Day 1 & 2 July 6 & 7, 2009
I am here in Aussie Land with a motley crew: my sister Kim, the Ojesina’s (Lisa, Toks and daughter Shola) We have 4-star accommodations at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Darling Harbor, Sydney Australia http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cp/1/en/hotel/sydds. God hit this one out of the ball park. Out of our 7th floor window is an incredible harbor side view as well as a breathtaking city view. We are situated in downtown Sydney and within a mile walking distance of major attractions. This is big! I spoke a wish while looking at my passport this past December, “It would be nice if I had an international trip before my passport expiration date (2011)." Within a few weeks I had not one but 2 trips on the itinerary.

Perfect Flightmates
Linda from New Zealand. Kim and I were blessed to be on a triple seat row with the thinnest, (Ha!) most polite and considerate passengers on the plane; both from IAH to LAX, then from LAX to Australia. Linda, our 1st mate, was enroute to New Zealand to visit her parents. She encouraged us to visit New Zealand because of its breathtaking beauty. She called us “sweetie” & offered help as we settled into our seats then she slept soundlessly the duration of the flight.

Buy (BOO-E) from Vietnam was the 15 hr. row-mate on the Aussieland flight. It was like having your own butler seated next to you. He gave Kim his middle seat so Kim & I could sit next to each other, told Kim not to bother to say “excuse me” when we need to get out but to just jump over him even if he was asleep. He insisted on sharing food from every meal he had and would take our food orders, dispose of our trash & wipe down our laptrays like a seasoned waiter. Not a bad deal for a few translations of the words on the immigration card that we had to fill out upon entering Australia. He was slight enough to sit in his seat in the lotus position & still not touch us. He would put his hands in the prayer position as he smiled and bowed his head to say “Thank you.” We want Buy to cut his trip short so that he can be our return seat mate. He’s here for a working vacation. He is a craftman who does specialty flooring.

Breakfast at Cascades
After arriving at 6:30 am we had the entire day ahead of us. Our first day began with a unique morning breakfast at a quaint restaurant with a picturesque wall fountain of cascading water while waiting for check in time at the hotel. Kim had the fluffiest, sweetest pancakes & strawberries ala mode with a frothy, freshly squeezed glass of orange juice. Even though it was pricey, Kim says it was delicious. Her beverage of choice the remainder of the day, however was water…it’s cheaper. I had a spinach quiche roll with a slab of chocolate mud cake (WHAT?!!) and café latte. Every one was satisfied with their extended palate of entrees.

We topped off the evening cruising city streets near the hotel and visited Chinatown. The merchants holding posters, sign boards or menus literally beckon and wave you into their shops to view their products & sample their food. The lady who got my attention announced “$1 souvenirs, $5 dollar t-shirts.” Within minutes we were swept downstairs into an alleyway with even more shopping options. I was able to begin my hunt for unique gifts items. After all a girl has to have something to declare at customs! The Ojesina Girlie-Girl Dance!