The Australia Trip

Because every trip I go on has to have some kind of fiasco, the flight and first day were the only random incidents of the week long trip. To start with, I couldn't print off my boarding passes. I tried everything. I could check in online, but that was it. Flights were through Qantas Airlines, - there is no Qantas ticket counter in Austin Texas - so I was a bit stressed as to how I was going to get on the plane.

Frazzled, I chatted with my travel companion Brigid, who said she'd make a call. As I was on my way to the airport, she called me back saying I had to check in through American Airlines. Because of the quirky way the booking was done, we couldn't print any passes online.

Crisis averted and my stress level dissipated.

Qantas Airlines was amazing. While we didn't fly first class, we did notice they had a completely separate entrance to the plane. The were stationed upstairs, while all of us commoners in coach remained down below. Nevertheless, the 16 hour flight from Los Angeles to Melbourne was as smooth as could be expected. The food was surprisingly decent, and the attendants very friendly. Nicest airline I've ever been on.

A car was sent to pick us up at the airport, and we proceeded to our luxury 5 star hotel.


The Sofitel Hotel is situated in the French district of Melbourne, in the midst of the expensive high end stores. Gucci, Armani, etc. surrounded us. And the view from the private lounge was incredible, along with the view from the room. We were often told this was the nicest hotel in town. Um . . .yes, I fully believe that.


 As our room wasn't ready for check in, we wandered through the town for some necessity shopping. It was on a little corner that the second strange incident occurred.

While Brigid used the public toilet, I sat on a lovely park bench to wait. An older woman sat at the other end. After a few moments, she turned to ask me if we were in Melbourne. I confirmed and wondered if she was crazy. She talked in circles, repeating herself over and over again. She was from Sydney, had come to Melbourne for a specific reason but couldn't remember. She'd fallen somehow and hit her head, but wasn't sure how it happened.

What do I do? This had never happened to me before.

After a few more tries, I coaxed her into pulling out her cell phone and calling a family member. She left a message, and once Brigid joined in the mix we offered to walk her to a police station around the corner.

Just as she was standing her daughter called.

They'd separated to do some shopping, and 5 minutes later the daughter came rushing up the street in a panic.

I was relieved the woman wasn't traveling alone. Turned out they were in town for a wedding, and staying at a hotel not far from our location.

They thanked us for helping and we parted ways. Crazy!
    After that, we toured St. Patrick's Cathedral, then returned to the hotel to dress for the Tramcar Restaurant Dinner. Even though we were delirious and exhausted, it was so worth it.


If ever in Melbourne, it's a must do. The 5 course meal was fantastic, along with the lovely drive through the city. By the time we returned to the hotel we were stuffed and desperate for sleep.

So ended the first day of my adventure in Oz.