End of the year already!

Oops, just realized it has been a week since my last post. How time has gotten away from me.

Well, I really liked Canberra. I met more family and had two days of relaxation and exploration. I had the first evening in Canberra to chat with family and had a quick drive through the Parliamentary Triangle and Civic centre. Canberra is really quite an interesting city: unpretentious and very spacious. And so green (despite the drought). It was a lovely, peaceful evening (after a number of peaceful days in the last week).

So I had one full day in Canberra and I think I made the most of it. Mary and I were out early to first visit the National War Memorial and museum. The memorial was beautiful and a very powerful monument but the museum was overwhelming. There was a lot of information displayed nicely but I just couldn't take all the war stuff! So we moved onto Mount Ainslie, a beautiful lookout point over Canberra - you can really see just how big and spread out the city is. From there I was dropped off at the Parliament. Now, this just might be one of the most interesting and unique buildings I have been in all year. The three areas of the Australian Parliament (House, Senate and Admin) are built into a hill, complete with grass on the roof, stunning views from the top and such modern and open architecture. One of my favourite buildings... I do love the quirky! From the Parliament I walked through the Parliamentary Triangle towards the lake, stopping at the Old Parliament, the Aboriginal's Tent Embassy, Court House, and a few museums. It was a stunning day capped off with more people to meet. Over dinner I met the in-laws and enjoyed sharing stories from my year. After dinner I met up with Mark, a friend I met in Paris. It is always such a treat to meet up with people I have met along the way and reconnect after sometimes months between visits. I will say, Canberra is quiet. Mark and I were kicked out of the bar at 11.00pm. But it was still lovely. Thanks Mark!

So I am finally back in Sydney. Mary, Geoff and Scott (my fam in Canberra) drove me up to Sydney where we said our goodbyes. Thank you so much for visiting with me. From there, I was picked up by another friend Mark (so many boys that start with "M"). I dropped off my bags (which I will not have to move until I fly home... yay!) and just relaxed. Okay, I had a nap but I needed it. The last few days have been nice. Meeting more people. Eating lovely meals. I went to a lovely beach for some relaxation. And trying to plan my last week.

Today is New Years Eve and I am going to try to fill it with activities. First up, must go to the zoo. Then maybe a walk around the Rocks and CBD. But then the big event... party on a rooftop in Kirribilli with THE BEST views of the Harbour Bridge fireworks and the Opera House. Sweet as! Should be a lovely way to end one year and welcome the next.

As a year is coming to an end, usually people look back and recount the lessons they have learned, the good times and the bad and make resolutions and predictions for the future. Well, to be honest I am too tired to do that right now. Maybe later but right now, I am just focussed on having a good time in the next week and getting home to my lovely family and friends. I'll reminisce and dream once I'm home!

Happy new years to everyone and I wish you all the best!

Love, Lisa

Christmas is over!

I hope everyone had a great Christmas. I spent Christmas with family and new friends. Leading up to Christmas, I was a little nervous. This was a first for me and I wasn't sure what to expect. So I just kept busy with other things. I went to the Night Market with a friend to do last minute shopping and of course to see the famed Wednesday Night Market... very cool. On Christmas Eve, I spent the day with Cal and we visited the Botanic Gardens for a lovely stroll and the Crown Casino for the Christmas Light Spectacular. I felt like a little kid amazed my the flashing lights and moving parts... and definately looked like one! Then we hit the pokies where I am sad to say, I did not win. But Cal did at Roulette (we played for you Uncle Woody) and we won big on my birthday number... lucky me! Then I had my Christmas gift from the Anderson family... a massage. Just what every backpacker wants after a year of carrying a backpack and countless other bags and odds and ends. Could have been there a month and still needed more. But I feel a little better. Got me into the Christmas spirit. So, thank you to Cal, Sue, Lizzie, Sophie and Billy. That evening, I learned a very important skill - how to behead and shell prawns. It was a little messy but I really got into it. Very Aussie Christmas!

