For the first time in one and three quarter years we are back at the airport and about to fly. It’s good to be back, but I do feel anxious.
Australia
Marshalling to Melbourne
Catching the Warrnambool train from Marshall Station to Melbourne in order to watch Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Because that’s what I do.
Gunna Gundagai
The Hume Highway is closed in both directions and I’ve been receiving emergency warnings for fires to the south of us.
When I walked Kita out for his business I saw fire engines racing south, lights flashing, and a police car speeding north.
The dust clouds can be seen blowing in the gusty winds under the amber lights. There was actually some rain a little earlier. Big, heavy drops that did nothing but stain the car further.
Should we evacuate? The car is packed but the roads are closed. I wonder if our journey will continue south tomorrow.
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.
Farewells said
B and Alex are off to Melbourne and I am back at the hotel. Looks like a lovely day to fly. Tomorrow not so much.
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.
