Day 15 ( 2nd Feb)

Feeling abit rough this morning. Haven't slept at all. Came back from Kevin's (after Woolpack closed the party moved to his place) at about 7. Met Michael (fellow Woolpacker) for a swim in the basement. His ex saw us and kicked up a storm. Nothing happened so I dunno why she made a big fuss. I was even forced to used the back door to the apartment complex because she was going cuckoo out front.

I was supposed to meet Sophie, the French barmaid at the Woolpack, for shopping in town but she cancelled coz she suddenly missed her boyfriend and was having a bad hangover.

I didn't want to waste my last day in Sydney doing nothing. So I hopped on a bus down to The Rocks. Got myself a map and walked all over the place. Had lunch in a nice cafe. Fed some pigeons. Took some pictures. Long long walk under the hot hot sun.

I promised Steve (another Woolpacker) I'd go out with him tonight. Steve's from the UK. He was traveling around Australia about 15 months ago and decided to set up in Sydney. I hear many stories like that. Sophie was holidaying too for about 8 months now, and she still is I guess.

Stevie picked me up and we took a nice downhill walk towards George Street. Now, normally in heels, I would die if I had to walk or kill that someone who made me walk. Steve's great company and the night was nice and cool. It was about 15 minutes walk. He showed me a few bars I haven't been to. We talked a lot, about music and football. See Steve, he's a Spurs fan. So we had a lot to talk about.

So about half past 10 Sophie rang me and told me everyone wanted to see me before I left. They were all waiting at the Woolpack. So Steve and I jumped into the cab and made our way back.

Everyone was in high spirits (no pun intended) singing along to Adam and his band. Naturally, they were happy to see me. Free hugs for all!

Everyone bought me drinks that night. After closing, they insisted I come along for the 'after party' in my honour at Kevin's. So we drank and sang and talked till sunrise. I was happy to be in the company of fun, loving and carefree people. And they were happy I came along. Each had a reason for me to stay back, but I guess they weren't good enough. God knows how I hate to leave.

After receiving a bunch of email addresses and kisses I had to tear away from them. Steve sent me home. We hugged goodbye, it's a waste we didn't get to spend more time together. Steve's a really cool guy. Nice. And funny.

Anyways, I didn't get any chance to sleep coz I got in at almost 9 am! G was up and on the computer. I scrambled to the toilet and tried hard to concentrate on taking my last shower.

Day 16

I learnt the true meaning of the word struggle. Thank god I had the good sense to pack my bags the night before. I have to be at the airport by 11 am the latest. No sleep for the past 48 hours and with Toohey's and Stellas still swirling in my belly, it's a miracle I didn't zonk out instead.

I'm going in and out of rooms, up and down the stairs while trying to have a conversation with James on the phone. It's not easy to be patient with him. Neither it is with me. Told him to call me back. I called home to make sure Mama's flying out today. Everything's fine.

I'm glad I bought the "Thank You" card days ago. I didn't know what to get Ross and Graham. Tom gave me a good idea. So I ran down the hill to the store. Got the gift and ran back. I had a cool 15 mins left before Graham and I set off for the airport.
I regret a little, not spending my last night with the two of the best people in Sydney.

I had so much to do that I didn't realize I was not waking up in Redfern again tomorrow.

James called again. I tried to listen to what he had to say but it's hard when you've got 3 bags to haul down the stairs. (I left Singapore with one bagpack and one carry on. I didn't have space to keep all my shopping so had to borrow another bag from Ross- thanks dude!) James said he'll call me in an hour when I'm settled at the airport.

Tick tick tick! Time running out! I had this heavy feeling. Like a rock sitting at the bottom of my stomach. I wished I never made it there.. but I was extremely grateful that I did. Tsk.

So Graham came with me to the airport.

He checked me in and told me to wait for him at Starbucks while he went to get Ross at the Station. That was the last time I saw him.Somehow there wasn't enough time and I had to leave for the gate. Managed to speak to Ross on the phone. Poor guy was rushing off from work but didn't manage it on time. James called me again. We talked for a bit. Smses came from my friends in Sydney. From Gary and Steve, Sophie and Micheal.

Then I heard my name being called over the PA system. Last call!! No time for a second smoke.

I'll say goodbye another time. I'll have to suck it up till then.


PS: This was the best thing that happened to me. I hope to share my memories with you soon.