My first week in Oz

The flight to Sydney was fine and not too long, so that was all good.
I landed in early morning of July 7th, when the weather was humid and chilly. What a change from Thailand!!! But at the same time it was so nice to finally find a bit of fresh air.
I stopped in a good backpacker's place in the city. The first 2 days I haven't done much cause I was a bit tired from the flight and probably needed to adapt myself at my new environment.

Once rested, I started to visit around. Sydney is a lovely city, especially the Sydney Harbour and the beaches around. The weather was good, a bit chilly but most of the time I had the chance to have a blue sky - Mr Blue Sky ;-)
I was happily surprised to find out that Ossie people are lovely and very friendly. They're very laid back and it's great to be around them cause you start to be more lenient, cool, relaxed.

I had to go and see the Sydney Harbour Bridge at first because I used to see the same everyday in Newcastle-UK. It is indeed the same, massive and beautiful! It was strange to be there and brought up some good memories. I didn't climbed it cause it was a bit pricey but I went up to one of the column of the bridge and got a very nice view. I didn't stay very long though cause it was so cold that I couldn't stand outside. It was very nice though.

At night I met up with Anthony and Kate, friends of a friend of mine back in England; lovely couple. Thanks for the drink ;-)

After ringing my friend Jean Charles who was working in a winery not far away from Melbourne, I decided to stay in Sydney for a week and then go to Melbourne and visit him for a while.

The next day I went to the Botanic Gardens and enjoy the sun and walked, walked, walked.. all day long!! It was so nice, especially this freedom that traveling and being in an new environment gives you. I watched the sunset on the Sydney Bridge from the Botanic Gardens and got a good night sleep.

The following 2 days I went to the beach. The first one was Bondi Beach. I walked all day long again. The walk around the beach is beautiful. I didn't do the whole of it but managed to walk for about 3hours.. not too bad. I actually had to stop cause my foot was hurting me. I guess Converse are not the best shoes to walk around so much..
The second beach was Mandi beach. That was also nice but a bit more busy. I've actually preferred Bondi Beach for its wild character.

I was flying on Monday night to Melbourne. So I had plenty of time to visit Sydney and walk around. I've also had loads of time to enjoy myself with glasses of wine every night with my room mates.. hihihi good nights at the Wake Up place!! Also, thanks Paul for the free cocktails night at your work. Loved it, it was awesome!

Back to Bangkok

After the great experience from Chiang Mai, Kate and I took different routes. She went to Laos and I slowly made my way back to Bangkok. I had a few days left before flying to Oz, so before Bangkok I stopped in Sukhothai - another old city. That was beautiful, as it is anywhere in Thailand..
I stayed there for 2 nights and 3 days and took the over night bus to go back to Bangkok the 3rd night.

During my first stay in Bangkok I had met in a restaurant Toy, a Thai women. She seemed very nice and lovely and told me to contact her when I'll be back cause she would love me to stay at her house.. At the first place I thought, nah! I won't stay.. but after spending a month in Thailand I thought that she was nice without bad intentions.. so I gave it a go and I called her before arriving in Bangkok.
I have to say that it was a bit scary cause I didn't know her a lot and no one would know where I was going to stay.. Anyway, she remembered me and decided that I will stay for 2 nights at her house.
No without apprehension I stayed there and everything was very good and so nice. I've experienced living in a Thai family for 2 days and I loved it! She basically opened me her house and made me feel like a guest and I felt so lucky to have the privilege of experiencing this. Thank you so much Toy! You have been wonderful and you will always have this special place in my heart.

After 2 days, I had to go and fly to Australia where new experiences were waiting for me.. Oz here I come!!

Me and Toi