Chocacarla

Well after my blisters slowly began to heal (although I didn't wear closed toed shoes for almost 2 weeks) I made my way up to Auckland and my Aunty Betty's arrival on Feb 27. She arrived safely (albeit early...5:30am...ahem) and we took off on foot around Auckland for the day, walking our hinnie's off visiting the museum including a Maori (indigenous people) show which was good. We walked all over the city and were quite pooped, especially AB since she had been flying the days before. Although I didn't feel TOO sorry for her...I mean, she flew business class where she had her own bed, so ya....not too much sympathy. Day 2 we heading to Kelly Tarlton's Underwater Adventure to see the penguins, sharks, and giant sting rays at the aquarium which was great. We walked ... read more

So we left off at my parents arrival in Australia. I met up with them in Sydney on the 11th of January. It was a bit emotional of a reunion and they were half asleep as I arrived after 11pm. But we of course stayed up chatting and catching up which was so great. I found it hard to believe that they were actually there sitting in front of me!! We finally got to sleep and the next day we were off and walked through the Botanic Gardens, through St. Mary's Cathedral, the Opera house and harbour. Then we caught a city bus to Bondai Beach...Sydney's main beach and it was packed and the water cccccoooollldd. But Dad and I braved it and waded in and walked along the beach. We had walked miles and were ... read more

Well how much have I seen and done in the last month! Here we are at the middle of november and merely 6 weeks till Christmas...yet it couldn't feel less like Christmas to me as I sit in the tropical north of Australia. Yet the Christmas decorations are coming out and it all seems rather strange. However Ryan's visit here continued my immense love of this country as we travelled north from Melbourne up the eastern coast. When Ryan arrived in mid-oct we first headed down to visit Jan and Andre who I had gone wwoofing with in early sept and we had a great time with them. Ryan and I even left them a painting behind. Jan and Andre like to have their wwoofers paint something and since I didn't really do it when I ... read more

Well the last month has been great here in the land down under. After my last entry I realized that I didn't put the most important thing I learned in Asia...and that is to expect nothing, that way you won't be disappointed. That goes for tours booked, guesthouse bookings, etc. It makes everything that you do get a bonus!! Well I arrived in Melbourne Australia just about 4 weeks ago and for the first few days I stayed with Marijana Rados and her family. I met MJ in Europe on my Contiki tour 2 years ago and we have stayed in touch since. She and her family made my first few days so easy and great. She gave me her old mobile to use, hooked me up to internet, public transport, housed and fed me, allowed ... read more