Globechadder

As I play a bit of hooky from work, I figured, especially with touch and go internet, that I should go ahead and get this thing started so that I could share some of my experiences; it is just getting started and life is very busy, so give me time to get it up and going. Okay, I am only sort of playing hooky. I really have nothing to do and thought that typing something looked much better than browsing the few web sites that I can access. Also… something about sharing experiences and such.

Anyway, upon arrival into Sydney, I was sent through customs at a much slower rate than I had originally anticipated. Consequently, I was worried that I would miss my flight to Melbourne, which I did. No qualms, though, as I was able to catch the next flight that was only an hour out from my original; I also learned that it was at a different airport, too. I took the bus over to the correct airport and thought that I was all well off until I was not allowed through security. Evidently, the cuticle clippers that I fly with everywhere else in the world, and twice a week domestically within the States, are much too dangerous for a Sydney to Melbourne flight. I was forced to dispose of my very nice pair of clippers. This was excellent news considering that I had just finished over 24 hours of bad flight, bad due to occupational issues. I eventually just let the clippers go and decided that I would just purchase something more a travel friendly pair at a later time. Finally, I was off to Melbourne. After arriving, there is not much to tell… I landed; I took my 87 bags (thanks Nic) and acquired a taxi to take me to my hotel. Luckily in Sydney someone was able to give me the address of my hotel, else I would have been screwed (thanks again, Nic). Arriving at my hotel that is not a Hilton, I am pleased at the accommodations and the fact that I am on the 19th floor, which is the highest unless you resident here. The most beautiful thing about it is the kitchenette, complete with stove, fridge, and microwave! Even though I am fortunate enough to be on this trip through business, room service is usually not good, it is always over-priced, and sometimes you do not want to go out to get dinner or you simply do not have the time. The next couple of days do not give much to narrate. I try to get accustomed to my new position and work on some internal business documents while I adjust to the time zone change. I am lucky to average about two-three hours of sleep/naps over the next days until Friday evening. In addition, by Friday afternoon, I had met my internet quota until the following Tuesday with no option to purchase again before such time; I should note that I was not just randomly browsing and downloading. I was working, remember. Drinks were pre-arranged for this Friday; we would leave the office at 15:30 for the lounge with the contractor team (including me) and the clients. This was a good thing for various work related reasons that I will no bore you with, but I managed to get back to my hotel around 20:00. I was anticipating a change out of my suit, a one hour nap, and a night on the town (more drinks included). Instead, what I got was a change from my suit into my jeans and eleven hours of sleep with the television on. It was much needed despite my denial. As a side note, I should mention another thing about the hotel. I am given a magical six channels, three of which are sports channels and one is Sky News (think CNN HLN if you do not know).

I awaken refreshed to a rainy, gray, sluggish Saturday morning. It was just splendid. I spent the morning slowly and awkwardly catching up on email and a few other virtual errands that I had going on. By the time that I finished up, the weather was bearable (wet and around 12 degrees), so I went out for a stroll around the city. I was very quick to find the upscale shopping, and I looked around a bit before remembering my budgets. I decided that I should just steer clear of temptation and continue meandering. Sunday was far too beautiful and I made my way to the Yarra River, where I found a park with an Indonesian cultural festival. I was able to see arts, crafts, and performances all while sampling local Indonesian food. It was a great time. I left the festival to head across the river where there was a myriad of other artistic entities, from other festivals, street performers, art booths, and street food. I let my eyes and ears do most of the work while my feet followed me. Eventually, I was anxious to head further South into the gardens. I was first greeted by the Alexander Gardens, followed by the Queens Gardens and the Kings Gardens. After taking in the fresh air, I went over to a place that was a bit more serious, the Shrine of Remembrance. This monument was erected initially for the fallen soldiers of Victoria during the first Great War. It was continued to represent the soldiers that fell during subsequent wars as well. I stayed for the hourly light ritual in the sanctuary before heading out to continue my walk. I went back towards the Gardens and wondered to the Royal Botanic Gardens; here I spent many hours. There was a vast assortment of any flora, Australian and beyond. The exhibits ranged from rain forest walks to volcanic replicas. I must say that the variety was vast and I am sure that I did not get close to completing the full tour. Oddly, of the few botanical gardens that I have visited, none include that of my home, Atlanta. After my feet began to smite me and I realized that the city was a distant view, I headed back to the Yarra and to the Southern Gate. This is just an area of shops and shopping, but provides a land bridge so that I could make my way to my hotel. Of course, before heading back, I was forced to pick up a bottle of wine to accompany a meat pie. Next, I must continue another work week whilst I determine what to do next weekend. I am in the mix of Sydney or something a bit more local to Victoria that may provide me some wildlife. Thus far, I am leaning towards Sydney and working in my taste of nature for my last weekend in Australia.