Next stop: Sydney, Australia! One of the primary reasons for this trip is to attend ‘Physio’s’ wedding! I visited Physio back in 2017 when he moved to Australia for school. More on that trip here. He ended up meeting someone and is now tying the knot. I’m excited to receive an invitation and attend! But first, I’d need to get there.
SilverKris Lounge
Thankfully, because of the choice to stay overnight at the Changi Jewel I was already at the airport in the morning and didn’t have to worry about transit from the city. I had a leisurely wake up and stroll past security into the main terminal. My first stop is the SilverKris Lounge for some breakfast. One of the things I enjoy most about airport lounges is that many have great food selections and since food at airports is expensive, this is one way that helps me save a little money. Along with an assortment of western and Asian breakfast items, I was pleased to see they had a congee station. This is comfort food for me and being away from home for about a week now it really hit the spot.
Flight to Perth
Soon after breakfast, it was time to fly! I walked to my gate, boarded, and settled into my seat to Perth. This is one of my more anticipated flights because it’s a longer light on a newer Singapore Airlines A350 Business class product. To my surprise, the seat is actually the same as the one that I flew into Singapore and is just as comfortable. The signature Singapore Airlines service is always great and this flight is no different. Lunch is served on this flight and the food is spectacular! It started with chicken and lamb satay and a poached chicken salad to start. For the entree I chose a coconut poached fish. Meanwhile dessert is Hagen Daz cookies and cream ice cream.
Sufficed to say by the time the meal service ended, I was stuffed. I settled in with a good movie and reclined the seat for a restful and relaxing journey to Australia.
Perth
Upon arriving in Perth, I had an 8 hour layover before my red eye flight across the country to Sydney. Interestingly enough, Perth’s airport is divided into two terminals that is connected by a free shuttle that makes the connection in 15 minutes. My original intention was to leave the airport and spend a few hours in the city of Perth. While making the connection I realized just how hot it was that day. Coupled with not being able to store luggage and not wanting to change I made the very unadventurous choice of spending my layover at the airport.
I’d like to say it was a great choice, but in retrospect I do regret not biting the bullet and exploring. Who knows when I’ll be out this way again! Nonetheless, I did find some productive uses for my time. I caught up on emails, did a little blogging and organizing of photos. So it wasn’t a complete loss. With the long layover in the rear view mirror, it was now time to board. By the time I reached the seat, I was pooped and conked out the minute I strapped in. A little over 4 hours later I arrived in Sydney.
Sydney – The Grounds
Even though it’s the day before his wedding, Physio was nice enough to pick me up from the airport. Our first stop was breakfast. He took me to a cafe called the Grounds. It’s a cool spot that’s not just a cafe, but also a bakery, bar, market and even performance space. It’s super hip and while I didn’t feel particularly “hip” after the red eye flight, it’s great being able to catch up with Physio and see how things are going with all that’s going on. Being the day before his wedding, I’m sure he is super busy and I am very appreciative of the time we got to spend together.
After Breakfast, I tagged along as he ran a few errands before he dropped me off at his apartment. Suzy arrived the night before and slept over. So when I arrived Suzy was just waking up. I took a shower got settled. Physio then left us to go to run a few errands on his own. I think with all the transiting over the past 24 hours, I ended up crashing soon after. Before I knew it, Physio returned and the three of us set out to a nearby mall to pick up a few supplies and get some food.
Odds and Ends in Sydney
From there, Physio once again had to head out to get a haircut and so Suzy and I continued to explore. We found a park called Terry Creek and decided to check it out. I’d like to say it was an enjoyable walk through nature. But it felt a little neglected and there isn’t much to actually see. At some points Suzy and I joked that maybe this is where people “hide the bodies”. I didn’t have high expectations but even then it was a little bit “meh”. It still gave us a chance to pass the time.
For dinner Physio invited Suzy and I to join a dinner for the wedding party, both families and a few close friends. We were honoured to be there and was a great opportunity to meet some new faces and see everyone excited for the day to come.
Both Suzy and another friend of ours from Vancouver are part of Physio’s wedding party. We’ll call him “Touchpad Killa” (Its a gaming nickname for when he used his laptop without a mouse!). He has family in Sydney and arranged for the three of us to stay there during our visit. So, after dinner, Physio dropped Suzy and I off there. Unfortunately, Touchpad wouldn’t arrive until the morning so it was just Suzy and I. We got to bed pretty soon after, given the big day ahead.
The Wedding Ceremony!
The morning of the wedding Suzy needed to leave early and rejoin Physio as part of the wedding party. I on the other hand had to head to the airport and pickup Touchpad. We then dropped him off at Physio’s so he could assume his groomsmen duties. I returned to the house to get ready and along with Touchpad’s cousin headed to the ceremony. The ceremony was beautiful and it’s such a joy to witness my friend make such a important commitment in life. I’m so glad they found each other and this day’s celebration of their love was perfect!
The Reception
There was a little downtime after the ceremony, so I decided to take a nap before the evening reception. The reception is at Oliveto which is a beautiful restaurant with huge floor to ceiling windows and great views of the parkland all around it. It was the perfect setting for a great evening of food, drink, dancing and good times. Looking back, I actually didn’t take too many photos and I have to think this is likely due to how awesome the day was and how much fun I was having!
Sydney
The next morning, Suzy left early to meet up with a friend in downtown Sydney. So Touchpad and I went to visit his cousin’s church for Sunday service. One of the things, I enjoy when travelling abroad is the opportunity to go to a church miles away from home and have it still feel like home. I think its a neat element of the faith and does speak to a larger “family”. After church, the three of us we head out for lunch to grab some Thai food and some Malay Roti bread in the Chatswood area. Both Touchpad and I wanted to thank his cousin for being such a great host to us during our stay. So in both cases of food, we ended up playing “black and white” in order to see who would pick up the tab. And in both cases Touchpad Killa or I ended up winning, to the frustration of his cousin who still wanted to be a great host.
Family Dinner
Touchpad Killa’s aunt and uncle also wanted to host a small dinner at their home. Both to invite some local relatives to see Touchpad. So we picked up a some takeout sushi and brought it back to the house. It’s actually really cool to meet some of Touchpad’s extended family and also nice to have a “quieter” evening at home enjoying a meal together.
After dinner Physio and his wife came over to spend some time with us before Suzy and I leave tomorrow to New Zealand. While it was short, It was a great spent laughing and catching up and I’m thankful the newlyweds chose to spend part of their first evening as a couple with us!
Sadly all good things come to an end and we said our good byes to each other. Suzy and I started the packing process for our short flight the next day.
Overall it was a short visit to Sydney but I’m so happy I made the trip. Not only was it an opportunity to celebrate such a joyous occasion for Physio and his wife. But its also so encouraging to see how many people have been touched by these two over the years. It really speaks to their character and their love for others as well as each other. I’m overjoyed at their union and wish them nothing but happiness, blessings and unconditional love in their future.
WOW! Grounds looks amazing! The pretty flowers, the brick…very hipster and I love the look!!!
you should have come to Australia with me!