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rickpsLast stop on my journey was a long weekend in Sydney. I'd caught up with most of the Bears in the City gang at the beginning of my trip in Brisbane - Seumas/![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
beardoc, a great friend of many years; Craige (often called 'Daddy Craige') with whom I'd chatted on line for a very long time; the incredibly charming John(JR)/jottobear and Clinton, the last two were first meets. Not present at the time was the amazing Dominic/cuboz. But that was to change the moment I exited Sydney Customs...
There amid the harried crowd was the bearded smiling Dominic who'd offered to meet me at the airport and be my tour guide around Sydney while I was there. After a welcoming hug (which may have raised an eyebrow or two), Dominic and I were off to rent a car so that we could get around more easily. And because I'm lazy, dammit! OK, are you cynics happy now?
Dominic has reported on much of our adventures here, here, here, and here. But let me add a few comments...
I could not have hoped for a more knowledgeable, entertaining, and did I mention, handsome, tour guide and companion than Dominic. The Tiki Tour covered much more ground than I could have thought possible. While I'd never consider Sydney a pretty city, it is world class in sophistication and size. Regardless, Dom whisked us from place to place with nary a missed turn. I so owe you, Dominic. And no, he's not paying me nearly enough to say these things!
The boys managed to completely surprise me by taking me to not one but two shows - Billy Elliott and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. I'll have more to say about each show in a separate post but I will say that for this Broadway addict, I was in heaven. Dominic, Craige, and Oz (Craig's husband) cooked up this little shocker, the devils! Oz and Craige arranged an informal BBQ for the four of us (or five if you count Wally, the supercat). After all my traveling, the feelings of home and hearth were marvelous. Thank you guys!
I'd be remiss if I were to fail to say thanks too to the Johns, JR and JC. JR has that rare "it" factor that makes you feel as if you've known him for years. And damn, you should see that boy lipsync Abba!
As to Seumas, who I think I've known forever, I can no longer imagine you without your camera my friend.
The Blue Mountains were great to see but, for me, not of the 'knock your socks off' level. It didn't help that the area was awash with tourists (and two of Dominic's friends that we ran into within a few minutes of arriving!). Perhaps I was just jaded after all that time in New Zealand.
Last Thought
It was indeed the best of times. Only the 2003 trip to the same countries came close. The unspoiled (mostly) beauty of New Zealand's mountains and lakes has no equal in my experience. The lack of blatant commercialism was truly refreshing. But it's the character of the people that I'll most remember. I joked with the NZ departure Customs agent when she asked how my visit was. "Where do you hide all the cranky, bitchy people?" I asked. She laughed and stated that she'd never found them either. I feel very fortunate indeed.
beardoc, a great friend of many years; Craige (often called 'Daddy Craige') with whom I'd chatted on line for a very long time; the incredibly charming John(JR)/jottobear and Clinton, the last two were first meets. Not present at the time was the amazing Dominic/cuboz. But that was to change the moment I exited Sydney Customs...There amid the harried crowd was the bearded smiling Dominic who'd offered to meet me at the airport and be my tour guide around Sydney while I was there. After a welcoming hug (which may have raised an eyebrow or two), Dominic and I were off to rent a car so that we could get around more easily. And because I'm lazy, dammit! OK, are you cynics happy now?
Dominic has reported on much of our adventures here, here, here, and here. But let me add a few comments...
I could not have hoped for a more knowledgeable, entertaining, and did I mention, handsome, tour guide and companion than Dominic. The Tiki Tour covered much more ground than I could have thought possible. While I'd never consider Sydney a pretty city, it is world class in sophistication and size. Regardless, Dom whisked us from place to place with nary a missed turn. I so owe you, Dominic. And no, he's not paying me nearly enough to say these things!
The boys managed to completely surprise me by taking me to not one but two shows - Billy Elliott and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. I'll have more to say about each show in a separate post but I will say that for this Broadway addict, I was in heaven. Dominic, Craige, and Oz (Craig's husband) cooked up this little shocker, the devils! Oz and Craige arranged an informal BBQ for the four of us (or five if you count Wally, the supercat). After all my traveling, the feelings of home and hearth were marvelous. Thank you guys!
I'd be remiss if I were to fail to say thanks too to the Johns, JR and JC. JR has that rare "it" factor that makes you feel as if you've known him for years. And damn, you should see that boy lipsync Abba!
As to Seumas, who I think I've known forever, I can no longer imagine you without your camera my friend.
The Blue Mountains were great to see but, for me, not of the 'knock your socks off' level. It didn't help that the area was awash with tourists (and two of Dominic's friends that we ran into within a few minutes of arriving!). Perhaps I was just jaded after all that time in New Zealand.
Last Thought
It was indeed the best of times. Only the 2003 trip to the same countries came close. The unspoiled (mostly) beauty of New Zealand's mountains and lakes has no equal in my experience. The lack of blatant commercialism was truly refreshing. But it's the character of the people that I'll most remember. I joked with the NZ departure Customs agent when she asked how my visit was. "Where do you hide all the cranky, bitchy people?" I asked. She laughed and stated that she'd never found them either. I feel very fortunate indeed.
