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Published: February 5th 2010
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OUr Australian adventure has begun! January 5, 2010, started our new winter adventure-. After a stressfull 2 months of packing up one house and moving to another, we set up only that which we really needed in the new house, prior to packing our bags for this latest trip.
The day before we were to leave, we discovered we needed to obtain a visa for an included
visit to China- and we needed the visa BEFORE we left Canada. Note to self- moving house before a big trip leaves ones planning and organizing skills a little on overload........
SO- off to get a rush visa we went- time well spent, but an errand that we did not need at the last minute!
We stopped on the way to the airport the following day to pick up the visa!
Upon our arrival at Toronto airport, not only did we discover that our plane was scheduled to leave 36 minutes EARLIER than we knew about, but the airline claimed they did not have our reservation. Once again- a tad stressfull.......BUT- after 1/2 hour of mild panic and much computer searching, they did indeed find our reservation.
Then- on to security- the
likes of which we haven't seen before! As we were flying to Melbourne via the states, we had to have pat down body searches, no carry on luggage- and turn your purse inside out checks! Whew! We made it thru to the gate with about 20 minutes to spare!
From there on in- smooth sailing! We were lucky enough to secure business, or first class seats all the way on this trip with our air miles. WOW!!!! For these 2 travellers- what an amazing and new experience!
Luckily, we met some people on our flight who told us that as first class passangers, we were able to enjoy the special lounges at the various airports also! EXCITEMENT PLUS! A much nicer place to pass the time for sure!
Not that we had a stress free plane change- our connection in Chicago was so delayed, we thought we would miss the flight to Melbourne. Upon discussion with the pilot ( on boarding) he suggested he would request to "dock" the plane at the gate next to our departing flight, in order to help us catch it! Go figure! He did just that- with 45 minutes to spare!! Boy those first
class passengers are treated well! We had china plates, choice of dinner, chocolates, movies galore,blankets, pillows and a full, lay out seat for the long flight to Australia!
I may never be able to go back to the cheap seats again!!!!!
Upon arrival in Melbourne we rented a "Hippie Van". We planned to use it to travel up the Great Ocean Road with Kendra and Dave for the next week.
Our first stop was the home of friends Ian and Jodie. There we met up with our sailing friends Gary & Sue as well. Ian will store our extra suitcases for us while we are shacked up in the hippie van, as there isn't much room inside!
K & D were not able to arrive at the campsite to meet us on the first nite, so it was good to go out with the "Batyam" crew. (name of their boat as they are boating friends) They were having dinner with many family and friends from here and invited us to join them.
It was fun to meet the Aussie connection to Gary and Sue- and they treated us kindly and were very helpful.
The jet lag was
not too bad- we stayed up until about 11:30 the first nite.- altho at around 9pm- a wall of exhaustion hit both of us and we could barely focus. As we were out for dinner with Gary and Sue and family, we couldn't go to bed- but that was good as everyone said to push yourself as late as you can the first few nites. Then you sleep all nite, and wake up OK in the morning. So far- so good!
The next morning, we jumped on the commuter train into Melbourne to sight see.
WE enjoyed the jump on jump off tour bus, which Melbourne offers for free! Our favourite spot to see
was the war memorial. THe architect who designed the building was amazing. There is a small hole in the
top of the building, that allows the sun to shine thru and land on the word "love" (seen in the
pictures) It only shines on that word on the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11 month.
It is a pretty cool experience! They simulate the sun passing over the plaque every 1/2 hour,
so we were able to see it in action! Amazing!
By the time we finished in Melbourne, Kendra and Dave were waiting for us at our campsite. What
a great reunion we had with her- it had been way too long for my "mom's hug!"
From here, it is off to explore the Great Ocean Road! Stay tuned for details in the next entry!
Getting internet is infrequent, and difficult as it is often VERY slow! so blog entries may be slow in coming!( and
very late like this one!
ANy comments on the blog site are welcome as it lets me know people are reading it!
Thanks, and "no worries!"
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Ric
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We're reading!
Great to take trips vicariously through our freinds. Saves us a fortune. That's how we were able to buy a boat. No more pictures of Mark sleeping. I get the luxury idea but it ain't pretty. We got an email from Sue yesterday already lamenting the fact that they will be coming home soon. Keep having fun Ric