Bondi to Coogee Beach Walk

Saturday 10 November

I had to wait for a while, because there were already customers needing a haircut too. As I sat down, I looked around and I had the feeling that I was in a women's world. All women's magazines and other stuff. A girl walked into the shop, came back and helped me out.

Kim was also a Vietnamese, but has been living in Sydney almost her entire life. While we were talking, she also cut my hair. Something short and less volume. Within 30 minutes my hair was cut, the price was only $ 10 AUD. Exchanged names, e-mails, thanked Kim for the haircut and said goodbye. Back at the hostel I took a shower and was getting ready to go out.

The first thing to do was buying a bus pass. Down at the service desk they couldn't help me out. I met an Canadian looking for the same thing. Why not search together. I'm not in a hurry at all. The store owner next to hostel couldn't help us out too. "Ask at Central Station, maybe they can help you, he said. So went off to Central Station, which is just a few minutes away. We wanted to buy a buss pass which enables us to travel in different zones.

We bought a TravelTen bus pass at a newstore. Ten rides up two sections in Sydney. Now find the right bus. We looked at the time schedule and couldn't find in which direction the buses will go. A nice girl student helped us out and we thank her for her kindness. Time to say goodbye and I continued my own trip to Bondi. It's always nice to help somebody and to be helped. At Bondi Junction I had to change from bus again to get to my final destination.

1:30 PM. I finally arrived at Bondi Beach. It's a sunny day! Lots of people on the beach. First it's time for a bite. At Bondi Beach there are many eating places to choose from. Bought fish & chips with prawns and sauce at a seafood restaurant. Sat down at an empty public table with a roof.

Enjoying the fresh air of the sea and ate my food gently, before my big coastal walk to Coogee Beach. That's my goal for today, even if I had to crawl to Coogee Beach. It's pretty warm today and I had to buy cap to protect myself against the dreaded sun. The first part of the walk near Bondi was pretty crowded, due to an exposition by artists. The further I walked away from Bondi, the lesser people I met.

Walking along the coast of Sydney was great! Seeing waves crushing on shore, people enjoying the day, the fresh air, the wind and of course the sea. There aren't that much people doing a coastal walk during this time of the day. That was nice! Great to have so much space around you, so you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the walk, without bumping into each other.

Passing the Waverley cemetery along the way and looking back at the track I had walked on from Bondi. It's a long way. Continued my walk and from time to time, drank some water. Don't want to get dehydrated. Not every beach has signs. So I asked two girls: "What's the name of this beach?" "This is Coogee Beach" they answered. Yes! I have made it!!!

4:30 PM. I arrived at Coogee Beach, it was less crowded than Bondi, but I like this beach more. Walked around a bit and took the bus back to Circular Quay.

Walked around at the Sydney Opera House and took some pictures. Walked back into the city centre, but most stores were already closed. I wanted to try eating something new today. Sushi! During my Contiki tour I had my first taste of Sushi at Draculas Cabaret restaurant. It wasn't bad at all. Found a Sushi bar and sat down. They have a variety of Sushi. The plates of Sushi had coloured rings, which corresponded with a certain price. I tried salmon, mackerel, crab and other stuff, from which I didn't even know their names. It didn't matter, because it tasted damn good! Brought my empty plates to the counter and paid my damage. Normally I go for save, but this time I must say it was a successful dinner. Definitely worth trying again someday. Bought some groceries at Woolworths and walked back to the hostel. Put my stuff away in the fridge at the kitchen.

8:30 PM. I walked to the Global Gossip to check my e-mails and type the Contiki mailing list. I'm going to make another website about this trip. Everyone who wants to be informed about the website will receive my e-mail message. I also called home to check if everything was OK. Not really needed to keep in contact with my family, because if something happens they can always send me an e-mail. I will answer it as soon as possible. I'm having too much fun here and wasn't homesick at all. I could stay here in Sydney forever! What a fantastic city, so much to see and to do. Back at the hostel fresh up and went off to bed. It was the best day I had in Sydney for now.