Hen Party and Apple Store - Day 2/3.

August 15th - Brother and Sister Time

Nick took me to Sydney to show me the city and to get some chores done.  My main landmark from this trip was the Apple Store, for we visited it three times. (We needed to make an appointment, drop off phone to replace battery, and then pick up the "new" phone). 

A positive from this trip is our first photo using my upgraded Sony camera (thanks, Nick 😊).

I found a little kid practicing his handstands on Martin's Place.

August 16 - Jing's Hens Party

Karen, me, Jing, and Meena showing off our fascinators.

I had the honor to celebrate Jing's hen party with her.  Meena, Karen and I prepped the bride to be for her day of surprises.  

The Bride to Be outside the Chiswick Restaurant.

Our creations at Wyld and Whimsy.  This was an amazing "crafternoon" with Jing's ladies.

Thanks Sarah for picking out my fascinator!!!

New adventures

This quote expresses my next chapter in my life.  I came home in May from California, after assisting my grandma, aunt, and father with my grandpa who was terminally ill.  That experience allowed me reflect on how my own life is hectic, chaotic and very structured - work two jobs, care for house and family members, and, of course, Leo Club.  I love and am compassionate for every aspect of my life, but need some time for me.  With an upcoming wedding, a lust for travel, a need for getting away and the support of family and work, I have decided to travel for the next three months around the South Pacific.  More specifically - Sydney, Cairns, Bali, and Beijing. The adventure will bring me to many new places, experiences and people.  I cannot wait...I was just waiting for the best time to share this with you all.

This blog started off as a means to share subscription box purchases.  The intention was to also share my travels and others interests with family and friends.  As I travel, please add comments and thoughts.  Internet may be intermittent depending on where I go.

Sydney, here I come! Day one - 14 August

 This year, instead of enriching the minds of our youth, I have decided to explore amazing lands and people to fulfill my own thirst for knowledge.  In a matter of three months, I was able to wrap up my responsibilities at home and work.  The travel plans developed by talking to others and joining up with family and friends.  For a span of three months, I am set to visit Australia, Indonesia, and China.  

The first step to this adventure: Packing

I have traveled enough to know what to bring and not to bring on this trip.  The fine details of which suitcase and the finer details of making sure my outfits matched came via my friends Georgina, Sarah and Jing.  They made sure that my travel gear was versatile for the different areas.  The one rule I heard over and over again, "No rolling suitcases!," resonated during the packing process.  Therefore, The large backpack came out.  I packed my carry on first and then the essentials in the backpack.  Since Hawaiian had two free bags I decided not to waste my precious time making sure I can fit it all in one bag and divided the stash between two bags.  It all weighed 43 pounds!  My lightest travel bags for y longest trip.

The second step: Storm Watching

With 2015 being an "El Nino" year, Hawaii is expecting to experience many hurricanes.  In the first week of August we had two.  From Monday, I was watching Hurricane Hilda come straight towards Hilo.

By Tuesday evening, she decided to move an entirely different direction.

Step three: Leaving Hilo 

With Hilda near by, Hilo was experiencing flash floods.  It was difficult to get out of a warm bed when all I wanted to do was listen to the rain and snuggle with the fur balls.  Breakfast with the hubby and one last walk through of the house was done before Heather picked me up.  At the airport, I saw many DOE coworkers headed to meetings and 2015 graduates headed off to college.   I was able to spend my time waiting at the Hilo and Honolulu airport with Ellen.  TT, Heather's dad, gave me a beautiful orchid lei.

Expecting a bumpy ride all the way to Honolulu, I was pleasantly surprised when we met flying altitude.  Mauna Kea was peaking out from Hurricane Hilda's wrath.

Honolulu was beautiful and blue skies.  

With just a quick layover, my ten hour flight over the equator and Pacific Ocean ended with seeing the Sydney Opera House lit up, along with the rest of this beautiful city.  Jing taught me how to use the train system that night and Nick made a beautiful dinner.