Surprise Trip!

"Surprise!" I shouted as I greeted my best friend and my parents at their doorsteps. Yes, you guessed it. I have been back on home soil!

Greg landed a work contract in North Sydney, Australia, this year. With two more weeks of freedom before my job started, I decided to jump on board for his first work trip. It was only a very short trip, a few days in length. The best part about it - my family and friends didn't know! I could hardly contain my excitement on the flight over.

When we flew into Sydney, the sun was shining, the birds were singing, and boats were lounging on the peaceful waters of Sydney Harbour. We checked in early to our hotel to freshen up after the long flight. Showering after flying long distance is one of the best feelings in the world. It makes you feel human again. Similar to the feeling of showering after a long, hot day in the shearing shed (that's the farm girl side of me talking)!

The first thing on my to-do list was to surprise my best friend, Rach, who had recently moved to Sydney. To ensure she would be home, I called her on Facetime to 'catch up' and find out her schedule for the day. Greg had the brilliant idea of shutting the curtains and switching the bed lamp on in our hotel room to create the illusion that we were in Florida, where it was night-time. I had asked Rach for her address a week in advance, stating that I had a parcel to send her. Little did she know that the parcel was me... :)

I found Rach's apartment, rang the buzzer and said "Ma'am, I have a parcel for you to sign off on". "Okay, I'll be up in a minute", she responded. Her series of reactions were priceless. She froze, gasped, swore, attacked me with a huge hug, and trembled for the following 10 minutes in complete shock. It's all captured on video, too. I wish I could post the video here, however I don't think Rach would be happy with me if I showed the rest of the world what she looks like in her pyjamas. ;)

Blackwattle Bay and Sydney CBD. Photo credit to Will Jury.

Stand up paddle (SUP) boarding in Mosman.

The next thing on my to-do list was to surprise my parents. I was warned that I should ensure Mum was not standing on a hard surface when I surprised her, because, well, you know what mothers are like.

It was not quite the 'wow factor' I was going for, as Mum was not going to be home the night I had planned to come home. Thus, I called my parents just before my flight, telling them that there would be a very important package waiting for them at Parkes airport that afternoon. Of course, neither of them 'clicked' that it would be me, so I bluntly told them outright what the 'important package' was. My brother also made it home for the weekend. Needless to say, Mum and Dad said it was the best surprise that they could ever ask for. Daughter points right there! ;)

After a joyous weekend, I flew back to Sydney and caught up with a couple more of my besties. Since leaving the country and talking with foreigners, I have found a new appreciation for Sydney. It really is a unique city. I would recommend taking a ferry ride across the Harbour - superb views of the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Ferry ride across the Harbour.

Outside Luna Park. Happy faces!

I also went out to dinner with Greg and his two work mates from New Zealand. I had spent time with these Kiwi's in England and Germany a year ago (on another one of their work trips). They are some of the most intelligent guys I know, with a wicked sense of humour. I haven't heard from them since they lost the Cricket World Cup to Australia this weekend... Go figure. ;)

If you're ever on the north side of Sydney Harbour, I recommend dining at a little Indian Restaurant called Harbourside Indian Restaurant. The service is exceptional, price is reasonable, and the views - SPECTACULAR. You can see for yourself here.

Although a very short trip, it was perhaps one of the best I've ever taken. I find that when I am strapped for time, I don't take it for granted. I make the most of each and every moment.

Who else has visited Australia? What were your experiences?


Have an awesome week,

Maree