V-Flyer

This trip report is the HKG – SYD part of my Great Escapade round the world trip I undertook this summer (LHR - HKG - SYD - CHC - IVC - CHC – AKL - YVR - SFO – LHR). After a few pleasant days in Hong Kong I checked my baggage in at Hong Kong station in order to have a final few hours in HK unencumbered by baggage. I have brunch at the Intercontinental before taking the Airport Express to Hong Kong airport.

I collected my boarding pass quickly and proceeded through security. I appreciated the free wifi in the terminal which helped to pass time while waiting for the flight. Boarding was called which prompted a bit of a scrum. I decided to just sit it out and wait until the queue cleared. I was originally assigned to sit in 52H. However, I noticed the flight was not very full so I asked a flight attendant if I could move into 51H which is an emergency exit seat – she was happy for me to do so.

Take off was slightly delayed as apparently there was some sort of paperwork issue with the plane (I can’t remember which aircraft this was), and they had to wait for communication with the UK before actually being allowed to take off. I’m not sure of the details, but it was only 20 minutes at the most that we were kept waiting.

The flight was generally quite pleasant – the cabin crew were friendly and attentive, and I appreciated having the extra leg room. However the food was a little bland. There were quite a few upset babies throughout the flight so I didn’t get a huge amount of sleep. However, I did manage to watch a couple of films I needed to catch up on, including Avatar.

Upon arrival in Sydney, it took ages to get through immigration – several large flights all arrived at once meaning that immigration officers were tied up dealing with them all. After clearing customs I met one of my dad’s school friends who I lived with in Sydney for the few days that I was there.

I spent 5 days in Sydney before proceeding to New Zealand. It was my first time in Sydney, so I tried my best to see as many interesting things as possible. I watched a concert in the Opera House, I took a boat tour of the harbour, I walked over the harbour bridge, I walked along the coast line south from Bondi beach, I visited the Blue Mountains, and also spent a day over in Manly. Despite it generally being quite overcast and cloudy I had a great time in Sydney.

I (CAPITAL L) Love Sydney, glad you enjoyed it too and looking forward to the next TRs.

Apart from the baby noise, sounds another good leg.

Thank you for the great 2nd part of your TR.