It was kind of an impulse, a desperate need to take a break from our usual hustle and bustle, and the routine of work, household chores and family commitment. We talked alot about travelling a lot (or more on missing out on opportunitites to travel) but we did not take any concrete actions until barely a week or two ago. Even then, we toggled among Sydney, Perth and Brisbane. We wanted a place relaxing enough for us yet exciting and fun enough for Sophie and maybe even Alfee (although I was doubtful). In the end, we decided on Central Sydney since it is urban, nearer and more child-friendly.
After the decision was made, we barely had time to get ourselves ready. Auntie Jessy, Auntie Cindy and Auntie Annie took time and trouble to nag at me to pack and shop for warm clothes and travel needs. They even helped me watch Alfee as I tried (vey hard) to pack our luggage. Fortunately, Sophie was away for her holiday workshop in the mornings for a week, so I had more 'quiet' time to ponder (or procrastinate) on our trip. This would be Alfee's first overseas trip ( I mean, really, not even JB) so we were nervous. I worried about how the kids respond to the flight in particular.
It is the beginning of winter in Sydney so we need some warm clothes, especially for the kids. For Alfee, we only managed to get thick cardigans. But we also got Sophie a matching red one (too cute to resist - not my usual style though) plus a relatively thick purple jacket. I think she looked really good in jackets and winter wear.
Papa made sure that we got good seats on the plane. It would be a good 8 hours before we reached our destination so we could not afford to complacent. I still remember how uncomfortable it was for Sophie to sit on my lap throughout our flight to Brisbane and back, just a year or so ago. Now she had her own seat. Fortunately, we took the afternoon flight so the kids were not too tired or cranky on the plane. Sophie watched movies and chatted with others on board while Alfee had his mouth perpetually at my breast. I literally stuffed my nipple into his mouth at the first sign of distress from him. As a result, our flight was relatively smooth and peaceful.
Papa researched and found the Meriton Serviced Apartments at Pitt Streetthe most suitable for our needs, in terms of price and proximity to the major tourist attractions. Although the apartment was small and did not have any view, it served us very well. We were particularly pleased with the cot we rented. Alfee was happily standing and playing in the cot while we went about with whatever we needed to do. In fact, he seeemd to make attempts to stand more there.
The moment we reached the apartment and checked in, we had to quickly settle the kids' dinner. It was in the evening but the sky was pitch dark. Sophie was excited to be still up and about when the sun had gone to bed. We ordered in pasta for ourselves and Sophie and made cereal for Alfee. I kind of regretted buying the tot seat because he did not quite get used to it. In fact, I was better off feeding him in my arms.
Dinner pretty much ended our first day in Sydney. It was a long day and we were quite happy to just go to bed and rest early. The kids must be tired too because they slept very quickly. Papa went out to Woolsworth for grocery while I made them sleep. So far so good... we survived our first day as a family (no maid) in a foreign land.
From Sophie's camera... I am not sure where or when she took the pictures, unfortunately.
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