Christmas in Australia

I woke up on Christmas Eve (December 24, 2013). I went down to the Gold Coast. Rough start, you know the swim bag I told you is going to be the death of me… Well this is where it starts. I left it on the bus because I fell asleep on the bus, and I got off in panic. I had no towels, swimwear, goggles, or anything. I didn’t lose anything important thank god, but still, I was upset. I really liked all the things I had in there. After that kind of start, I got a pair of really basic swim trunks and an Australian flag towel, which ends up being a good thing. I really like the things I bought. It kind of killed my mood at the beach being by myself without my bag, and knowing that I will be alone for the holidays. It could be worse I thought, but doesn’t make it much better. I got a quick swim in, and some snacks! I managed to call the Gold Coast Transportation, and they will be on the look out. The office will be closed till the 30^th of December, so that’s the closest time when I could get my bag back. By that time, I would be in Sydney… I got some information on how I could go about retrieving this bag, and the office closed, so I was pretty much done with the Gold Coast. I remember texting my Party Veterans saying I really wish I were home. They responded by saying that this is a great opportunity and that coming back home after all this time away will be very rewarding! They were not wrong! I had to stay strong! Thank you guys and I miss you guys so much!

I took the train up back to the city, where I was waiting for my transfer. I was already fragile enough. Then, I see families getting together at my transfer station hugging and kissing and welcoming… Why is it that in times like this, people have to do all this shit in front of my face? I get home and make one of my final journeys to the hostel. I get on the phone to talk to mommy because I know she can make me feel better. I told her about the missing bag, and she told me it’s nothing to worry about because it didn’t have anything important in it. That’s the truth, but I’m still upset. I felt as though if I were home, this would not have happened. Oh well it did. I wrapped up the conversation with a Merry Christmas to mommy. My mom was so sweet after I got off the phone! She would not stop texting me making sure I was okay till basically I went to bed. I woke up to bunch of text from my mom saying how proud she was of me for doing this, and being able to venture out on my own! I promise I will make you more proud of me mom! Cannot wait to be back!

I got ready to go to the airport for my trip to a city; I don’t know if you heard of it; it’s called Sydney! YAY!!! I did feel much better Christmas Morning. I had my Christmas shorts on, and I was ready to roll out. I waited from my Manly station where my hostel was for about an hour, and finally got on the train. If the train at my train arrived within 30 minutes after my arrival, I would be able to make it to the airport before the gate closes. The next train to the airport wasn’t for another hour after I arrived. I sucked it up and took a cab to the airport, and the airline upgraded me to business for my flight to Sydney! I guess it’s a win. I got to Sydney and it was raining, but I figured it has to be a better city than Brisbane right? I was right. I checked into my hostel at the Bounce Hostel and got 3 days worth of free Wi-Fi with my charm! I left the hostel in the rain to explore the city. I didn’t feel like making new friends in the hostel just yet. I walked from Central to Darling Harbour to check things out, but everything was closed because today was Christmas… From there, I made my way to the Opera House, but took couple detours at some Christmas trees in the city. Finally, I arrived at the Opera House. Glad I made it there even though it was dark and raining! I sent pictures to mommy and the Party Veterans. After basking in the glory of the Opera House, I walked through the gay streets of Oxford St to check out the scene, and I did some grocery shopping, ate some Indian food, and got home and bed! Merry Christmas everyone!