The flights from Beijing were very comfortable and the layover in Singapore, although long, was restful and pleasant due to the fact that Changi Airport is probably the nicest in the world. The decor is very appealing and there are amenities readily available in all the concourses. We spent the better part of the layover resting next to a Koi pond.
On the flight to Sydney, the captain came by to offer Susan his congratulations on her retirement.
Also, shortly after leaving Singapore, we crossed the equator for the third time and re-entered the winter hemisphere.
A Major Snag
Having left China at a few minutes past midnight, we arrived in Sydney at around 6:30 pm the next evening. After clearing immigration and customs, the transfer to the hotel was there as appointed and we arrived at the hotel at about 8 pm, ready to settle in for a restful evening.
Then it happened.
The receptionist informed us that there was no record of a reservation for us and on top of that, most hotels in the area were fully booked due to a series of rugby matches being played in the city.
If you have ever had something like this happen to you, you know exactly how deflating it can be. When you are halfway around the world from home and it happens, the sinking feeling you get is nearly indescribable. One minute you're looking forward to some long-awaited rest and the next, you have no inkling of where you're going to spend the night.
The boys were very stoic about it and showed more patience than I knew they had. It took some time and several calls to, from and between the hotel and the tour company but we finally secured some lodging and were transported to it.
Sydney
Well, we did have a good night's sleep following the harrowing evening before and went out in the morning for a half day coach tour of the city and a lunch cruise through the harbor. Sydney is an impressive , clean looking city and is very appealing looking from all angles.
A classic view
Morning tea at Bondi Beach
Proof of Purchase shots
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