Australia travel and day in Sydney!

Its quite amazing... No matter how often you travel, you still are at risk for "rookie mistakes."  In this trip's case, I think it means one of two things:  a) it has been far to long since I have done international travel, or b) I have been so busy at home, that I haven't been paying attention to details. 

This trip has so far had three mistakes:

1) when initially booking my trip, I was still debating if I would bring my niece with me.  Eventually i decided 'yes,' but I watched the flight prices go up and up at up.  At the end of the day, I had to cancel and rebook. 

2) after that rebooking, I re looked at my rental van situation.  I discovered the company only had poor reviews on travel sites, and also discovered that with the new flight times, I wouldn't be able to drop the van at the depot, as it would be open to close to my return flight time, they are closed the day prior to my departure (it's a public holiday), and they don't allow after hours drop off.  Rookie mistake: not reading fine print & reviews before booking. 

3) I booked a domestic flight to Brisbane, in order to see friends and see more of OZ.  The international date line is my excuse, and I booked a day later then intended.  Rookie mistake:  check check and recheck your bookings if you are on a tight schedule. 

It's super frustrating, but at least I am teaching makayla how not to travel, and the importance of keeping chill when faced with changing circumstances.  

Why is it that traveling In Malawi seems way easier than traveling in Australia!?!?

At any rate, yesterday was great. 

Got to Sydney after smooth flights through Tokyo, with Kirsten waiting for us after passing through customs.  Sydney airport is a madhouse.  Went back to her place, grabbed showers, breakfast at a super yum cafe. 

We then took the train into the ferry ad hopped on the harbour ferry to Manley beach.  Anytime ferries are part of public transit, it makes me happy!

Met up with a long time Payne-family friend, Kristina, who lives down here with her husband.  We went for more delicious food, then to the beach for some sand sitting, people watching, and open water swimming!  I loved that!  My first  open water swim of the year with baby sting rays and tropical fish, meters of visibility, and in a bikini!

It was, however, raining.  It caused us my to be able to walk through the Sydney botanical gardens, but otherwise, no big deal!  The rest of the day consisted of happy hour pale ales in Manley, yummy Thai dinner, gelato dessert and great company!

Back to Kirsten's place for a 10pm bedtime (I fell asleep in the car... But felt proud of making it through the first day without a nap), and up early "for our flight"

We are still in the airport, but only have another 1.5hrs before departure.  Then, Brisbane!  Wee :)