I’ve been at Sydney Airport for maybe an hour or two and already some older white Australians have muttered that Sydney’s bus transfer to the domestic terminal is “like a third world country”, “outrageous”, “this would never happen in Honolulu”. Gentlemen have jovially helped me with my luggage at every opportunity (this happens everywhere - people are lovely wherever you go). A muzza has flirted with a customs officer who only laughed and said afterwards “Could he be any more up himself?!” - a brilliant contrast to American TSA officers. There are a million professional, stylish women in their late twenties (dare I guess - Melbourne women?) who are making me feel shabby, and I’m quietly falling in love with every tall, Australian accented bro I see (or rather, hear).

The Americans I found in Hawaii were lovely, polite, friendly. But I love Australian camaraderie, accents, character. I love it.

I’m nearly home!