I have arranged to meet a few of the girls from the bus who have rented a flat with the intention of earning some cash to continue their travels.
It's only been a week, but I've missed them! Their little flat is delightful and within walking distance of the city centre, so, we wander down towards Hyde Park & Domain where there is a televised free carol concert with famous stars (none of whom I recognise!). It's warm and balmy and everyone has picnics and red candle lanterns. The atmosphere is amazing and I almost get the Christmas feeling, except it's 10pm and we're wearing shorts and t-shirts!
For the next couple of days I have arranged to stay in Manly with an old friend who emigrated to Australia many years ago, and with whom I had lost touch.
The ferry to Manly from Sydney Harbour is a tourist 'must' according to all the guidebooks and as I heave my rucksack on my back and jostle with all the tourists at the ferry exit I am worried I will not recognise her. After all, I've definitely put on a few pounds (well more than a few!) and we're not any younger. But she hasn't changed a bit, and I spot her straight away.
Back at her apartment in the town centre, her Mum has arrived to stay for a few weeks. All the way from..... Esfahan in Iran. How I wish I'd known she lived there before I went! For the next few days, I am spoilt like a princess. It's lovely to catch up on the family news and hear a little about real life in Iran but I also get plenty of time to walk the fantastic beaches around Manly and do some real tourism in Sydney. I try to do some Christmas shopping but my heart's not really in it. Back home they have -19C and 60cm of snow and here it's 26C!
I love Sydney. It's compact and interesting and there's something for everyone, whether you want culture, architecture, history, activity or beaches. I do the free walking tour round the city centre and spend an afternoon in the Botanic Gardens, then there's the buzz of Darling Harbour, not to mention the Opera House. I even make a trip to the famous Bondi beach. Well, it would be churlish not to.
But I'm ready to go home and see my own family now.
It comes as shock to find that my flight's been cancelled and the earliest connecting flight home is New Year's Eve. After hours on the phone I manage to get a split flight arriving Christmas Day. It's the best they can do. Devastated, I accept, but still worry that I might end up stranded in Hong Kong for Christmas on my own.
Saying goodbye to my friends on Christmas Eve, I check in. Any chance of a connecting flight tonight? No, it's fully booked in Economy. But one look at my dejected face and the young man in customer service is on the case. Half an hour later, I am not only on the connecting flight but have a seat in Upper Class all the way. There's just time to text home and tell them I'm on my way and I'll be home for Christmas.
There is a Santa and he works for Virgin Atlantic!