A quick stop at the International Airport

On my way back from traversing the Carlingford Line I stopped by the International Airport. In contrast to my anxiety filled departures I am always overcome with a strange feeling when I visit for fun. It’s a combination of nostalgia and anticipation for a non-existent journey.

Sydney’s landside departures area might not be as airy and modern as many other international terminals, with low ceilings that looked dated when I first flew out from it almost a quarter of a century ago, but I love that it retains that same feeling.

I wandered around the airport, browsing through several shops. I imagined that I was heading off on a trip. Looking through the WH Smith activity books and toys I felt a tinge of regret that Alex has outgrown most of these and that he was never into them much anyway, prefering his electronics.

Lunch was a katsu chicken burger from Chicken Confidential, probably the best I’ve had in a long time. I just sat and watched aircraft taking off into the brown skies or taxiing in, passengers walking past on the way to their gates. I could feel their excitement, pretend it was mine.

I realise now what has changed. Now I plot my route, look up the weather, plan and worry. Here, today, I am simply living in the moment, as I did all those years before. And I wonder if I can return to that point.

 

Mints and flowers

A tour of the Royal Australian Mint, the history of Australian coins, robots and powerful presses. More interesting than expected!

The National Museum of Australia has the Dreamworks Exhibition, sketches and maquettes, some fun computer tools and an exhilarating dragon ride.

The museum also has interesting Australiana and Alex cried at the extinction of the thylacine.

There was no bike hire shop, but we had a brief wander around Floriade, taking a shaky Ferris wheel ride.

Dinner at Dickson, back to the apartment exhausted.

Canberra Light Rail

In Canberra for a couple of days with B and Alex. The weather was miserable this afternoon and everyone was tired, so the other two returned to the hotel. I decided to ride the length of the new Canberra light rail track.

The route may not be the most scenic, but it was very pleasant just to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride between the city centre and Gungahlin, past the offices and parks of Northbourne Avenue, the racetrack and exhibition grounds and then the rows of new apartments.

There is something special about riding the rails, and I’m glad Canberra has got a commuter system at long last.

Qantas Lounge for breakfast

Made myself go through with this. It helps that the day looks lovely. Wind is invisible.

Had a little breakfast at the Qantas Business Lounge.

Rydges Sydney Airport

Another great view of the airport from the Rydges Hotel. Would love to sit here and watch the aircraft fly off, then head home tomorrow. Instead I’ve got a concert to go to in the city and then Singapore in the morning.

Top floor view

A nice view of Sydney Airport from the top floor of the Stamford Hotel. I actually drove here as I was in a rush to get here before my team video conference for which I was a little late.

Not quite time to relax yet. Have to go home tomorrow and properly pack my bag. Meanwhile B and Alex will be flying off to Singapore.

The dreaming spot

“Where do you dream of travel?” asked a survey.

I should have answered here. Gazing out over the flat waters of Botany Bay in the late afternoon light, watching the aircraft land and take-off along the runways across the bay, how can I not dream of adventures far away?