On Tuesday I fly to Sydney and check in at the Lord Nelson Hotel in a district called The Rocks. The room is on the 3rd floor, and has a skylight with no way of blocking out the sun. When I open the door, I'm met by a wall of heat that must have been close to triggering a flashover! With my skin tightening in the heat, I open the window in the bathroom, the window at the front of the room, and position myself in the meagre breeze that results. It's not much, but it's enough to keep me alive.
I unpack, shower, and watch tv while I try to cool down. Eventually giving up, I get dressed and return to the bar, freshened but not refreshed. The beer is good, as is the ploughman's. The bar staff have a debate about where I can buy shoes and a tie, and I set off to see what I can find. I eventually find shoes that I'm happy with but decide to look at more ties tomorrow morning - the interview isn't until the afternoon. Dropping the shoes back at the hotel, I go back out and stroll around Circular Quay. It hasn't changed at all since I was here two years ago. I contemplate the possibility of living and working in Sydney, head back to the hotel, and sleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.
Wednesday morning, and I have a light breakfast and then set off into the CBD. It's a hot day and I'm not looking forward to wearing a suit later. For now, I'm in my casual gear, and the morning air is still bearable. I ring Steve from the agency, and let him know where I am. It's close to his offices, and we arrange to meet in a hotel lobby. Steve and his colleague Luke are both Brits (the Sydney recruitment world is full of Brits). Good-natured Essex lads, we chat about how each of us ended up in Australia, a bit about football, and a little bit about the interview I'll be attending in 5 hours time. Then it's back out to the shops and I find a tie that I like. I have everything I need.
5 hours later, I'm walking to the offices of the Commonwealth Bank and I pass Steve and Luke in the street. They don't recognise me, in my "whistle" (as we southerners say). I rebuke them and we have a bit of a laugh, and arrange to meet after the interview.
The interview covers a lot of the same ground that the telephone interview covered. They probe me on various key things and I handle everything they throw at me. At the end, they're talking about start dates and everything seems to be falling into place - there's a project they want me to work on and it's currently going through approval. It should be ready to go by the time I get back from the UK. I've done well, and the signs are all positive. I meet Steve and Luke in a nearby bar. We're joined by Paul - an Aussie former Rugby League player who works in a management company. If I'm offered the job, his company will be handling my paperwork - visas etc. We don't talk much business - it's all sport and lifestyle and just getting to know each other. A few beers later, we bid each other cheery farewells. On the way back, I realise that I've missed the bikini photo shoot. I hope the girls regret my absence as much as I do.
Back at the Lord Nelson, I get out of my suit as fast as I can, and take my camera to Circular Quay. It's about time I learned how to use it. Without the manual it's an uninspiring couple of hours until I figure out how to use the long exposure setting. Then, finally, I start getting some decent looking shots.
On Thursday, I visit Manly, and find that the ferry terminal has ben expanded a lot since I was there. It's a shame - it's now a hulking great thing, with several fast food outlets etc. Two years ago, it was just a jetty - large but peaceful. That's progress, I suppose. Manly itself, and the beach, are unchanged. There are signs everywhere for the forthcoming rugby league grand final - fever is taking hold. As for me, I head back to the hotel, collect my bags, and fly back to Brisbane. It's been a good trip.
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