in a country where some people understand me! I was particularly looking forward to hot showers, toilets with proper plumbing systems, food that is either sweet or savoury and not a weird mixture of both, cheese, having a bed which isn’t in a dorm room, being able to cook. Oh and wine. We must have looked like we missed wine, as our Qantas cabin steward gave us several mini bottles at once!

We landed at 6 am and went straight to the hostel, but the dorm was full and we couldn’t get our beds until 2pm. So we went to have a snooze in the park!

Once we had got over the red-eye flight we headed to Bondi Beach. It’s really small and really, really busy!! We did spot my brothers heroes though – the Bondi Beach Rescue team! We then walked along the coast to Coogee Bay, passing through a Sculptures by the Sea Exhibition. In the evening we went to Darling Harbour, where they have an amazing fireworks display every Saturday night.

Bondi Beach

Boardwalk to Coogee

A frying pan

Sculpture by the Sea

The following day we hit the sites – the Botanic Gardens, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. We then sat in the sun and had a farewell drink. After six amazing months of travelling together, we are heading our separate ways. Graham is heading south the Melbourne to play Frisbee, do some coding, hang out with friends and find a church. I am going north to Brisbane to stay with family, find a job, go to the beach and play some sport. I was very lucky to find such a great travel buddy, but now it’s time for a solo adventure.

So long, farewell..

The Opera House

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Tourist…

The following morning Graham headed to the airport and I spent the day on Manly beach. In the evening I caught up with an old school friend, Ben. It was so nice to see a face from home!

Manly Beach

I then caught the bus up the coast, stopping for a couple of days in Coffs Harbour. Coffs is a sleepy little town, with a nice beach. Most people in the hostel were long term residents, and were there to pick blueberries. I quickly realised that six months of travel have taken their toll and I needed a break from messy, dirty dorm rooms with squeaky bunk beds! I hopped back on the Greyhound and carried on up to Brisbane.

Coffs Harbour

I was met at the bus stop by my cousin Laura and her husband Carl. I’m going to be staying with them and their lovely dog Kenny for the next few months. It’s so nice to be in a house!