Saturday, December 31, 2011

Blogging shame!

So the one thing I didn't count on while traveling in Australia and New Zealand was how painfully expensive and difficult it would be to get reliable internet access.  I thought that by traveling with my iPad, I'd be able to access wifi anywhere and everywhere, but regretfully, no.  Today,  January 1 (happy new year, btw) is the first day I've had reliable, free and useable internet access.  But unfortunately, I can't post photos yet, those will have to wait until I get home, but if you want me to email you some highlights directly, just comment or shoot me an email. 

Highlights so far however:

Getting very lost in Brisbane
Seeing wallabies engage in tons of afternoon delight (when is that *not* funny?)
Having the best fish and chips of my life in Havelock, NZ
Snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef
Discovering that my favorite place on the planet is a small island off the central east coast of Australia called Fraser Island.
Finding much more common ground with my younger sister than ever before.
Seeing my mom face some of her demons and get into very deep water for the first time in her life!
Touching the opera house in Sydney
Wine tasting in the Marlborough region of New Zealand.

The best thing about getting away from everything this long (and I could definitely be gone for another 3-4 weeks if work/time/money allowed) is that I am absolutely certain of what I do/don't want in my life when I return to it in a few days and I have a pretty clear path on how to get there. 

Happy new year! Light and love to all of you and see you in 2012.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Search for Flight of the Conchords

In New Zealand for three days now, and no sign of Bret or Jemaine. Will report back when they emerge. (there were however, 13 commercials for the Rhys Darby comedy DVD.)

Monday, December 19, 2011

Koalas are furry and mean.

Really. Not amused by them. They look so cute and cuddly, then try to claw your face off.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Going down under...

So it's officially one day until my trip to Australia and New Zealand! So exciting.  Yes, I've been to a few parks since starting this blog but grad school applications (and acceptances!) and work and planning for The Biggest Trip of My Life has gotten in the way of actually blogging and having more than the occasional adventure.  However, you can have a sneak peek into where I'm going!

 

Port Douglas -- where we'll set off to the Great Barrier Reef!


The Marlborough Sounds where we'll deliver the mail! 


Sydney of course, where we'll be climbing the bridge and doing lots of walking!


Fraser Island -- where we'll be swimming in that gorgeous lake.  Yes, it really looks like that. 



Abel Tasman National Park, where we'll do some of the most spectacular kayaking in the world.


Nelson, where we'll try our hand at some sailing!

Renwick, where we'll be biking through New Zealand's amazing Marlborough wine country!



And Melbourne, where the trip ends! 


Of course, most of this is out of order, but I plan to blog every couple of days not only to keep you informed, but to keep this as a journal and record of my trip.  See you on the other side of the world!