My first few days in Australia

Sorry I haven't posted earlier... been enjoying myself and staying busy. I am reporting now from Adelaide. Now, a lot of people have said "Why are you going to Adelaide?". Well, first I have friends who I wanted to visit and second, there is a lot to see in Adelaide and the surrounding area. Hopefully after this week of my posts, everyone will want to come to Adelaide!

But I digress, Sydney: oh, it was marvelous! I had two days in Sydney and I thoroughly enjoyed my time. First order of business was to get a mobile phone: done (I don't even have one back home (by choice!) so this was exciting). Then went to a travel agency to purchase some activities/tours/bus pass: done. I got a wicked deal and an so excited for some of the things I have selected: Kangaroo Island tour, Learn to Dive in the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsundays tour, Fraser Island tour, Greyhound bus ticket down the east coast (okay, maybe not that exciting). I will definately be keeping busy!

Then it was off to explore Sydney. Day one: walked through the surrounding neighbourhoods and wove my way to Darlinghurst where it started to rain. But even the rain couldn't dampen my spirits. Took a break though to have a beer before heading back home to King's Cross. Now, this is the Red Light District of Sydney and party central... can be interesting to say the least. Then headed out to Bondi Junction to check out the mall... but wasn't in the mood for shopping. By that time, the time difference and long flights caught up to me so it was time for bed.

Day two: Walked through the Botanic Gardens (absolutely stunning... will be going back when I return to Sydney!) and turned the corner to see... the Sydney Opera House! That was my "ah-ha" moment: I am in Australia!!!! It was so beautiful! Then walked along the harbour to take the metro across to the North Shore for lunch (Thai). Then, walked the Harbour Bridge. 30 minutes and beautiful views of Sydney and the Opera House. Wandered through the CBD (Central Business District aka. Downtown) looking for cute shops and eventually decided to head back out to the Mall in Bondi. Successfully found some cute shorts: had to because I barely brought anything with me. By the time I got back and finalized the tour packages at Wicked Travel, I had to pack and eat before bed. I flew out of Sydney early the next morning.

So at 3.30am on Saturday I was up and getting ready to leave. Yes, that says 3.30 AM!!! After standing by the metro in King's Cross for 30 minutes, waiting for the station to open so I could go to the Airport, I decided to hop in a taxi and go: running out of time, surrounded by drunks, drug addicts and ladies of the night... how entertaining! Made it to the airport with plenty of time and hopped on the plane to Adelaide. Was met by my friends Roger and Helen (met them in Egypt) and so excited to be in Adelaide.

After settling in, we ventured out to Cleland Wilderness Park where I met my first Australian kangaroo, wallaby, emu, bandikoot, koala, dingo and all the other animals. The park is open and the animals just wander around their large enclosure (well, most of them). And the people can walk right up to them! I fed the animals, pet them (so soft!!) and was just in heaven! It was an amazing few hours! Then we went up to Mt Lofty to see out over Adelaide but the sun was too bright. Then, for dinner we ate... kangaroo! I know, that's a little weird but it was so good. I didn't feel too weird eating the national animal I just cuddled... okay, maybe a little :)

Yesterday was Father's Day so I went to church with Roger and Helen before coming home and having lunch with the family. It felt great to be included in a family gathering... reminded me of family gatherings back home. (Miss you everyone!). Then it was a quick walk and sitting around watching a game of Aussie Rules Football. I am slowly picking up the rules: it kind of looks like a cross between basketball, soccer and football. But definately a unique sport! Next week should be fun... Adelaide is in the playoffs!

So today... the plan is to go to Port Adelaide to see a seahorse farm and the mangroves. It just rained for a bit so hopefully that's it for the day. It is the very beginning of spring here in Australia so the temps are low (15-17 celcius... I know, not that bad!) and the odd shower comes. But now is a great time to be here (everything is green!) and the temps are manageable in the centre up to Darwin. It gets extremely hot in the summer!

I am having a great time so far and am so excited to see Australia and all that it has to offer. I'll keep you posted.

Lots of love, Lisa