As usual it’s a bit of a scramble leaving work. I’m having one day off, one day.......
The airport Express is standing room only; with it being a 20 minute trip that’s aok.
The lines at security are the longest I’ve experienced in a while. I have two loud talking ladies basically on top of me the whole line. Grrrrrr.
It’s straight to the Qantas lounge I head. Aperol Spritz grazie.
I decide to change before leaving the lounge. The flight hasn’t been announced yet but I decide to leave. On the way to the gate stopping at duty free helps to pass some time.
The one time I can go down the first / business Air Bridge it’s not open. Buggar. Hey ho.
Walking on board it’s hot - the a/c hasn’t quite kicked in. Yes thanks, a glass of champagne and sparkling water. Yes please to the pj’s.
We pull back from the gate at 7.33pm, 3 minutes behind schedule. Better than expected given we didn’t start boarding to just after 7pm.
The captain’s announcement at 5.30am wakes me - definitely more sleep is needed! He informs us it’s 8 degrees, brrrrrr but warmer than I had expected. It’s going to be a huge shock to the system!!
We land into dark Sydney at 6.05am (4.05am HK time), an hour ahead of schedule on Friday 31 May.
As soon as we park at the gate we are informed we need to remain in our seats as quarantine need to come on board. First this has happened to me (that I recall). A few minutes later we are given the all clear to depart. As I walk up the gangplank the cold air hits me. Brrrrrrr.
Getting through the airport is nice and easy, helps having carry-on luggage only.
I decide a coffee is required before I go down to the train.
As we exit the tunnel and come up the ground level the blue sky hits me. Stunning!! A beautiful sight especially after the grey rainy skies of Hong Kong!
I have to switch lines at Central Station. Karyn had given me a train option which was awesome, however as we arrived an hour early I was now on my own in terms of the times.
I asked a super friendly train conductor - a couple of seconds later I’m informed I need to be two platforms over. Easy. He even asked if I would prefer the stairs or the lift. Stairs is aok.
I have a few minutes wait on the platform until my train arrives. As it pulls up I double check that it stops at Schofields. Yep.
My seat upstairs gives me a great view of daily life. Aah Sydney, how I miss thee. Must see how I could live here during the summer months only.
I spend the whole train journey on “operation any free WiFi” and sending Karyn updates along the way. My operation is a fail so on arrival I call Karyn.
It’s nice standing here in the sun. Helps to take the chill off.
Karyn and I have the day together before going to collect Molly and Charlie from school. With the extended family (two of the sister in laws and cousins) we have afternoon tea. So lovely!!
On arrival at Chatswood we switch to the standard train for one station before taking a taxi to collect Catherine then head to the restaurant. I’m not feeling well at all. Hopefully a case of tiredness after not sleeping much on an overnight flight (and drinking two coffees this morning before eating). I spend what seems like half the night freezing myself outside (brings back memories of putting my hand out the car window on our family holidays) while Karyn and Catherine enjoy a dinner. What I believe is the owner of the restaurant kindly makes me a tea which helps, along with plain naan bread.
Saturday morning we are up early to watch Charlie play soccer followed by Molly playing netball. It’s COLD but thankfully blue sky
Of course a supermarket shop is added in our day! I honestly could spend hours wandering down each aisle….but alas I can’t be in here the whole afternoon!
Saturday night we have a delicious roast meal at home.
It’s standing room only after a few stops in the carriage I’m in. A very different train to the one Karyn and I took on Friday night.
Matt meets me at Chatswood station where it’s super busy!! We have a couple of hours back at their place relaxing.
For dinner we head to the local RSL. Ooh how I remember these when I use to live in Sydney! This one is super flash too!!
Monday 3 June I’m up early for work. Poor wee Abi had been up in the middle of the night crying so it was a short night. We drop Abi at playgroup then Piyanut drops Matt and I at the ferry pier. Super exciting taking the ferry into Circular Quay. This is how I use to get to work every day when Karyn and I lived in Neutral Bay. The views were amazing!!
The views from the office are amazing!
For lunch I catch up with a friend from Hong Kong. Always nice to catch up with friends.
Matt and I coordinate going home together by ferry J and walk into Piyanut having cooked Thai Chicken green curry for dinner. YUM!!
Tuesday 4 June we wake to crazy rain!! GROSS!!
Like yesterday we drop Abi at the playgroup then we get dropped at the ferry. It’s still raining cats and dogs plus freezing. I definitely should have brought socks! The ferry ride thankfully isn’t as chopping as I thought it would be.
As I walk into the Qantas lounge it’s a very different place than it usually is; granted I’ve only ever been here in the mornings. One of the girls from the Sydney office is on the same flight as me so I bring her into the lounge.
Bye bye Sydney, it’s been wonderful to be back but I won’t be coming again in the winter!!! Back to the heat I go!
Arriving back into Hong Kong on Wednesday 5 June night is turning into day. I'm too early for the airport express so for the second time in 4.5 years I take a taxi home.
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