10 Things I Love About Australia
Australia is awesome! I know that word is overused and trite, but this is a case where it fits. After two months in Australia, I’ve barely scratched the surface, but here are 10 reasons you should consider going down under to Oz… Faces & Places 1) The people – Amanda & Maurice, Lenore & Lindsey, Soraya, Clare, and Derek, took me into their homes and their lives, and shared their country with me. Australia is full of good-hearted, friendly, helpful people. 2) The scenery – whatever your favorite scene,...
read moreTantalizing Tasmania (Part 2, the North)
Northern Tasmania has much to offer the outdoor enthusiast, be it bushwalking or beach walking, and the wine scene isn’t anything to sneeze at either, with the famous Tamar wine region nearby. I was fortunate to spend a couple of weeks in Port Sorell, with some day trips to nearby areas, including the renowned Cradle Mountain. After passing through the town of Scheffield, famous for it’s multitude of murals, which were commissioned to help revitalize a dying city (great idea!) we headed out to Cradle Mountain, home to the...
read moreTantalizing Tasmania (Part 1, the South)
Tasmania is where? Isn’t that a country somewhere near Australia? An island maybe… That’s what a lot of people from other parts of the world seem to think (ok, I admit, while still in the States, I thought it was a country of its own, and maybe Tasmanians would prefer it that way). It’s actually a part of Australia, and a very beautiful part, where many mainland Aussie’s come to get away from the heat, go bushwalking, wine tasting, and enjoy all of the great artisan foods. You can take the ferry across to...
read moreThe Art of Being a Great Guest
So you’ve been invited to stay with someone while you travel, maybe a friend or acquaintance, maybe someone you met through couch surfing, or while on a tour. How can you make sure you’re the kind of guest they’re genuinely sorry to see leave instead of the one they can’t wait to see go? There are no guarantees things will go smoothly no matter what the circumstances, as people and personalities and customs vary so much. But here are 10 ideas for making a visit a great one. 1) Clarify ideas and expectations of your...
read moreArt, Architecture & Adventure in Melbourne
About Melbourne, a friend said to me that Sydney is like a person who’s born beautiful, with it’s natural harbor and scenic attributes, and that Melbourne has had to create itself. And what a great job it’s done! My adventure in cosmopolitan Melbourne started as soon as I got off the tram at Clare’s adorable little apartment on Flinder’s Street, right in the heart of the city. (I met Clare on a tour to Uluru a few weeks before and she invited me to visit her). She whisked me off to the National Gallery of Victoria to see the Jean Paul...
read moreCanberra to Coast & Back in a Weekend
It’s not that far from capitol city Canberra, Australia, to the coast, and makes for a lovely 2 day getaway. With friends Amanda & Maurice, we popped our way in & out of shops in several quaint little Australian towns on our way to the coast at Wollongong. It’s fun to look, even thought I don’t have extra money to spend, space in my backpack, or a home to bring anything back to. But someday I may, and in the meantime, it’s nice to know I can be happy & have a good time without all of the extra baggage. We...
read moreBeing Happy
A friend in the States asked me on Skype the other day if I’m really as happy as I appear in my Facebook photos, and the short answer is yes, absolutely. I’m meeting interesting, fun, kind & generous people, seeing beautiful places, and learning new things every day. It reminds me of when I sold most of my possessions the first time, 8 years ago, and moved across the country to California with just what fit in my little Toyota. I have that same feeling of freedom, of being in the flow, following my dreams & fulfilling my...
read moreCanberra, Hidden Gem of Australia
According to locals in Canberra, their city is not tops on the tourist route, but should be, as they have much to offer. It’s a beautiful city, originally planned out through a design competition, which was won by an architect from Chicago in the US! In the center a lovely lake meanders, providing a place to sail or sit and ponder, or walk, run or bike along it’s shore. Cultural opportunities abound. The National Gallery has a great collection, both inside and also, outside in the sculpture garden. And don’t miss a visit to...
read moreSydney’s Famous Beaches…
…and bonus, Secret Sydney! You may have heard of Sydney’s famous Manly & Bondi beaches (pronounce it Bond-eye!) They live up to their reputations for scenic beauty & waves, and are a great place to people watch. Take the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly. You’ll cruise right past the Opera House and get great views of the harbor. Once there, pass through the main street of surf shops & restaurants, pick up a new bikini in Sunburn, slather on your sunscreen & dig your toes into the warm sand. Keep an eye out...
read moreResilience in the Face of Adversity
Many people fear traveling, and let that keep them from exploring the world. It’s much safer to stay at home, right? What if something really bad happens? Like a terrorist attack or someone unhinged taking innocent people hostage? This actually happened while I was in Sydney recently. I was, in fact, less than 3 blocks away from the Lindt Cafe where a lone man took 17 people hostage and held them at gunpoint for 17 hours. I had no idea when I passed through town between train and ferry on my way to Manly Beach that anything was amiss. I...
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