Couple of things I forgot about. First, the hostel really reminds me of my friend Michael Savva. he always wore this Armani cologne, and I swear they load that in the air fresheners in the place. It’s all you smell.

Second, turns out that two of the roommates are here attending a Hillsong Conference. Hillsong is a megachurch here in Australia. As people aren’t really religious and/or go to church with less frequency, this conference is pretty big (non-phone-silent-guy is from Singapore, and the other bunkmate is from Indonesia). Seems that this branch of religion gets Google returns with Scientology, so I don’t know what it is.

Ok so had the best sleep of SYD, I think because I wore a long sleeve top as well.

Popped up a little on the earlier side, probably around 7:00AM, as checkout is at 10:30AM and I needed to do laundry.

So I finally did laundry! That felt great.

Did the Y&M and packed up. Checked out and stored my luggage at the hostel as my flight leaves at 8:40PM so I have the day.

Was debating about going to Manly, people said it is beaitufl and a nice spot to check out. After speaking with people at the hostel, they said that it isn’t as nice as Bondi, and really just has one beach. Between the ferry to get there and the walking, it seemed like I wasn’t going to have enough time/was not really interested, especially given the adventure of Bondi yesterday.

Went back to La Mode and got the yogurt with granola and some tea (granola and yogurt not pictured). Then made my way to The Rocks once again as I felt like, given all the time at Atty yesterday, I didn’t really get a chance to explore. Plus it is a solid 40 minute walk to get the steps in.

Made my way over here through a different part of the town. This other area is the shopping district, so there were heaps of people everywhere. Also, there was a Bastille celebration down by the docks, so even more people.

Got to a spot called The Fine Food Store. Got a coffee and got writing about yesterday’s adventures. Then got a salad. As you can tell, trying to keep things slightly light today given all of the caloriez from yesterday.

Got an email from Graham and he was in the shop. Because the café was around the corner, it only made sense to walk the 30 seconds and chop it up with the artist. He was telling me about his shows in LA and in Chatham, and the new pieces he is putting together. One of them is an eagle in gold which may just be for US markets. He’s also doing a longhorn, and I told him that he should sell it in the ATX, make a whole bunch of doll hairs.

Also turns out that the print I’m getting, #5, is usually saved for repeat customers. Told him that we’d probably have to make that happen. Here’s the large Winston that Atty is going to take to LA. Said that shipping it alone will cost him $2,500.

Got wrapped up at the gallery and needed to eat something. Looked up several restaurants but either their kitchens would not be open in time, or the food was going to be not so great. Decided on Ribs and Burgers, and with a name like that, who can go wrong?

I didn’t want to get meat, but it seemed like it was inevitable. BUT! I got the burger ‘naked’ so there was no buns, just wrapped in lettuce with some arugula as well. I had to balance it out, and got some fries as well. Not pictured: fries. The harbor bridge provided a nice backdrop out the window, and those greeneries are some plants at the base at one of the harbor bridge structural points on the walk back.

Wrapped up and the 40 minute or so walk went by really quickly. Mad people in the streets though. They’re doing a whole lotta work on this light rail so there was a lot of congestion of people walking.

Got back to the hostel to collect my bag and head to the airport. Bounce is located a 1 minute walk from the central train station so that was wonderful. What was cool was that, normally I’d be upstairs doing yoga and looking out on the people at the station’s platform. Now I was on the other end.

Got to the airport really easily, and now I’m sitting at the gate ready to board and head to MEL. I should get in around 10:15PM so we’ll see what time I get to the hostel. Plan for now is get in, shower up, and sleeeeeeep. I’ve scheduled this Great Ocean Road trip for Sunday which will take the entire day, so tomorrow is the real day to explore MEL. Hope everyone is doing so so well. Big hugs and lots of love.