OT- My Brother

[Soben]

I come from a family of worrywarts. I'm calmest of all, but I'm starting to get concerned too.

My brother (grown man, fully capable) went to Australia this fall (or spring for you) to see the world. My kids and I skyped him last Monday. But I haven't heard from him since. It's odd for him, he's usually very quick to respond and we're always in email contact.

He's in Sydney, but I have no address or phone number.

Most likely he just lost internet access. In the states you can grab free wifi from a coffee shop or library. Is that the case in Australia? Maybe his computer is down.

I know there's probably nothing I can do at this point. I was just wondering if you natives had any insights. Thanks!

 

[WAMUMOF4]

There's free wifi at McDonald's and some other fast food restaurants and library's do you have no idea where he is staying?

 

[aussietravellers]

There's also free wifi at places like Starbucks and some large coffee shops. We don't have free wifi as widely available like you do in the US. Hopefully he will contact you soon.

 

[annz53]

I come from a family of worrywarts. I'm calmest of all, but I'm starting to get concerned too.

My brother (grown man, fully capable) went to Australia this fall (or spring for you) to see the world. My kids and I skyped him last Monday. But I haven't heard from him since. It's odd for him, he's usually very quick to respond and we're always in email contact.

He's in Sydney, but I have no address or phone number.

Most likely he just lost internet access. In the states you can grab free wifi from a coffee shop or library. Is that the case in Australia? Maybe his computer is down.

I know there's probably nothing I can do at this point. I was just wondering if you natives had any insights. Thanks!

So you have not heard from him in 8 days and he is not responding and this behaviour of his is odd ~ I too would be worrying.

Perhaps you should consider contacting the NSW police and ask their advice. Reporting somebody missing is not a criminal offence in Australia.

All the best.

 

[Tashinwdw]

It does happen that tourists get caught up with fun and forget to call home regularly but to be on the safe side I agree with annz, maybe contact he NSW police or even the american embassy here, they might be able to assist as well.

I have my fingers crossed that all is well and when you do speak to him make sure he sets up a regular contact time so that he doesnt put you through this again.

 

[zanzibar138]

There are lots of good reasons why he might be 'offline', although it is pretty easy to get wifi in Australia at a Maccas etc. Not sure what his travel schedule was, but if it's possible he decided to check out the country areas, he may not have access to wifi. But if it's unlike him not to contact you, I would call the police or embassy, just so you feel like you're doing *something*.

Did he leave his itinerary with anyone back home? Or did he mention anything on Skype about the hotel or the location of the hotel or anything? You may be able to do some investigative work to figure out which hotel it was if you can piece together any information like that.

Wishing you all the best with it

 

[BecBennett]

Did he register with smart traveller? Don't they offer a service for contacting people?

 

[Toy Story]

I agree - touch base with the embassy or Sydney consulate. if he has left the city area, free wi-fi will be more difficult to access.

Did he provide Amy other hints on where might travel to - or where he was staying?

I think the smart traveller website is for Australian tourists traveling.

 

[PrincessInOz]

I hope your brother checks in.

 

[Sugarglider]

I know when i travel there is no better feeling that I have left everyone behind - that i could be anywhere in the world and out of contact! Part of what makes a holiday relaxing.

free wifi is not as straight forward as the US. i was recently in terrigal and the crowne plaza wanted $19/day they can go jump! I used my phone as a personal hot spot. So maybe he has not made the special effort required.
And certainly I concur - if he has gone to the countryside - much harder again.

And yeah - smart traveller is for aussie's when we go o/s and usually to register so DFAT can keep track in emergencies - so like The Ken Man and I went travelling around the islands of the Solomons - we registered our itinerary in Honiara cause there are no phones - or electricity etc

My husband's father recently failed to show for a tour in Trinidad and was rejected passage through Panama airport and we lost track of him for about a week. turned up in Cuba. I reckon the majority of times things are OK.

Keep emailing - but if it is a concern you could register him as MIA - I bet you could contact the USA embassy in Sydney and they have a standard process for this kind of situation.

 

[5ofus]

I come from a family of worrywarts. I'm calmest of all, but I'm starting to get concerned too.

My brother (grown man, fully capable) went to Australia this fall (or spring for you) to see the world. My kids and I skyped him last Monday. But I haven't heard from him since. It's odd for him, he's usually very quick to respond and we're always in email contact.

He's in Sydney, but I have no address or phone number.

Most likely he just lost internet access. In the states you can grab free wifi from a coffee shop or library. Is that the case in Australia? Maybe his computer is down.

I know there's probably nothing I can do at this point. I was just wondering if you natives had any insights. Thanks!

Any word yet Soben? I think contacting the NSW police and US Consulate here would be a good idea, they'll be able to give you some advice. I hope you hear from him soon.

 

[Neha]

Maybe he met up with some other travellers and they decided to go to the outback? no mcdonalds/strarbucks/free wifi out there.

hope he turns up soon and everything is fine.

 

[jacs1234]

I hope you have heard from him already.

 

[Soben]

My Dad heard from him. I was afraid to let my Dad know how worried I had gotten. I started checking the NSW police blotter. But I never called. I made sure that my Dad has an address in case we ever need it.

I'm going to email him again. I think we need a mandatory check in schedule!

Thanks for your help. It's good to get some local advice.

 

[zanzibar138]

My Dad heard from him. I was afraid to let my Dad know how worried I had gotten. I started checking the NSW police blotter. But I never called. I made sure that my Dad has an address in case we ever need it.

I'm going to email him again. I think we need a mandatory check in schedule!

Thanks for your help. It's good to get some local advice.

What a relief!

So glad that someone heard from him and he is ok

And I think you definitely need to set a 'checking in' schedule

 

[Tashinwdw]

Good to hear he is ok

 

[Neha]

great news op!

 

[annz53]

YaY ~ yip I would be setting some guidelines re communication as well

 

[Toy Story]

glad to hear he has checked in. I hope he enjoys the rest of his trip.

 

[aussietravellers]

My Dad heard from him. I was afraid to let my Dad know how worried I had gotten. I started checking the NSW police blotter. But I never called. I made sure that my Dad has an address in case we ever need it.

I'm going to email him again. I think we need a mandatory check in schedule!

Thanks for your help. It's good to get some local advice.

That is such wonderful news Soben I have been checking in to see if you had heard from him. So pleased that it's good news.