I visited the Blue Mountains world heritage area in Katoomba on Saturday, July 5th. Having been told previously that Australia doesn't really have mountains, at least by Canadian standards, and that I wouldn't be much impressed with the area, they had been quite downplayed and I wasn't expecting much in terms of views. I think you get spoiled living in Vancouver, with the mountain views and proximity to ranges! So I thought it was going to be a fun hiking day, some cool shots, but nothing really spectacular. I was pleasantly wrong... Driving up to the area, there are no jutting peaks or views that capture your attention (apart from bad Sydney drivers, that is...), but once you get out and go to Echo Point, the magnitude of the area takes your breath away. Absolutely amazing... ... read more

July 1st, Canada' Birthday, was my first real tourist and vacation day... in the beautiful city of Sydney. I have to admit, I was very antsy and anxious to see how I would fare traveling and visiting on my own. Now that the first day has passed, I have to say that it does get a little lonely... I'm hoping I can meet some people along the way! First destination, of course, was the Sydney Opera House, with its rich construction history full of controversy. Departing in the morning from Rob's house, I ventured in public transit, a feat that was in itself an accomplishment, considering the number of possible modes of transportation available and the ambiguity of the maps... The nice man behind the counter did have a laugh at me when I asked which ... read more

After a 2 hour nap, on the night of the 27th, I was off to the airport... arrival time, 4:30am. Let me first tell you that 3:30am should not exist, for anyone... especially me!!!! My frazzled brain and overstimulated body were no match for international departures, and it was a bit hard for me to figure out what to do... Let's just say that it had been a while since I'd flown internationally, and things have changed quite a bit since then!! After a hard goodbye and me being completely out of it from my lack of sleep, I was off through U.S. customs (oh what a pleasure), and into the waiting room... My flight to L.A. was uneventful - although I kept falling asleep unintentionally. The plan, see, was to completely deprive myself of sleep ... read more