10 Things to do when I hit Sydney

Around two months ago I embarked on the tedious process of renewing my Australian passport. In addition to the renewal I also had to organise an extension to my PNG Visa as I’m going to be working an extra 12 months at Goroka General Hospital. I use the word “tedious” for a reason as anything that involves paperwork in this country is filled with frustration, set backs and other forms of irksome nuances.

The long and the short of it is: now that I have a fresh passport and visa – I’m now in a position to book a return trip to Sydney. Yeehaaah….!!! Perhaps it would have been more appropriate to use “we” here as Australian Volunteers International (AVI) are doing the booking for me. As an an Australian volunteer extending an assignment – I’m entitled to a paid return airfare back to my place of origin.

The regular readers of my blog would understand when I say that “I really do need a break”. 2008 was a full on year and 2009 is shaping up pretty similar. Papua New Guinea is an intense experience at the best of times and for someone that has immersed himself in the culture more so than most – I’m feeling worn out and slowly running out of that “umphh” that was very much a part of my “style” for the first three years.

With some of the kids from our street (29/12/08)

Heck… I haven’t seen my family and friends back in Sydney for over two years now. Two years since I sipped a cappuccino down at the local mall – two years since I went to the movies – two years since I hugged my kin. It’s probably no surprise to many that I really do need this escape down south.

If all goes according to plan (famous last words) – I’ll be in Sydney from late February / early March for approximately one month. When I get off that plane – I will have a list in hand of things to do whilst in Sydney. You guessed it… a list of 10 things!

1) Seeing and spending quality time with Mum, John, Lucy, Yolande, their partners and of course the nieces, nephews. Exchange as many hugs as possible.

2) Catch up with a select group of close friends – none of this running around trying to see everyone. Perhaps we will organise a BBQ or gathering so that everyone can catch up with everyone in the one day. Close friends by the way… you know who you are!!

3) Celebrate a belated 75th with Mum. It was her birthday last November and we will combine this milestone with my 50th which falls very conveniently on the 12th of March (hint hint). 50!! I just want to party and not think about it! 40 years is old!! See… I said 40 – that’s how quickly it’s already slipped into the back of my mind!!

4) You guessed it…. sip cappuccinos at mall, watch a heap of movies at the cinema and scoff down buckets of gelati in between. A couple of flicks with the nieces and nephews is surely on the cards!

5) Visit the dentist! Yep… all that buai chewing has kind of fucked up my teeth. A few visits to the dental clinic out at Parramatta is definitely on the cards.

6) Of course – I almost forgot…. immerse and lose myself with a broadband connection. Get some photos uploaded. Perhaps even setup a website for the Keto-Tapasi Progress Association. I’m sure I’ll think of something to do!!

7) Tidy up my bank accounts. It’s probably more than appropriate to merge three or four of my australian bank accounts into one. No point in having multiple bank accounts without any bucks!!

8) Yes!! Go for some swims down at the Ocean. Any ocean, any beach will do!! Maybe even take a trip down to Wileys Baths at Coogee!

9) And of course…. how could I forget? Catch up with Carol – my dearest of cousins – and her “clan” of angels.

10) Forget about PNG for four weeks. Walk around town anonymously and not be recognised by anybody. It’s going to be magic with no one coming up to me in street and asking me for something. Just an average Jo!!

That’s 10 things… easy as piss!!

There is one thing that does sadden me and that is having to leave Eli behind. She has become my best friend and in a strange way it’s going to be weird not having her around. We have become a part of each others lives and share and do so much together. Next time Eli… next time!