At last, Christmas day arrived. We opened presents, had french toast and bacon for breakfast (with REAL Canadian maple syrup... mmmmm!) and got ready for mass. After church, we went to the in-laws for Christmas lunch. I met more "family" and had a wonderful time. We had an amazing spread of food with excellent company. I learned to play Baci (and did the impossible, on one of my throws I managed to have the ball bounce back right to my feet. The odds of that happening, well let's just say they're high. But not the goal of the game... much to everybody's entertainment). We just enjoyed each other's company and enjoyed the festivities. By far one of my highlights was getting a call from home and being able to talk to all my family back home. It made Christmas a little easier... especially since we get to have our own Christmas at home when I return. The best of both worlds. On the way home, we stopped at a ver decorated house to see all the lights and Chrstmas decorations. And... to see snow! Yes, I did get snow for Christmas, in Australia! It was so cool... twirling under the snow. Only that it tasted like soap. But whatever!

I decided not to go shopping on Boxing Day... don't do it back home so why would I start now. I had a lazy morning (well, I did go for a walk) before I met up with Nicola and Ben and we went to the cinema. We saw "Sherlock Holmes" which was excellent! Then I spent the afternon with the Marshall's and had to finally say goodbye. Te hardest part about meeting people when you travel is having to eventually say goodbye. I thought it would get easier... but it hasn't. But I guess that is a good thing. My last night in Melbourne was spent with family. Thank you to Cal, Sue, Lizzie, Sophie and Billy for welcoming me into your home and family. Made the holidays that much better!

So today I fly to Canberra where I will meet another part of my family. Them in only a few days, I will be back in Sydney. Less than two weeks, I'll be home! Crazy.

Love, Lisa

Christmas Letter 2009

Greetings to all during this holiday season! I hope this Christmas letter finds you all happy, healthy and enjoying the season wherever you are. As this year has obviously been an important one in my life, I thought there was no better time than now to write my first Christmas letter.

On February 9, 2009, I left Edmonton, Alberta: my home, my family and friends, and my comfort zone. My goal was to spend one year travelling the world and making the most of this amazing opportunity. I have travelled before but not for such an extensive period of time and not without a purpose. This year I was not bound by an itinerary, a job, or a preconceived idea of what I wanted to do and accomplish. That was all for me to define.

Happy Christmas! - First stop was London, England. This gave me a few days to ease into travelling on the other side of the world alone. It was here that my first goal was achieved: meet new people. In order for me to travel successfully, I knew that I had to overcome barriers and insecurities and not be afraid to meet new people. It all started on day one.

Milad Majid! - I flew to Cairo, Egypt and immediately felt challenged and overwhelmed. Egypt was a place like no other: the cacophony of sounds, assault of earthy smells and the sheer number of people was overwhelming and brilliant! I loved travelling throughout Egypt as every day offered up amazing sights and experiences, delicious food (goal #2: try new food) and challenges I was confident I could overcome. Very early on I had found what I needed: independence and strength.
Highlights: Climbing Mt. Sinai, camping out in the desert, amazing food especially falafel and koshari

Kala Christouyenna! - My next flight was to Athens, Greece. I have felt a connection to this amazing country for years and I was overjoyed to return. Finally, my university training became relevant (surprisingly, there isn't a need for a classicist with Greek history, art and architecture training in Edmonton!). I was able to travel to parts of Greece I had not been to which made Greece that much more appealing: the places all had such unique and mystical qualities.
Highlights: Meteora shrouded in fog, Delphi, Athens, my favourite gyros shop in Monastiraki

Buone Feste Natalizie! - After a long ferry ride, I arrived in the land of pizza, brilliant architecture and fashion. Naples, the birthplace of pizza, and Rome were absolutely lovely. As were Florence and Venice but at this time I experienced my first major difficulty on the road: illness, exhaustion and frustration. I loved Italy but I needed a change.
Highlights: Pizza, more pizza, blessed by Il Papa at the Vatican, walking around four great cities

Vesele Bozicne Praznike Srecno Novo Leto! - Slovenia offered just what I needed. My Opa was Slovenian and it became important for me to visit his home country. And very quickly it became my favourite place in Europe. I have never felt more at home away from home: it was a friendly, beautiful and natural place. And I felt honoured to have been there.
Highlights: Ljubljana, Lake Bled, caving, Poker nights (all night) with new friends

