Australia is beautiful. I've never flown over ocean before and been able to see it! Doing a 5-day tour of Tasmania, Karl and I are excited to be on the "road" again, even though we missed our flight and had to pay a handsome fee for rebooking... at least we're on the way now and have learned a lesson (seems to be the trend these days). As for travelling, Karl phrased it nicely when he said that he felt like he was home, but not in a place he belonged , for the pat few days in Sydney. I've felt that the city life is very temporary, yet I'm supposed to act like it's permanent. I'm supposed to be meeting people who I'll spend the next 5 months with! Most people don't interest me much, though. Rather, I've met a couple individuals who have actually grown our travel group! We've expanded the fabulous four to six attractive Americans in Australia with the additions of Adam (from Boston) and Katie (from NJ/NYC). Seems like we're all excited to get moving around this vast continent!

Tasmania promises to be wonderful even in the winter. Temperatures are approximately the same as in Philadelphia on a warm winter's day. The island is far from developed, as it has less than half a million people in its entire population! Apparently, it i to feel very historic and removed... somewhat like a European village, I've heard. I can't wait!!

We are staying the night after arrival at Central City Backpackers. A great place; feels like home! Just cooked dinner and met Rae and Stefford, married 40 years and met at EU, an Australian version of InterVarsity. Great people, extremely nice, earnest, and talkative-- another pair that ooze personality! They must be 60 years old and they are staying at a backpacker's hostel doing hiking and such! I want to be that cool when I get older! They clearly feed off the energy of the youth. What sparkling eyes they had! Stefford was bearded and somewhat quiet spoken. Rae clutched a mug of tea and chattered about how nice our accents are, laughing about something or other that was funny.

Karl and I are so content to be travelling again. It feels like we're back at home, even though its now more temporary than ever! Such few belongings and so little to tie us down-- it feels so liberating. You just leave all else behind when you sling a single pack on your back. It'd be too heavy to carry the other burdens.