Messages From Myanmar #21
Australian Vacation
Special - Part 6 of 6
14 September 2016
Photo Update Alert:
“Australia”
Day 16 - Tues., 08/30
- Hobart
The agenda called for yet another leisurely drive, this time to the
Tasmanian capital of Hobart, via the coast road. We stopped for a photo break (also,
post cards and Glucojels) in Swansea and a lunch break in Sorell (great fish
& chips, restroom at the McDonald’s across the road) before arriving at
Lenna of Hobart, a fabulous hotel set in an 1874 sandstone mansion, as well as
a more modern annex. It was very deluxe and a short walk from the harbour, and
we spent the evening just poking around the ‘hood.
Day 17 - Weds., 08/31
- Sydney
It was our last day in Tasmania, but we had plenty of time before the
flight to Sydney, so we took a walk up the hill to Battery Point and then
decided to embark on a short harbour cruise; which, much to our chagrin,
doesn’t operate on Wednesday. Instead, we went to the Maritime Museum of
Tasmania, a small gem located in the Carnegie Building (the same Carnegie,
alright) and packed with interesting displays and artifacts. Hobart has a
complex and fascinating maritime history.
We took lunch at Mures Lower Deck, a sprawling and obviously very
successful family-owned operation on Victoria Dock at the harbour. Anne and I
agreed: The crumble-battered scallops were the best we’ve ever had. And then it
was time to go.
We drove to the Hobart International Airport, home of the easiest
rental car gas fill-up on the planet, turned in our excellent vehicle, and
caught the plane to Sydney. Our hotel, conveniently located near the Sydney
Airport, had an early morning shuttle, so there was plenty of time for last
minute repacking.
We ate our final meal of this epic adventure at one of the hotel
restaurants. It’s called “La Boca” and bills itself as “Vibrant - Unique -
Argentinian.” It even has an asado. Lo prometo, esta es la verdad.
Day 18 - Thurs., 09/01
- Yangon
No surprises today. We arose well before the sun, caught the shuttle,
did the standard airport security kabuki, and got on the plane. We had decided
to spring for exit row seats and the added legroom made it easier to face an
eight-hour flight to Singapore. Good movie flight, too - caught up on two big,
dumb “Marvel Universe” flicks. From Singapore, it was three hours to Yangon,
where an Embassy motorpool vehicle was waiting (a most convenient feature of
R&R). Then, heavy rain and massive traffic backups. Welcome home.
Anne and I find ourselves in a line of work that affords wonderful opportunities
for travel. We have served on four continents (counting North America) and, by
my count, have traveled together to nineteen different countries in the past
ten years. This is not what I expected to be doing at this stage of life and I
am grateful every day for the opportunity to see so much of the world. It is
something that we never take for granted.
Thanks for letting us share our journey with you. Next stop: Angkor
Wat.
Onward.
Rodger
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