Frohliche Weinachten! - On to the land of rolling mountains, Sound of Music and giant servings of schnitzel! I was in heaven. I was only in Austria for a few days but I loved it: the hills were definitely alive with the sound of music. Trust me.
Highlights: giant schnitzel, Sound of Music tour, Salzburg before Easter

Frohliche Weihnachten! - My arrival in Germany began with spending Easter with family. This was one of my first home stays and I needed it over the holiday. I then moved my way north through the country, visiting new places and returning to see others but embracing every moment. At this point, I had been travelling for two months so I was finally feeling like I knew what I was doing.
Highlights: Easter with family, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Rhine Cruise, staying in a castle overnight, visiting friends and family

Vrolijk kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar! - An unexpected but lovely stop in Amsterdam. My timing was days before the biggest celebration in the Netherlands so it was a short visit but I loved the city, the sights and the people I met. A place definitely worth returning to (I didn't even see the rest of the country!)
Highlights: 2am in A'dam, walking the canals, van Gogh museum

Frohliche Weihnachten! - Another logical but unplanned stop in Brugges. Mission: eat traditional Belgian food. I spent a day eating chocolate, waffles, frites and deep fried cheese and went into a chocolate coma. Brilliant! Unfortunately, didn't see much of the town because of all the food!
Highlights: food, chocolate, reconnecting with friends

Joyeux Noel! - On to the country of cheese, wine and love: France. Unfortunately, I spent most of my time in Paris alone but I still managed to enjoy my week. What an exciting and busy city. I needed a week just to try to attempt to see everything! The north was brilliant - went to a magical place called Mont St Michel. Delightful!
Highlights: fresh baguettes, crepes from street vendors, Mont St Michel, brilliant museums in Paris

Happy Christmas! Nollaig Shona Dhuit! Nollaig Chridheil huibh! - Back to the United Kingdom. I had five weeks to explore England, Ireland, and Scotland before returning home. And I loved every second of it. I was on a mission to find the best fish and chips which meant I was eating it as often as possible (Just so you know, Keswick in the Lake District). I had four weeks of sunshine and five weeks of brilliant experiences. I loved the UK for its fish and chips and local pubs. You can't go wrong with that. Oh, and the friendliest people.
Highlights: fish & chips, local pubs, seeing friends, Killarney (IRE) and Keswick (ENG), haggis

Once I returned home, I spent the summer travelling around Canada and exploring my hometown. I never realized how much my city has to offer besides a really big mall. Travelling has definitely deepened my appreciation for where I live.

Merry X-mas! - On to the United States of America. I had over two weeks to travel from Washington, DC to New York City stopping in Baltimore, Philadelphia and Boston along the way. It was a brilliant trip where I eased back into travelling internationally (or thrown in head first). Loved some places, wanted to get out of others.
Highlights: staying with friends, Boston, NFL game (my first live game!) in NYC

Merry Christmas! - On to the Southern hemisphere for the first time in my life. I wanted to travel to Australia for as long as I can remember and it definitely impressed me. It is a massive country full of diversity and challenges. What a wild place!
Highlights: Kangaroo Island, Daly Waters Pub NT, getting certified as an Advanced Adventure Open Water Scuba Diver, Whitsunday Islands

Meri Kirihimete! - New Zealand was an unexpected surprise. I have fallen in love with this country! Every place offers something new and exciting and I feel like a true adventurer. (Goal 3: Try adventurous things ie. sports, white water rafting, skydiving) It has challenged me in new ways but I feel like I am at last ready!
Highlights: Paihia, Rotorua, white water rafting, black water caving, meeting new people, Barrytown, skydiving

This Christmas I will be in Melbourne, Australia. This will be my first Christmas without snow and more importantly, without my family. It has been weird leading up to the holidays: walking around in a tank top in the sun, seeing Christmas decorations (fake snow!!) and the realization that I will celebrate Christmas 18 hours ahead of home! It should be interesting. New Years will be spent in Sydney, the hippest place to be on December 31. I am ready for it! On January 6, I return back home after eleven months of travel, growth and discovery.

