March 2 - Arrival

When I awoke for the last time, we were only two hours from arrival. The pre-arrival anxieties stirred me into action. I rushed to the lav to brush my teeth with the Qantas toothbrush and toothpaste, readjusted my compression socks, took a couple of laps around the economy section and sat back down to go over the travel books I'd brought to make sure we could navigate from the hotel..... Fast forward (FF) -- plane lands, customs cleared -- are all custom agents required to be of sour disposition because they want to maintain professional distance and intimidate you into confessing you ARE bringing in those airplane issue salty nuts into their country or are they grim and humourless (note aussie spelling) because it's just a crappy boring job? Bags picked up.

Transport via Airport Link train executed flawlessly...slowly and with a measure of uncertainty, but flawlessly. FF -- made it to Sydnet Central Business District (CBD) via the train and came out of the subway we were a mere 2 - 8 blocks from our hotel depending on which direction we took. We made it in about 4.5 blocks.

FF -- The best thing about our accommodation was that the Travelodge let us check into our room at 9:30 in the morning. This place is a solid three star facility which suits our needs fine but other parties I know might find fault with it. It jsut lacks the amenities one gets used to like an ice bucket, shower soap, hand towels and wash cloths. But hey, it's got a mini fridge and a microwave and a full set of dishes and silverware. The biggest disappointment was the lack of internet connectivity...no wireless or hardwire access. C'est la vie.