Meeting the action figures, getting the itinerary, setting the stage...
I haven't actually planned anything for this trip - I have no itinerary other than four days in Sydney, four days travelling, one day up in Brisbane, and the rest in Melbourne. Dude, I've got this flight, six hours layover at LAX so I'm in no rush ...I've gone through the guidebooks somewhat, and I'm getting a nice idea of what I want to do. I need to check out the hotel pamphlet for the drive, but it's all cool. I'm breezy! But thirsty, so some water would be perfection.
~ the somewhat diary
A long time ago, as in I don't remember exactly when, I decided that my 30th birthday present to myself would be a trip to Australia. With people, without people, whatever, I was going and that was final. As it turned out, none of my friends could make the trip, so I had to make do with action figures. No, not dolls. Action figures. Like GI Joe. Anyway, they are going to accompany us through Australia, providing commentary, a little historical perspective (Scully), some gushing and culture reviews (Lex), and hopefully not too much snark, as both of their boyfriends are not with us.
So, guys, can you tell the people where we're going?
(Really, Lex? I'd never have guessed.)
We'll spend four days there, and then move down the Prince's Highway to Melbourne. While we're in Sydney, we're going to see the Sydney Opera House, The Aquarium, The Rocks (site of the first non-indigenous settlement), and meet up with a good friend.
So, you ready to get started? Click here!
It's April 7, 2003, and I'm sitting on the plane heading to LAX. Except that we haven't left yet. I'm in a happy, happy mood. Lots of people watching. One man is particularly memorable - tall, black, very dapper and handsome, balancing three fedoras on his head.
Lex: Well, ames, we're starting with Sydney, which as you can see from the map, is a pretty big city.
Scully: On the way to Melbourne, we'll stop at Kiama, Kangaroo Valley, Nowra, Lake Entrance, and Wilson's Promontory. It's a beautiful drive - we loved it. We'll have some scenic overlooks, a waterfall, animals, and some wonderful scenery.
So, there you go. Thirty hours to get to Australia, four days in Sydney, four days on the road, a day in Brisbane (ha! Surprise!) and three days in Melbourne to rest up and chill.