As we left New Zealand, I made a post about random thoughts from the New Zealand portion of the trip. I realized I didn't make a similar post the trip in general.
A popular question been, "so, what was your favorite part?"
While that is a perfectly acceptable question to ask (and one I might ask a friend after a long journey), I do not have a succinct answer.
The heart's answer: seeing friends in Melbourne and Brisbane
The best splurge answer: riding in a helicopter
The real answer is longer: I was able to relax because:
- I always felt safe--no matter the time of day or neighborhood
- There was always a clean, free, public restroom nearby
- Free tap water stations almost always available when ordering food
- I could read signs and understand strangers
- The sun shined most of the time
- The weather was wonderful (not too hot, not too cold)
- Money was easy to use
- Amazing food options
- No sales tax added to items plus no tipping, meant I knew if I had enough cash before I went to pay for a meal
- No responsibilities
- Lots of runners and cyclists no matter the day or night
- I felt like I belonged -- at least until I opened my mouth and my Yankee accent came through
That said, we felt the downside of being that far away from home when our daughter reached out to us with a problem.
I did feel I was constantly doing mental gymnastics:
- How much is that in US Dollars?
- What time is it at home?
- How far is that in miles?
Mostly, how long until we can return?
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