Flying to LA
I am on my way around the world again.
Last Couple of Days in Sydney
I had a great time in Sydney the week before ANZAC Day, the day of my departure to Los Angeles.
Two friends from England arrived in town on Tuesday evening en route from New Zealand to London. The younger one decided to check out the Australian health system by eating some nuts and suffering and allergic reaction. Fortunately, St Vincent’s Hospital was on its game. The experience confirmed the patient’s view that Australia is a good place to live, at least for a wide. Not the least because she is a nurse, I am sure she would be more than welcome.
On Wednesday, we finally met up, and I took the visitors on a quick tour of The Rocks, Mosman and Manly. In the evening we had a great meal by the harbour down by the Quay.
Lunch with a Beautiful Girl
On Thursday, I had lunch with my daughter at the Lord Nelson. Things are pretty well in her life which is good to see.
Trouble Packing the Bike
In the afternoon , I took the bike out to the airport. Even though I have now down it dozens of times, I could not get the pedals off. In desperation, I returned to the city with the bike, and took it to the shop where it had recently been serviced. I can only surmise that in the last service the pedals were tightened. Even the mechanic on duty had difficulty getting the pedals off. As he said, “who tightened these was bloody strong”.
Last Drink at the GPO Bar
I finally made it to The GPO Bar for a last drink there for few months. The conversations were the same as usual, which includes being very amusing. Nights at the GPO Bar are always good fun and will be missed.
QANTAS Staff Related to Scott Morrison?
It was a bit wet when I headed out to the airport. I had applied for a USA visa using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) system. This appears to be really good. From what I could see there was no requirement to have a return or onward ticket to get a visa. As it turns I had bought a ticket from New York to Manchester, but did not have a hard copy of it.
The QANTAS ground staff woman who processed my check in was adamant that I need a hard copy of the onward ticket. She gave me a lecture on illegal immigration to Australia and the rest of the western world. After much mucking around sending e mails to another QANTAS staff member, the tickets was printed and I was on my way.
Troubling Film on the Plan
One the films on the plane was the Railway Man. It is about an English Soldier who suffered terribly at the hands of the Japanese on the Thai-Burma Railway in WWII.
A cousin had told me that I must see the film. Many readers of the blog would know why this piece of history is important to myself and my family.
I found the film very confronting. It is important however, that such films are made, and continue to be made.
In Santa Monica for first Time in Years
After landing in LAX Airport, I took a shuttle bus out to Santa Monica. I have been here a few times. The first time was in July 1979. That was a particularly memorable experience. Other times I have been here were in my Department of Foreign Affairs, and early Caltex, years. A couple of those trips were also memorable. I don’t expect this stay to be quite as memorable.
I have stayed awake and had a short walk down to the pier. It all looks much the same, even if I don’t.
Oh, by the way, I asked that immigration official at the airport, if I need an onward ticket. He looked at me quizzically and said, “you’re from Australia, you guys are friends, stay as long as you like within 3 months and buy a ticket home whenever it suits you”.
Link to Railway Man
Flickr Link
billrider2013 
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