we’re not in kansas anymore…
Day 1: December 19, 2008
Let me get two things straight before I tell you about Oz. 1. Rau, my childhood doll, did not come with. He would have ended up in 2 pieces at least, a spa day would have been way over budget for me, and I don’t have room in my pack. Not sure what I’m going to do by way of souvineirs… and 2. The flight from LA to Sydney is 14 hours, not 20. A long 14 hours that might as well have been 20. I think I slept about 5 hours total since Tuesday night in Chicago. And it’s Friday afternoon in Sydney.
When we arrived we circled the city before landing. It reminded me of Florence as a lot of the residential roofs were red. It also reminded me of, well, summer. Every car windshield was reflecting the sun. I could see the backup from the morning rush hour traffic. The clouds were light, fluffy, and sparse. The sky was a crisp blue and the water on the beaches looked turquoise.
Ah, Sydney. (I just realized the computer I’m on doesn’t have a USB port, so sorry, no pics. Yet.) It’s about 75 degrees farenheit, sunny and a bit windy. I’ve already started my sunburn on my sholders on the free city tour the hostel provides. We walked around Sydney for four hours, taking in Darling Harbour, Sydney Opera House, the Botannical Gardens, bats, eels, and some old-ass trees.
I am experiencing a bit of sticker shock, but I expect to get over it soon. My lunch of fruit salad and a bottle of water cost $7.50 AUD, so I’m guessing around $6 USD, give or take, depending on the day.
I’m feeling like I’m going to nod off at the computer right here, so I’m going to head back to the hostel for a nap. Hopefully the people I met on the tour don’t intercept me and drag me to the bar!
Tags: Australia
lauracat
Hi Laura ~ Glad you made it safe and sound to Sydney. It sounds beautiful and your off to a good start! Sorry to hear Rau did not make it, better off for him (a kangaroo mama may have been ticked to see his condition) 75 and sunny sounds really wonderful about now ~ its almost 7:00a.m. here in Homer and Catherine and Michael have a two hour delay for school due to the ice and snow! You planned your timing perfectly ~ got outta here just in time. Looking forward to hearing about your adventures ~ stay safe. Love Aunt Mary
hey!!!!!!!! miss you skisssssss! i think i just realized that im not going to see you for a very long time…well have fun…im so……glad to hear youre safe hehe…love you!
Hey Laura!!
Wow, your description of OZ sounds beautiful. Must be funny knowing it’s December and summer there. Sounds like you are having a wonderful time…stay safe and I’m enjoying readying your blog, great idea!! Like Aunt Mary said, the weather here is horrible…typical Chicago weather and more to come..yep..I’m jealous!! LOL
Love you kiddo!
Aunt Anne xx
hi laura,glad to hear you arrived safely. hope you’re having a good time, not too good. say hello to all the rau’s. luv you and miss you. hurry home. see you next week.
luv you always, dad
Hi Laura, I hope they have a screen to protect you from the insects. I week already down–you can see I am counting the days. Love and again Merry Christmas. It must seem strange to see christmas trees when the weather is so warm. bye bye. Gramma
HAPPY NEW YEAR LAURA!!!!!!!
TALK TO DAD TODAY AND HE STILL HAS THE COUGH AND COLD…DROWNING HIMSELF IN ROBITUSSIN. HE IS SUPPOSED TO GO TO DOCTOR TOMORROW. I UNDERSTAND YOU ARE HAVING A GREAT TIME. GOOD FOR YOU. LOVE, GRAMMA