So obviously, I have had a busy and well travelled year. But it could not have been possible without the support and encouragement of my family: I love you Mommy, Daddy, Bryan, Kristen and Jeff. Thanks also to my uncles and aunts, my friends back home, to everyone who has followed my travels throughout the year and to everyone I have met along the way. I am extremely fortunate to have met so many great people this year who I consider my friends. You have all made my experiences that much more amazing and memorable! I have valued those who spent a few hours with me, those who spent days, those I toured with, those who offered accommodation and assistance. Thank you and I would be happy to return the favour! Just ask!

I wish you all the best holiday season, a brilliant 2010 and happy and successful years to come!

Love, Lisa

In Melbourne!

Hello everyone! Well, I am back on Aussie soil. I had a long day of travel from Christchurch to Sydney to melbourne but I arrived with everything intact (even my sanity!). I was greeted at the airport by my friend, Nicola, who I met in Europe. I stayed at her parents house for the past 4 days. It has been great: Ian, Marilyn, Nicola and Ben have all been very gracious, helpful and welcoming. It has made the past few days much easier. Because I do have to admit, I am starting to miss home and my family. The closer Christmas is, the more I think of them. So it has been wonderful to have a "family" while I am away.

The past few days have been wonderful. The first full day back in Oz was spent with Nicola. I had a lovely breakfast in Surrey Hills and then we went on a road trip to Healesville for lunch. What a cute town. As we were looking at the llamas the rain started so we headed back to the city. The rest of my day was spent at "home".

The following day I took the tram into the city where I spent the day exploring Melbourne: went to an art gallery, walked through the small lanes packed with people and cafes, looked at the large department stores for a new years eve dress. The dress I pictured was a green sleeveless high-waisted dress.. I did find a stunning lemon chiffon one-shoulder flouncy dress that I absolutely loved but it was a little pricey to say the least. So I moved on (with it in the back of my head). I had to go to the spa for my Christmas gift from my parents. My mother arranged for me to have a pedicure and manicure... so amazing is my mommy. So I had an amazing afternoon of pampering and my feet and hands love me again. Then I wandered through the city before heading back home. The evening was spent hanging around with Nicola and her friends, eating Thai takeaway and chatting. I really appreciated how welcoming everyone has been.

Yesterday was another day in Melbourne but this time I went to Fitzroy, a neighbourhood that was recommended to me for shopping. It is a alternative and unique place with a lot of diverse shops. A great place to wander. After a morning, I was a little disheartened and thought that I would not find my NYE dress here and then I went into Khoben. It is a beautiful store with a lot of classy clothing and this is where I found what I thought was going to be my NYE dress. It is a red wrap dress with stunning trim detail. The dress can also be dressy and casual so very versatile. I was so pleased. And then I walked two doors down and saw a depot store for another Aussie designer, Alanna Hill, and found a stunning cream and violet satin dress. I knew right away that THIS was my NYE dress... the other would become my Christmas dress. I was so happy with my purchase - much better than what I had envisioned. Once I made it back into the CBD I went shopping for shoes. So excited that I found two pairs (there was a sale!). So for less than the price of the lemon dress, I got two dresses and two pairs of shoes. I think I had a very successful day... and I will look good for the holidays. Last night was family night (which I kind of crashed) and it was a great time. Thank you to the whole Marshall family for welcoming me and making me feel at home when I needed it the most.

Today, Ian and Marilyn took me out to St Kilda. I loved that neighbourhood. We went to the market to browse the stalls, walked along the pier and then enjoyed fabulous cake in an adorable cafe. On the way home we drove through the more affluent neighbourhood... pretty but a lot of space to clean! So now I am jut getting ready to move from the Marshalls to stay with family. My mother's cousin lives in Melb with his family so I will be spending Christmas with them. I am excited.

