A Trip To Australia...

It was like a dream and one we planned for way too long...we had really become pros at convincing ourselves that we would go "someday!" We finally woke up to realize that someday is now! The flight was wonderful. We took the long way ... It was 9 hours from Seattle, Washington to London and another 21 to Sydney.

The service and hospitality we received on British Airways was nothing short of delightful. We had so many folks ask, "that long flight; how did you do it?" The fact is that it was great, it was enjoyable and the meals were fantastic! The seats were comfy and we were able to sleep so arrived rested.

With a 12-hour layover, there was no need to waste a minute! When we got to the airport in London, we caught a bus to Windsor. We viewed the countryside, saw the Windsor Castle, browsed some shops, ate fish & chips, drank British beer then went back to the airport for an 11 p.m. flight. From London we flew to Malaysia to refuel, then on to Sydney and the anticipation was incredible ... or was that unbearable? Suffice to say that we were very excited! We arrived at 7 a.m. and despite the 21-hour trip, we went directly to the hotel, dropped our luggage then took off to do some sightseeing.

The air was cool & crisp but nothing to slow these site seekers down. We walked through one of the most beautiful botanical gardens we had ever seen AND with birds beyond imagination ... in fact, I was gazing up at a gum tree (eucalyptus) trying to see the bird I was hearing ... I knew it was big since the wings flapping were really loud ... WELL, it was big and I did see it! It was, or I should say, they were BATS! Big bats!! The flowers were completely different from those we are familiar with and very interesting.

We walked down to the Sydney Opera House, took a stage tour and even got to see the Australia Ballet practice. We wandered around the waterfront, had lunch and wandered some more. Sydney is something else. Although the city is alive with activity, we noted how peaceful it was. There are gardens and comforts everywhere. Oddly enough, we both found ourselves amazed at the fact that we heard no car horns blaring, no sirens and no loud voices. The Australian people appeared very calm, polite and congenial.

The Rocks, managed by the Sydney Cove Authority is a shopping area and a tourist's delight. It is bursting with street performers at the water's edge, vendors, cafes and quaint shops of all kinds. The Petite Glass at 30 Harrington Street is "a must see". Norma is a glassblower and eager to show the process of glassblowing to those who wish to watch. Her shop has a wonderful selection of Australian momentos...a tiny koala in a bottle, delicate kangaroos...

On Dec 1st, we took a taxi to pick up our motorhome; a Spirit 3 from Maui Campervans. Since they had several locations, we had no difficulty in getting to a relatively close location.

The little motorhome was perfect and self contained - it was able to sleep 4 but since there were just the two of us, we had lots of extra room. Although the steering is on the reverse side and they also drive on the left, we had no problem making the adjustment ... easy for me to say since Lynn did the driving! The Maui staff was wonderful ... they took us completely through and made sure that we were at ease with everything. It was clean and very well maintained. We had a stove, small refrigerator and microwave as well as dishes, cooking utensils, toaster, linens and a coffee plunger! This is a coffeemaker that brews coffee by adding heated water.