G'day mates ! We couldn't resist :) Wow what a difference a day makes. One of the greatest gifts of traveling is the people you meet. While in Ubud at a Kecuck dance show we met Amanda from Australia. We shared dessert, dinner, a few monkey stories and her driver. Next thing we knew Amanda and Pete were picking us up from the airport, excited to show us around their home in North Curl Curl Beach, a short ferry ride from Sydney. We spent three days at their lovely home, where we so thoroughly enjoyed meeting their crew, Pete's mom Helen, son Nick, daughter Phoebe, boyfriend Matt and their "cheeky" grandson Marlon. Throw in a few friends, Brent and Mel, delicious home cooking, including steak on the barbie and we felt right at home. They took us to the northern most point in Sydney, we visited a national park and ate the best fish & chips at Pete's favorite lunch spot. From Amanda's house we took the ferry into the city, the perfect way to see Sydney for the first time. It's all right there in front of you, the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, skyline surrounded by water. We were a bit awestruck by the shear beauty, but no worries mates we got over it once we saw the prices. It's nice to report Sydney's economy is robust and flourishing. Highlights included a tour of the Opera House and our very first opera, walking across the Harbour Bridge, since we couldn't afford to walk on top and the Sydney Tower, couldn't afford the Sky Walk, but it looked great from the street. Loved the Royal Botanic Gardens & Art Gallery of NSW (New South Whales), Hyde Park, the Domain, Bondi Beach and the Fish Market, all FREE. What we really enjoyed was being on the water and taking the Ferry's to all the different neighborhoods and talking to the locals. The Aussie's truly are a friendly bunch. Now Mike can finally tell the difference between an Australian and British accent.
One side note to report. We survived an earthquake, 5.2 on the Richter scale in Bali and a dust storm in Sydney that turned the city red, sky orange and virtually shut everything down for a few hours. We're hoping not to encounter a Tsunami.
Shout Out Time;
- An, before you know it you will be in the blog and not reading about it. Can't wait to see you in Thailand. The Thai are known for their massage. Get ready!
- Wayan aka: Sharon, Maday aka: Michele and Momma aka: aunt Carol glad you're enjoying our stories.
- Liz & Rick, if you liked the monkey story you should have seen Mike wrestling with a surf board in Bali.
-Jan, your always our first responder. We can see you smiling as you read the blog, your beautiful notes always make Carin cry.
- J & H, love ya, miss ya, can't wait to kiss ya.
- A special shout out to our new friends Amanda & Pete. Save your money and we'll see you in Colorado.
KEEP THE COMMENTS COMING. We love hearing from you all.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
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OMG, Australia. I wish I could be the "fly" that somehow managed to travel with you. Now tell me that you will be going to the Outback and I might flip. Saw the red city on the news. Could imagine how any one could breath. Stay well and remember to dance.
ReplyDeleteAs dad said himself "you guys really look like locals there and no one can tell your tourist" and it does sound like you really do feel at home in old Aussie land. Looks like you finally realized you can travel on a budget (not like our usual trips). Everything sounds great, and can't wait to hear of more adventures in Australia. Miss you so so so much!!! Already looking forward to the next post!
ReplyDeleteThe sign of a real traveler is when you meet a new friend in one country and they invite you to stay at their house when you hit their home town. I can't wait to come see you and hear Dad's impression of the Aussie accent, which I'm sure he's been practicing. Love and Miss you SOOOOOO much. Put another shrimp on the barbie!!! xoxox Jess
ReplyDeleteFinally catching up on your adventure(we've been in Europe visiting with Dylan).Glad you are out there giving us Yanks a better reputation.It's so nice to see your smiling faces and all the beautiful images.You really are experiencing something special(earthquake and all).Love the stories and would have enjoyed seeing Mike's encounter with the surfboard...can hear the laughter from here:)Rick & Liz
ReplyDeletemike and carin surprised to look at the blog today to see that this was posted on SATURDAY. i didnt know that updates took place on the weekend too but i am trying to take your advice school first, blog second. however a few things are coming before school. for example, making playlists for this upcoming weekend on a sunday. practicing dance moves for annie lennox. the list really can continue however han and i are going to go see FAME!!! also, i was not aware of this email list so i will need to be added to that ASAP. have fun with the Aussies!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a contrast: Bali to Sydney. I am relieved there are still great photo ops for food and bats and turtles, even in a first world mega-city.
ReplyDeleteI missed the blog alert due to a bit of post wedding sinus disaster. Your girls looked beautiful on Rosh Hashana on their way to Sue's.
And you both look beautiful with wind in your hair on the beaches of Australia.
with love,
Jan (blog confusion again)
Mike and Carin,
ReplyDeleteTruly think it is amazing what you guys are doing. I love reading about all your adventures thus far. Glad to hear you are doing well and loving every minute. Take care!
mel