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The coach drew into Sydney from the North at dawn, two thoughts hit me through my groggy haze. 1) Oh wow! That's the Sydney Opera House. 2) I can't wait to get off of this bus and not have to get on another for a long time.
On arrival at Central Station the coach unloaded and I had no clue as to where I needed to go to get to my pre-booked hostel at Kingscross or even how far away it was from Central Station. The people who had been on the coach didnt look like they might know either or didnt look like they could be asked. It was 5.30am afterall and no one sleeps very well on those night coaches. A guy turned up trying to talk us all into staying at his hostel and reluctantly he told me where I could find my hostel and what train I should get on.
Arriving at Kingscross at 6.30am on a Sunday morning was interesting and a little worrying. Interesting because it was full of clubbers from the night before along with ladies of the night patrolling the streets and worrying because I wondered where the hell I was and did I really want to stay in a hostel in this area. The hostel didnt open untill 7.30am so I found a quiet corner in a nearby McD's where I could people watch and had breakfast. The rest of the day was spent trying to buy reasonably priced clothes for work. I dont think shorts and trekking sandles would be suitable in an office. Shopping under pressure was stressfull as I had my meet and greet with the Unilever guys the following day. The rest of the week was spent wandering around Sydney, exploring and looking at rooms to rent near work in Epping. I also signed up for dragon boat lessons.... when in Rome and all that!
Whilst Helena was enjoying Byron Bay and Sydney I had rocked into Brisbane for a weeks stay. I was staying with Stacey's (met in Vietnam) boyfriend Leo is his nice apartment. I met Stacey at Kangaroo Point after she had finished work. Whlst waiting for Stacey I'd already climbed on the polished, quarried sandstone. Toproping an enjoyable route previously led by an Englishman with his American partner. They left soon after so I spent an afternoon traversing around. Stacey arrived and we headed off to Leo's place.
During my time in Brisbane I went up to the Glasshouse mountains and walked up Mount Tibrogargan. A monolith set in beautiful yet contrasting flat bushland with a few similar monoliths dotted around. The walk information board suggested allowing 2.5hrs for the round trip so I was glad to have got up early so not to be walking in the heat of the midday sun. However I was disappointed to reach the top (great views) and return back to my car in less than half the suggested time. This was to become a theme for suggested walk times in Australia.
I also visited Australia zoo as previously recommended by Helena and again I really enjoyed it. Generally I'm not a fan of zoos but this must be up there with the best in the world for most importantly the animals and also the paying customer too. They make every effort to accomodate the animals with room and activities but also attempt to challenge the animals in order to "show off" their attributes. Much better than just watching an animal slowly dig a trench whilst mindlessly patrolling the perimeter of their cage.
I spent an evening or two climbing at Kangaroo Point and also went out for a few drinks too. I was also taken for a walk, by Stacey and Leo, up Mount Warning which was enjoyable. On the ascent we met a carpet python who is thankfully not venomous and the final scramble to the top was a real sting in the tail. Unfortunately low cloud had rolled in and the views were zilch.
I'd had word that Helena had found a place to stay in Sydney and my presence was required so I hopped on the next bus and braced for another long uncomfortable overnight bus ride south.
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