I have been handling this whole "Christmas in the middle of Summer" thing well. I still shake my head when I see decorations and gingerbread houses with fake snow, and am baffled by the weather (walking around in a singlet and thongs or shall I say flip-flops!). But it is a new experience that I am embracing and all the people I am spending time with have made the whole experience that much better. Thank you everyone for making my first non-White Christmas less of a fright! It's only days away.

I hope everyone is gearing up for an amazing holiday season surrounded by love and festivities. Enjoy yourself, wherever you are, and hopefully I will message you on Christmas.

Love, Lisa

ChCh, sweet as!

Kia ora! Well, I have found my favourite city in New Zealand, Christchurch (aka ChCh). It is quite English, very old architecture, spacious and green, and exciting things to see and do. I was really pleased to get into ChCh and reconnect with some friends from the trip.

Yesterday was a fab day. The weather was great in the morning so Daniela and I went on the tram to the River Avon (very British) where we went Punting on the Avon. I had wanted to go punting when I was in England but didn't get the chance. So I was super excited to be able to go out on the river. It was very cozy and beautiful floating through th Botanic Gardens. And then Adrien, the punter, gave us a lesson and let us take over punting down the river. A dream come true! And I will brag a little right now - I was amazing! He complimented my skills and punting and said I am a natural. If only there was a calmer and shallow river back home... here I would come punters! It was a favourite activity of mine. Then we continued on our tram tour to the Cathedral. There was a school group singing Christmas songs which finally drove home that Christmas is just around the corner. We then climbed up the 134 steps to the top of the spire bafore heading into the square for lunch. From there I visited the Art gallery, Botanic Gardens and Christ's College. It was a brilliant day and I absolutely love this place. In the evening, we went out to a local pub to have a group farewell as most of us are finished in New Zealand within the next few days. So sad.

Today I went on a drive around the peninsula before getting all my luggage sorted. It is crazy how quickly I can accumulate things. I have gotten up to 5 bags lately (two were just food) and now I have to get it all back to 2 bags. I am proud to say I have managed to successfully pack all my belongings minus a few items not necessary any more. I am getting good at this whole travelling thing.

So tomorrow I leave for Australia. I am quite excited to be spending Christmas and New Years in Oz - it will definately be different. But I am sad that I am leaving New Zealand - it is now my favourite country I have been to. There is just so much to see and do...and it is so beautiful! Hopefully my words have been able to convey just an ounce of I how I feel.

So, we'll chat in Oz where it is sunny and warm!

Love, Lisa

Limping to Christchurch

Made it to Queenstown (for the third time... and thankfully the last). Decided that I didn't want to do anything adventurous so I settled on a day of horseback riding. That is pretty tame, huh?

Well, it started out as a beautiful morning and I had a wonderful ride across the Rees River (yes, we went across the river) and throught the delta. I had a great horse, Bear, and it was sunny and hot. Then I had a lunch break in Glenorchy before heading back for an afternoon ride. I was assigned a new horse, Howie, who seemed very affectionate and fun. The ride started off and I was told early that he was the boyfriend of the lead horse, Peaches. And he seemed very attentive... which for horses meant walking right behind her and practically riding her butt. Of course, she did not like this. After a bit of commotion, the guides decided it would be best to split them up. Of course, Howie did not like this and was looking for Peaches and calling her. Then, when there was another horse between them, Howie finally had enough. So the jealous boyfriend took matters into his own hooves. He kicked up and sprinted around Sherman and this is where it all went bad. In the process of getting to Peaches, I lost control and was thrown from Howie. As I felt myself falling off, all I could think about was "Unhook your foot - you don't want it getting caught and dragging you underneath the horse". Thankfully, I fell off (okay, not thankful for that) and was not trampled or dragged.

I was given a new horse, Enos, once I collected myself. To be honest, I was in shock and couldn't believe what had just happened. I got back on the horse (I am proud of myself for doing so) and continued with the 3 hour ride. But the last hour was hell. I was so sore and every joint ached and it was raining so I just wanted to go home. I did have a hot shower, lather on the heat cream (still had it from my mishap in Auckland) and curled up on the couch to read. But this morning, I do feel like an 80 year old woman. I am definately moving a lot slower and more gingerly. Surprisingly, I am still glad I went horseback riding. Who knew it was such an adventure activity?

