Wow arrived in Sydney yesterday morning after incredible luck.
I think i should convert to a religion as the Gods i prayed to really pulled out all the stops. Having been in India for 2 months i really should have known that leaving 7 hours between a rail journey and a flight was not the right choice but in my casual travel stylie I assumed all would be fine! The deep fog that left varanasi looking spiritual and shrouded in mystery was to take those 7 hours and magic them away into thick air. The train moved slower and slower towards Delhi...That's when the praying started. My flight was 12.20pm. The train pulled in at 11.20! With the increased security after the Bombay blasts the guy on the train and i concluded the gates would be closed at least 2 hours before departure but I ran through the station fighting for a taxi anyhow. The taxi driver got my message, put his foot right down with little encouragement and wove his way through the already weaving city. (He also prayed!) Screeched into the airport at 11.45, ran up and down a few times before finding an empty check in desk and a very complient lady who assured me it was absolutely fine to be checking in 25 mins before my flight was to take off!!! skipped queues at immigration, my sweating and slightly flusted behaviuor bothering noone. The flight was delayed a few hours because of the fog allowing me to spend my last rupees on final delicious snacks before hearing my name called throughout the airport as a last call. More running ensured i made it! The flight hadn't been posted on the board as they were changing the gate. I was assured it would come back up so had been eyeing the board with great intent as the message was called. Jesus.
All nerves of take off were banished. A large smile was apon my face as we took to the skies.
My connecting flight from Kuala Lumpar to Sydney was thankfully 20 minutes later than our arrival. Loads of time!
Somehow I made it to Sydney.
So clean, no people shitting on the side of the road, no visible pollution, no mud, no-one selling me anything, no need to hold my bag so tightly, western toilets with loo roll and everything..weird.
Spent the day with a huge smile on my face, catching up with the wonderfully pregnant and recently emigrated Alanna, a very old friend. Wandering the tiny streets and wharfs of Balmain, looking across Sydney harbour, the sky cleaner and bluer, the air warm yet fresh and breezy, drank vodka for 2 to ensure Alanna didn't give birth, sitting on the balmy balcony with her and Neil til the small hours. Hot shower, clean clothes and now off to take in the city for a few hours before bringing in the new year. Planning to watch the fireworks over the harbour from a chilled out wharf close to the flat . Views of bridge and opera house included. After a barbie of course...Perfect. Jet skiing tomorrow (Alanna has friends here!)
May you be filled with some of the same incredible fortune as the year comes to a close
Many wonderful smiles for the Next one. 2009 here we come!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Jo
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Straight from the horse's mouth
