Just over a year ago, Don and I took what I thought would be our only trip to Australia. It was a place I wanted to visit ever since I in high school and I dreamed of being a Rotary Exchange Student in Australia. They sent me to Belgium, which often felt like the next country on the list alphabetically. I had a wonderful experience, and even dated an Aussie for about a month, but three decades passed before a different Aussie wore me down with pictures of their "winter," and I accepted his hospitality.
I quit my job and Don asked for six weeks off from work. His request was denied, but they told him he could have three weeks. Less than a week into the trip his last week was denied and he saw the handwriting on the wall.
Fast forward to the summer. Election news was scary. It was set to be a rematch between Joe Biden (#46) and Donald Trump (#45). By June I knew I did not want to be here on Election Day so when I saw an airfare for under $1,000 round trip to Australia, I booked it.
A month later the match changed to Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump, but the feelings of divisiveness remained, as did my desire to be someplace else on Election Day. Someplace where dogs are used to chase away the seagulls so you can enjoy outdoor dining. Someplace where a deadly stabbing of six people makes international news. Someplace where you can leave your bag unattended and it is still there when you get back.
We voted yesterday. We leave in three days. As I did last time, I will post updates as time permits, likely in airports as I wait for a flight. The complete update will happen after we come home.
Our itinerary:
November 1-4: Sydney
November 4-7: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
November 7-8: Sydney
November 8-10: Canberra
November 10: extended layover in Melbourne to go to church and have lunch with a friend
November 10-14: Bali
November 15-18: Brisbane with friends
November 18-20: Sydney
November 20: fly home via Los Angeles and Atlanta
This feels like the second half of the trip we did not take last year because his company would not let him take off for six weeks.
Planning has been less overwhelming than in 2023. I spent a few days in Sydney last time and known how to get around the city, including how to navigate from the airport. We spent a week in Melbourne, so we know how to get to church. When I dropped Don off at the international terminal in Brisbane, I took the shuttle to the domestic terminal, so I know I can do the reverse which will put us within walking distance to our hotel, which is walking distance to our friend's office in Brisbane.
I still have to learn how to navigate Canberra and Bali. For Uluru I booked tours via Viator, just like I did last year. It all worked out magically in the past, and will do so again this year.
Meanwhile, Ashley will be home feeding the cats and taking care of the house.
Time to finalize some plans and PACK!
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