So I am moving slow but am alright (don't worry Mom!) I leave for Christchurch tomorrow which will be nice. I have heard it is a really peaceful and old world city. Queenstown feels like a ski village... built for the sole purpose of the tourists and sport seekers that come. I need a change.

Love, Lisa

Rain, at last!

Since, I last spoke to you I have moved on from delightful Dunedin. The bus picked me up and we headed back to Queenstown. On the way, we made a stop to do something I had never done before: curling! As a popular Canadian sport (and one that we excel in) I embraced the opportunity and felt confident I would be amazing. My first try at curling was excellent, I was the only one to get the rock/stone to the other end of the ice. Of course, when it came time to play a game, my brute strength took over and I overshot the circle-thing. Anyways, it was still so much fun. A great option to get us off the bus for an hour. Then we headed back to Queenstown where I spent the evening with friends. I sure will miss everyone that I have met along the way.

The following day I left really early to take a local bus back to Wanaka. I had initially planned on staying in Wanaka but continued on with the bus and planned on returning on my own. So I am back and the weather has been interesting. It was sunny when I arrived so I walked around and saw the town (what there is to see) and relaxed.

Yesterday, it was raining in the morning so I stayed in. When it stopped, I walked to Puzzling World: there is a massive maze and illusions room. It was a great place and for a few hours, my brain was challenged. Then I went to the cinema in the evening: one of the coolest places. It is a small cinema which has sagging couches and the movie projected onto a wall. Even better, there is an intermission! I watched "Inglorious Basterds", an excellent film. It was the best thing to do in Wanaka... well, after skydiving!

So today I am still in beautiful Wanaka and it is raining! And for once, I welcome the rain. I have felt so burnt out from all the travelling and activities and partying, that I needed a few days to relax, catch up on my sleep and sit around reading. My mission today: christmas cards. The season is quickly approaching and I feel like I need to do something. Hopefully by doing a christmas activity it will sink in that Christmas is just around the corner. I have had a hard time realizing this due to the lack of family and snow!

So tomorrow, I am back in Queenstown for a few days and then on to Christchurch. Not sure what I will do. It will be good to go somewhere new.

Lisa

Southern New Zealand... sweet!

What a busy few days. I left Queenstown early in the morning and we drove along the Fiordland to Milford Sound (which is actually a Fiord, but whatever). The weather was not great but we still went on the cruise: saw a lot of clouds mysteriously shrouding the rocky cliffs, penguins, seals and more clouds. It was alright. Our camp that night was interesting. It was a small cabin with a coal stove. It was very small and intimate but it grew on me. We had dinner as a group and then I did the most amazing thing... I climbed inside of a 1000 year old tree! Now, I am not sure if you are all aware of my obsession with hugging trees (I can change the weather, seriously!) so I got to give the ultimate tree hug... from the inside! It was so cool and made the day!

Then we left crazy early to drive to Bluff, the most southern tip of South Island. It was from there that a few of us went over to Stewart Island by ferry (made me sick) where we spent the night. There was a group of 6 that rented a car and we drove to all the main sights, did some great walks, and just enjoyed each others company. Gradually the weather changed from overcast to sunshine. We had amazing fish and chips (or as the Kiwis say "Fush & Chups") and then made dinner for our group. As the evening progressed, I finally brought out my Rotorua Mud Masks and we had spa night. It was a blast and we all were glowing. And I was definately the coolest person in the eyes of the 12 year old schools girls on a trip who all had there noses done. All in a day's work.

From Stewart Island, we went along the south through the Catlins (beautiful) to Dunedin where I got off the bus for a few days. I have visited the Speight's Brewery (so cool but got drunk), Cadbury Chocolate Factory (sweet!) and walked up the world's steepest street (great views). But I also took the Taeiri Gorge Train which was amazing and very old-school. I loved my stay in Dunedin and now I am off the find haggis and scotch whiskey in the "Edinburgh of the South"

Love you all, Lisa