Due to this terrible pandemic which has changed the world so drastically, I, along with everyone else, have had the joy of the freedom to travel taken away.
A small price to to the misery inflected on so many people throughout the world due to this pandemic.
So during the last 17 months I have often relied on my memories of travels past, or the dreams of where, when and how, my travel could take me when, and if, the freedom to travel returns. As they say Dreams are free.
At the grand old age of 42 I made my first overseas trip. This was to Sydney, Australia. A huge 3 1/2 hour flight away from my beloved New Zealand.
Oh, the anticipation. I had never harboured any ambition to travel, due to young family, lack of funds, etc, and enjoying travels around NZ so much.
So when Diane and I decided that we would go and visit two of Dis brothers, Pete and Tim, who were living in Sydney, it was with some trepidation on my part. Over 3 hours on a plane? Can I survive that. Yes!
I loved it. The enforced relaxation of not having to think to much, food, and the odd refreshment, along with a movie. Whats not to like? I also enjoy people watching, so airports and planes have a bit of a happy place for me.
We had 10 days to enjoy the experience of new, staying in Tim and Lucies flat in Chatswood with their friends, while Pete and stay when possible. The Sydney waterfront was a magic place to spend a day strolling from the famous bridge right around Circular Quay to the world famous Opera house and botanic gardens. The beautiful beaches of Manly and Bondi made me realise that there are amazing beaches not only in NZ but the world over. We even visited the Toronga Zoo which was great. We loved the restaurants and bars, cafes and bakeries which enhanced the Sydney waterfront where ever you walked. Visiting the Shopping Malls and the department stores was one of Dis favourites and remains so. On occasion we had the use of Petes Yellow Peril a large Holden Station wagon. With this we were able to visit out of the way places such
as lookouts so we could see Sydney and the surrounding seascapes from all angles. We enjoyed a couple of Harbour cruises, which are a must, to see this fantastic harbour from the water.
We have been back to Sydney on very many occasions, both for holidays and business, or to visit friends and relatives, and, always, it has proved to be a magic experience. I loved the trip, loved the atmosphere of a really large city, enjoyed making between the retail scene in NZ and Australia. So my first experience of overseas travel certainly planted the seeds of I Want More. Pip/Rod
PS. In the next couple of weeks I will endeavour to write about our next venture, to England France and Wales in 1991.
