So, back to my conference tales.
After a hugely long day of presentations we were all ready to let our hair down.
The second night started much like the first, at a bar for a couple of drinks. Surprised me again how busy it was, also how many snotty, loud, screamy toddlers were running wild and free around the bar. Obviously Sydney’s idea of a crèche…
Then a short walk along King St Wharf to our venue, a BOAT! We were going for a harbour cruise. I am an even worse sailor than I am a flyer so you can imagine my joy. As it was a surprise there was no time to take travel sickness medication, maybe a good thing in hindsight, I would have slept through all the fun!
A seven course set menu, with matched wines and an open bar…OMG!
Lovely food, great wine and a few bourbons. My plan was to keep eating and drinking the WHOLE time to counter the waves of dizziness and nausea assailing me.
Luckily my plan worked, the only dodgy moments were the choppy bits under the bridge and on the turns, easily overcome with another glass of sparkling wine!
I spent a bit of time on the top deck with all the smokers taking in the views, and the fresh air! And before you ask, no, I did not smoke.
The weather was perfect, the skyline far prettier at night.
All too soon it was over, we disembarked without incident, rather amazing given that the 20 of us had been giving the open bar a real workout!
On to another bar then for more drinking, and some people watching.
A rather forceful young local “lady” took a liking to one of my female companions, much to her horror and our mirth, the expression on her face was GOLD.
I decided to leave somewhere around the third round of shots, things were getting messy and I am now of an age where I know my limits…I know that will surprise some of you.
So back to the hotel, and straight to bed.
Needless to say, there were even less of us at breakfast the next morning and Berocca’s were issued at the door of our meeting room. It was my first ever Berocca, they don’t warn you that you should wear sunnies for that first pee! It was a quiet first couple of hours I can tell you!
Then we had another magnificent meal, with wine (of course) in the dining room attached to the very swish bank’s boardroom that was our conference venue.
Eventually it was time to say goodbye, a dash across town, a rather stinky train ride to the airport – it may be convenient but…do people not understand what a bin is? That chewie is not actually a decorating feature…that there is such a thing as deodorant? Anyway…
I was at Sydney airport for hours before my flight, luckily as airports go it doesn’t actually suck too badly. As is often the way, I ran into several sets of Brisbanites that I knew.
It gave me the chance to people watch, one of my favourite things. As I sat there like a fool with tears in my eyes watching the reunions it reminded me of the best bit of the movie “Love actually”…the closing credits. “Interesting” clothing choices abounded, and I’m sure I saw Chris Lilley…
And then was the horror of the flight home! I halved my medication and stayed conscious…not my best move.
Sydney it was fun, thanks.
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