Down in the 'Gong ...

When the move south of the border was definite, I went in search of suitable holiday destinations that met with my budget and transport requirements. Surprisingly, I came up with quite a list thanks to Lonely Planet New South Wales. Then the dilemna came: how do I decide between destinations? Well, I just did.

I spent the past four days in Wollongong having an absolute blast doing not much! It may come as a shock to some when I say that the only thing I had organised was where I was going to stay. I decided to stay in Keiraleigh - an old heritage building made into a backpackers place. It was beautiful - not spick and span or flashy but just right. Here's what I got up to on my little adventure ...

Tuesday - Went for a walk along the beach and foreshore after I arrived. Noticed that the colour of the sand is more brown than in Queensland. Marvelled at the number of grains of sand, wondered if Genesis 22:17 is metaphorical or real, rejoiced at the large number of people who are part of Abraham's family but was saddened by the thought that they aren't many.

Wednesday - Walked around the Australia Day markets by the beach. Watched Australia play the West Indies in Adelaide (on the TV, not in person!). Ate fish 'n' chips by the beach while listening to Red Beans (funk/soul band from Sydney). Listened to the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music Jazz Orchestra play some funky numbers. Watched fireworks live for once instead of on the TV.

Thursday - Went to Kiama for the morning. Visited the blowhole. Visited op-shops in Kiama and Wollongong. Tossed up whether or not to get a new mobile phone - still undecided. Went to dinner at the Hogs Breath Cafe ('cause I've always wanted to go there but never have) and had the best Thai Beef Salad. Wrote post cards. Watched Law & Order.

Friday - Relaxed on the beach. Did a crossword. Read Selected Tales of Jacob & Wilhelm Grimm. Did more of my crossword. Relaxed on the beach (again). Walked along the foreshore. Got a bit emotional when I saw one of the locals sitting on a rock playing his djembe. Ate fish 'n' chips at the beach (again). Watched The Replacements while doing more of my crossword.

Saturday - Had breakfast near the lighthouse looking out over the ocean. Reflected on Isaiah 40:12. Returned to Sydney refreshed and relaxed.

So, there you have it, a summary of my latest adventure. My one regret is that I didn't get up to watch the sunrise at the lighthouse - it was something I thought of doing but didn't. Oh well, maybe next time!