Day 2 – Between Arrival, Encounters, and the First Immersion in Sydney

November 17, 2025 – Australia

November 16, 2025 – Husum, Germany

The day begins with a video call with Bibo and the kids. A brief moment of home that instantly recharges me. Arriving doesn’t just mean reaching a place – it means gradually gliding into a new reality between two time zones.

2. Sydney – and the First Steps into a New Daily Life

Hairdresser appointment – a piece of world history on my head

A Colombian from Medellín is cutting my hair.

Just two years in Australia – back then without a word of English.

Today a barber in the heart of Sydney.

One of those stories that shows how people seize opportunities. Respect.

Fresh haircut: Done.

3. The Hat for Bibo

Next Stop: Hat World in “The Rocks”.

An authentic Australian hat – just the one that is said to be “the one ladies wear in Australia”.

For Bibo.

A meaningful gift for a lover of jungle camps.

Purchased. Shipping confirmation: Arrived.

The hat is on its way to Germany.

4. Logistics Problem – The Reality of a 39-Day Adventure

Topic: 50% of the luggage back to Germany.

Australian Post? Too late.

Friday would have been necessary.

Immediate Plan B: Shipping via the hotel – on Sunday.

Because Monday already takes me to the next station.

5. Fatigue Meets Jet Lag – and the Battle Against It

2:25 PM Australian time.

In Germany: 4:25 AM.

I am getting tired. Very tired.

Yet the goal is clear: immediate adjustment to the Australian rhythm.

Specific Plan:

No sleeping.

Movement, light, short breaks.

Caffeine only until 5:00 PM.

Eat lightly, drink plenty.

Go to bed between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

And hold on.

“So, fight again.”

A phrase that shows that discipline counts even when traveling.

6. Business Networking International – Sydney Edition

A 1:1 meeting with Konstantinos Bitsios from Austria at the W-Hotel.

In person for the first time.

A good exchange – direct, open, appreciative.

The W-Hotel: modern, vibrant, international.

A fitting place for a first meeting on the other side of the world.

7. A Moment that Rocks – Literally

The tickets are here:

AC/DC POWER UP TOUR

Friday, November 21, 2025

Entry from 5:00 PM

Including public transport.

A highlight that already promises goosebumps.

8. The German-speaking BNI Group – Finally Live

In the evening, the meeting of the German-speaking participants.

A pleasant, positive feeling.

Conversation with Michael Maier, a good first meeting.

Many familiar faces – previously seen only online.

And then the moment that lingers:

Jennifer Wittauer recognizes me immediately:

“Ralph?”

We only knew each other from online meetings and phone calls before.

A beautiful moment that creates closeness.

9. The True Highlight: A Family from Birmingham

A group that will stay in my memory for a long time:

Father Denis, Mother Ti…, the two sons Denis and Eliott – the age of my nephew.

A friend, all three have already emigrated to Australia.

Professions:

• Police Officer

• Biotechnology (Focus on Diabetes)

• The brother who lives in Japan

Coincidental encounter – but valuable.

Deep conversation, a lot of laughter, genuine warmth.

Contact details exchanged, offer of support made.

An evening full of real connections.

10. And then… 15 minutes late after all

Uncharacteristically for me.

The previous encounter simply kept me occupied.

And that's a good thing.

The evening ends with a participant from the USA – part of the BNI strategy team.

And again: all younger than me.

A pattern that runs through – which I now accept with a wink.

11. Conclusion of the Day

Day 2 was a day of arrival, of first encounters, of fatigue – and of the realization of how open, warm, and international Sydney truly is.

A day that shows that traveling changes not only places – but also perspectives.