Wednesday 29^th February, 2012

Exactly at 8.45pm I was at the bus stop. In a few minutes the shuttle bus should arrive. The minutes passed and I waited and waited. After 25 minutes the bus appeared. The traffic should be the reason and some more stops are required. I thought: “Come on, that will run short on the airport”. Everybody around me was nervous as they have to do the check-in even earlier than I. On the airport the idea was to as fast as possible get the backpack and get to the counter. I got there just on time and should go immediately to the plane. At the gate they said the plane arrived late and thus boarding will be in 15 minutes. OK, somehow everything is a bit late today. After a bit more than an hour we landed in Melbourne. Here I had 40 minutes to change flight. The nice lady next to me said I should take the backpack. So I was the first leaving the plane and I could have a breather before getting into the next plane. Another three hours of flight were ahead. Shortly before landing there were many air holes and slowly I got a bit sick. No wonder as I did not eat anything except crisps and two cookies. Unfortunately I did not find anything without wheat in the hurry. In Perth I could again wait for half an hour for the shuttle bus. The first one said that my destination is not on his tour and I should take the next one in a few minutes. Around 4 o'clock I arrived at the hostel. It took a while until they found my reservation. Tired from travelling I put my luggage into the room. I just wanted to check where I will get the car tomorrow. I started walking equipped with the city map. I soon found the office of Hertz. As it was not yet late I went to the Kings Park. That was a good idea. There is a beautiful view about the northern part of Perth. While walking in the park, I saw three wedding couples. OK, the date is very special. A couple had its ceremony in the park with view to the city. I sat down in the grass, watched them and remembered me of my own wedding. As it is 3 hour later as in Tasmania I was now very hungry. Around the corner I saw a Japanese and as I love sushi, I went there. I was a bit overstrained by the big assortment they offered. A kind Japanese recommended a sushi with chicken and avocado served with a sweet-and-sour plum sauce. Lovely! Then I went tired back to the hostel.

Sunday, 5^th February, 2012

I flew to Sydney after Petra and I had to depart in the airport of Melbourne. Once arrived I got into the city by train and then by taxi to my new home in Woollahra. That is half way between center and Bondi Beach. Thomas welcomed me as he was on duty. After lunch Andreas joined us. He slept in. In the afternoon he guided me to downtown. I learned that I have to take bus 389 which stops just in front of our house. I bought a big city map to be able to orientate myself. With the ferry we departed between Harbour Bridge and the opera house, heading towards Watsons Bay. On the way we saw the house where Petra and I will live after beginning of April. OK, we did not know exactly which one was it, but it must be one on the west side of Double Bay. After we left the ferry we went walking. From the South Head we enjoyed the view back to downtown and out into the Tasmanian Sea. The bus brought us back via the crowded Bondi Beach. And tomorrow I have to start working.

Sunday 5^th February 2012

We had to get up early as tour flights were at around 8am. As morning walk we brought our baggage to the check-in counter. Here we were surprised as it should be 4kg heavier than before the flight to Australia. I do not think that there was more baggage as I already then did nearly not have enough space. After the last breakfast together we went to the gate. I accompanied Konrad to his flight after his hand luggage was checked for traces of explosives. Now it is definitive: Konrad flew to Sydney to work and I flew to Tasmania. I had a special experience when I arrived in Tasmania. There was no customs. Instead there was a dog which sniffed at my hand luggage and walking on the baggage band my backpack. Nobody should bring fruits, vegetables or flowers to the island. Then I went with the bus into the city to get to my accommodation. As it was before noon, it was not yet possible. They were so kind that I at least could leave my baggage there. First I went to the tourist information to check out what I can see here. In Hobart there is a tourist bus and I bought a 3-day pass for it. After a short trip with the bus I first checked in to my room. There are two others in my room which are travelling with a guided tour. They are from Ticino and Germany. As they told about their trip, I was glad to be on road by myself. So I can stay at the nice places and enjoy the time as I like. The disadvantage is that I surely meet less people. After I went into town again. Now it started to rain. I had a umbrella and was hoping it will get better. Towards the evening I walked to the harbour and visited the Salamanca Market. There is a big flea market every Saturday. After a short walk I went back to the hostel.

24^th and 25^th January, 2012

We started punctually in direction Hong Kong. As the plane was not very full, we had 3 seats to accommodate us. After a short break in Hong Kong, where we could move us again a bit, our next destination was Melbourne. In the late evening we were welcomed by agreeable temperature and felt to bed very tired.