My Trip to Sydney : Post-Conference

It was after conference. Boy, it was good to not have to wake up early and rush to the train station for conference let alone indulge on sandwiches for lunch. I finally got the much needed rest though I wanted to not waste it only sleeping but to venture out and explore Sydney as much as I can. I went with Mike and Jenny to Blacktown for some shopping while Su Ann decided to call it a day and stay at home. It was surprising that Blacktown had so many shops that we didn't notice it when we took our daily trains to the conference. I had a very good lunch at Blacktown. It was surprisingly very reasonable for a huge plate of Kebab for only AUS$5.90. Though, convertion may make you think twice but I felt it was worth it. Food is not cheap in Australia and this is considered one of the cheapest besides pizza which cuz almost the same. It was nice to walk around Blacktown for some souvenirs before we split up out separate. Mike and Jenny had to meet a friend and I would go on my solo travel around Sydney.



I made my travel to Parramatta by the train. This was to see this town and at the same time take the ferry up the river to Sydney Harbour. I had notice that there was such a route from one of the maps I got and decided to try it out since I had already paid the one week fare for transport which covered train, bus and ferry. There didn't seem to be much in Parramatta except for some old buildings. I prefered the goods sold in Blacktown and kind of regretted for not buying more there.



I took a trip down the river with the ferry. It was a pleasant ride especially sitting infront and enjoying the crisp wind bitting through your skin. The ferry that I was sitting happened to be more of a private boat ride as there was a ferry in front of mine who made stops. So, I was fortunate to have a private ferry ride down the river. As I went through the river, I manage to catch a glimpse of many who were staying by the river. Many of them own yatchs and boats which thei achored by the side of their river side homes. It seems like I was passing by a colony of rich people.



I made my way through Sydney Harbour. It was already dark by then but I didnt hesitate to go and visit the Sydney Opera house to take some pics before I left. I couldn't help enjoying the beauty and architecture of it. The building which was build during the 70s or 80s, still look so modern. I was in awe and can't help but go around it and snap a few pics.





I headed down the road to pay a visit to George street. It was a long street that begins at the Sydney Harbour to the Central Station where I would take my train home. The walk was long but I enjoyed it as the weather was great for walking. One can't see Sydney as a whole if one don't walk. I was able to capture some old buildings along the way. Its funny that most of the shops were already close by then and I was able to visit a discount shop which was the only one open at that time. I grabbed some last minute souvenir and headed home with a Hungry Jacks dinner for the trip home. It was an interesting day especially moving around Sydney on my own. All one need is just a map where you can get when you step off from the plane at the airport. It is really and convenient. How I wish Malaysia could be as convenient as this.



Here is the picture of my host family. I totally adored Vincent's daughter. Really had that Oriental look which made her look good in picture. Manage to get a snap of her and I would say one of my favourite picture from my trip.



It has all come to an end now. My trip to Sydney. I consider it to be a blessing to be here and to enjoyed myself here before I actually start work. The conference was really the climax of the trip and I hope I would not loose the fire that I have received from here but to be a blessing and passed on that flame. God has been good and had sent many people along our way that we could show compasion towards. Each day, we met different people along our journey that we could help like helping an old man with his food as he was dozing off while speaking to us or even help find the bag of a Down Syndrome girl who had lost it. I had an encounter with an Iraqi man carrying aload of stuff and a birdcage which had lost his way. I was able to help him out and show him the right platform to stand to take the train back. God is great!