Brizzy bound

And it rained and rained some more for my final couple of days in Sydney. As Monday was my last full day in the city I got up early and decided to pack as much in despite the miserable weather. My wandering started off with a mosey around the harbour (again) to take some more pics of the opera house in daylight and walk through the botanical gardens. Was a lot slower through there than I thought but I kept getting distracted with another photo opportunity. I then headed up to the New South Wales Art Gallery to check out some of the country's artistic talent.

I then walked along Oxford Street to get the bus to where I was ultimately heading - Bondi! I remember flying over Bondi many years ago and thinking it was a shame we didn't have time to visit so it was definitely on the list this time. First I had to overcome the challenge of finding a working ATM machine after the long weekend and then somewhere to buy a bus ticket. Took me ages and half the street to complete but I got there in the end.

A short ride later and I was on the beach drawing in the sand for another photo opportunity and watching the die-hard surfers in the cold spray. The walk along the coastline to Coogee was beautiful and took way longer than expected, sidetracked by the rocks, beaches and birdlife along the way. The rain managed to hold off until I was just rounding the headland before Coogee. Another bus ride and I was in the middle of Bondi Junction to explore a few more shops to buy some last-minute bits before leaving the city the next day.

My final night was spent with two Aussie girls from my dorm who had got stranded by the ash cloud from Chile, unable to get back to Melbourne. They'd been crazy party girls all weekend, out until the early hours, but were keen to have a quiet final night before returning to work, which suited me. The hotel down the road was doing $10 steak and a beer, so we indulged on the rooftop bar with views of the light show still going on in the harbour.

Next morning, I had to track down Australia Post to send some things home so I had enough room in my bags for all my new winter things. Then it was off to the airport to catch my flight to Brisbane.

Relief as the weather is much warmer and sunnier this bit further up the coast. Couldn't take much more rain without wanting to book a flight to Fiji or further afield I don't think! It was an emotional reunion with my aunt and uncle who I haven't seen for many years. I feel closer to home somehow staying with family, particularly as my mum's sister looks so much like her. Like a home from home. Miss you Mum... (and Dad)... (and everyone else).

Very excited about the prospect of being in one place for a little while. I can unpack, have my own room and feel settled for a bit. About time too. Nice to catch up with my cousins while I'm here as well. Looks like I'm heading further up the coast for the weekend to hang out with my cousin Rodney for a few days. Might even get some diving or cycling in if I'm lucky.

Also need to sort out my trip to Melbourne while I'm here. Haven't booked any flights though hopefully I've got a couple of places to stay. I'll have to prepare myself for colder climes again!