Stage 2 - Sydney

Today I have arrived in Sydney and lost almost half a day in the process. Yesterday (12 Jan) morning I left Cape Town at 10am to fly to Johannesburg where I met up with Richard Milligan and family. They are just coming to the end of their stay in South Africa and very kindly spared some time to take me out to lunch to fill some of the time I had to wait there. We went to Emperors Palace which is a very impressive gambling place. Apparently it has only been built in the last 12 years but looks a lot older. Anyway, we had a wander round and then had lunch and then returned to the airport where we had a coffee. I had booked my luggage through to Sydney from Cape Town so I didn't have to do any more checking in - just wait. The flight started boarding on time but ended up almost an hour late taking off due to delays in boarding and then a closed runway meant all arrivals and departures had to use the same runway. Once we were airborne everyone was kept in their seats for over an hour due to bad weather so even the refreshment service was delayed. Flight itself was Ok but as always I can't sleep on the plane so manged to watch 4 films and finish my book. Saw a lovely full moon before they closed all the blinds. No sunrise today though - blinds had to be kept closed until what was about midday Sydney time as we were supposed to be sleeping.

Arrival at Sydney was OK then a very boring transfer to the hotel, arriving about 5pm. Hotel is OK. Not had much chance to check out the location yet - I just need to get some food and some sleep and be ready to roll tomorrow morning.