Sidney and more

This is my first communication from Australia.  I wrote it by hand and mailed it.  Later I learned they have many internet spots, cafes, etc. 

August 10, 1998

Hello Mates:

Seems like a long time since I left the US, but it was only the 5^th.  In those 5 days I’ve covered a lot of ground—about 1,500 if I am converting kilometers to miles correctly.

The morning I arrived in Sidney (after a 14+hour flight)…sitting in a space /  / this wide.  I found a place to stay and then “hopped” (they always say “hop” or “jump”) on a city bus and went to the harbor.  Saw the Opera House; Botanical Garden; “The Rocks” and took an hour ferry ride.  Good timing too because it was cool and overcast—next day it was cold and blowing rain.

Went right to a Travel Agent and bought a bus pass.  It’s definitely the most economical travel, but not necessarily the most comfortable.  There is no ‘one’ train (there’s several, depending on what territory you’re in)  It’s not cheap—no good pass deals.  You have to go to the train station to do business.  I will do some train travel as soon as I survive this bus tour.

My ticket covers—leave Sidney all the way up the Queensland coast as far as Cairns—across into the outback from Townsville to Mt. Isa and Tennant Creek.  Then either up to Darwin and Kakadu or down to Alice Springs—Uluru.  Haven’t nailed down that section of my trip.  I can get on/off whenever and wherever on this route—stay as long as I want—definitely my kind of travel.  The only thing I’ve run into is little (to no) help finding accommodations.  So will have to start calling ahead for reservation.

I’ve taken 12 hr. bus rides—all through the night.  They have become better in service, stops for “tea” and driver courtesy, I’m glad to say.  Even more real terminals and not just dumped off at some Shell station!  The seats are even closer than economy class on flights.  Usually after leaving big cities, you can have the whole seat to yourself.

I am in Airlie Beach just south of Townsville.  It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.  When the bus turned by the harbor full of sailboats and such, with the sun coming up, it was breathtaking.  I stumbled around pulling and toting bags trying to find a place to stay—actually found a great place just around the corner.  Reasonable, clean, view of the beach and refrigerator, sink and hot plate.  I’ve already gone to the grocery!  It’s the gateway to Whitsundy Islands—boats going to all the islands; snorkeling, walks..  Think I’ll stay awhile.  I’ve already found an ‘internet centre’ here—it seems to be a thriving new business, so those of you who email, I hope to hear from you.  My 800 number will not work.  They have prepaid phone cards that go into the phone and show you how much money you have and tick off as you talk so you know the cost of your calls.  Only thing is—you must find these phones on the street.

From the cold in Sidney to cool and sunny in Brisbane.  It’s pleasant, warm and sunny here.  So far the clothes I packed are working out and the luggage is mostly manageable.  I am getting a good rate on the US dollar (almost +40 cents) tho some of their prices are high.

I think that’s all for this time.  Love and best wishes to all,  Lydia