It's been 6 weeks and over 30,000 miles. I still feel as though I'm dreaming. The trip was a life-changing experience and one that I will never forget. I owe an awful lot of people for making sure that I was where I needed to be and that I had a great time. Thank you to all of those people that worked so hard to get this thing off to a great start, that would have to include Tad, Lyle, Michelle, Rosie and Lynn. They were not only the organizers, they were cheerleaders. Thanks so much.
Thanks also to all of my new friends at Barker College. It is a wondrous group who allowed this "American lady" to step into their world to play. I loved being an ambassador and hope that we can return the hospitality. I'm also hoping that someday soon I can go back make sure that they haven't given my desk to someone else! Anyway, thanks to all, Tammy, Marcel, Andy, Liz, Ben, Greg, Mel, Mark, Ann, Sue and all of the rest of the Barker staff that made me feel so at home. I'll never forget you. All Saints' is blessed to have you as a sister school.
A special thanks to all of my colleagues at All Saints'. I tell anyone who will listen about the great group of people that I work with. Your words of encouragement meant so much to me. In addition, for those who have seen me since my return, thanks to you for telling me how much you enjoyed this blogging experiment. I thought it would be difficult but instead it was so easy and also great fun. I can't wait to show you my pictures.
I would also like to thank Michael, Sara, Theresa and Emma for being such great tour guides in Western Australia and New Zealand. You made the trip so special and I can't wait to see you again stateside. Linda, Sam, Chris, Jim, thanks for putting your lives on hold to make sure that I was made to feel like a queen. You guys are so good at that. I love you all and can't wait to see you again, hopefully, next summer. Until then, whenever you look at those amazing mountains or put your feet in that beautiful blue water, please think of how blessed you are to live in paradise.
Steven, thanks for remembering me. It's good to be home.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Aloha!
I'm happy to report that I survived the 20+ hours in the air. With all of the scheduling, changes of planes and passport showings, things went pretty much without a hitch. The reward was seeing Linda waiting for me. The fragrant leis were an added bonus. There's just no place like Hawaii. I still can't believe that I've been in Australia and NZ for a month. It's like a dream, albeit, a wonderful one.
Linda and I were classmates at Castle High School in Kaneohe. We've remained close friends ever since. One of the things that we used to do as teenagers was to go and sit on Waikiki Beach outside the Royal Hawaiian and listen to a group called the Sunday Manoa. That group no long exists but the two brothers that formed the basis of it are still performing. The Cazimero Brothers will always be on my list of favorite performers. Well, seems that my friend Linda has booked us tickets to Oahu tomorrow to go and watch them. I tried to take Steven last summer but the brothers were in Italy. I am so excited and I'm sure Linda and I will do our fair share of singing along, much like we did on that beach at Waikiki.
To everyone who has kept up with this blabbering, I can't tell you how much your interest means to me. It's been wonderful being able to share with you. I'm going to make this my last entry as my "Hawaiian time" is going to kick in and I've got lots of friends to see. Take care and hopefully, I can share some of the pictures I've taken and as we say in Hawaii, we can "talk story". Aloha!!!
Linda and I were classmates at Castle High School in Kaneohe. We've remained close friends ever since. One of the things that we used to do as teenagers was to go and sit on Waikiki Beach outside the Royal Hawaiian and listen to a group called the Sunday Manoa. That group no long exists but the two brothers that formed the basis of it are still performing. The Cazimero Brothers will always be on my list of favorite performers. Well, seems that my friend Linda has booked us tickets to Oahu tomorrow to go and watch them. I tried to take Steven last summer but the brothers were in Italy. I am so excited and I'm sure Linda and I will do our fair share of singing along, much like we did on that beach at Waikiki.
To everyone who has kept up with this blabbering, I can't tell you how much your interest means to me. It's been wonderful being able to share with you. I'm going to make this my last entry as my "Hawaiian time" is going to kick in and I've got lots of friends to see. Take care and hopefully, I can share some of the pictures I've taken and as we say in Hawaii, we can "talk story". Aloha!!!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Akaroa and points in between
It's hard to believe that tomorrow I will head back to Sydney for my last day in the land down under. I've made so many new friends and seen so amazing sights. I'm still pinching myself on a daily basis.
Yesterday, Theresa and Emma (Theresa's classmate) took me touring along the coastal region. We went to this wonderful little village south of Christchurch called Akaroa. It was apparently settled by the French at the same time the English were settling Christchurch. It's in a deep valley so the scenery on the way down was spectacular. I am nominating Emma for a Formula One spot. She can get around in her little Toyota like a champ! We had a lovely lunch and I was able to get some jewelry shopping done.
We headed back to Lyttleton and then on to Christchurch where we landed at a wonderful pub. The food was yummy and the beer was delightful. I was blessed with great guides for the day.
Today, I met Theresa at the Chistchurch Cathedral and we went to the weekend market. It was filled with all sorts of sights and smells. I did some last minute shopping and then we enjoyed a nice lunch. It was a wonderful way to spend my last day in Christchurch.
This evening, Mark (the bed and breakfast owner) and I shared a bottle of wine and lots travel memories. He and Andrea have been amazing hosts. They helped to make my stay a memorable one. I'm hoping that I have convinced them to come to Texas; I think they would feel right at home.
Well, this will be the last post for a few days. I'm off to Sydney in the morning and then to Hawaii for two weeks. Linda has apparently put together quite a little itinerary for me which includes Maui, Molokai and Oahu. As I always tell people, everyone should have a friend like Linda! I'm looking forward to some "Hawaiian time".
Take care and thanks again for keeping up with me. I feel so blessed.
Hugs from Christchurch,
Ann
Yesterday, Theresa and Emma (Theresa's classmate) took me touring along the coastal region. We went to this wonderful little village south of Christchurch called Akaroa. It was apparently settled by the French at the same time the English were settling Christchurch. It's in a deep valley so the scenery on the way down was spectacular. I am nominating Emma for a Formula One spot. She can get around in her little Toyota like a champ! We had a lovely lunch and I was able to get some jewelry shopping done.
We headed back to Lyttleton and then on to Christchurch where we landed at a wonderful pub. The food was yummy and the beer was delightful. I was blessed with great guides for the day.
Today, I met Theresa at the Chistchurch Cathedral and we went to the weekend market. It was filled with all sorts of sights and smells. I did some last minute shopping and then we enjoyed a nice lunch. It was a wonderful way to spend my last day in Christchurch.
This evening, Mark (the bed and breakfast owner) and I shared a bottle of wine and lots travel memories. He and Andrea have been amazing hosts. They helped to make my stay a memorable one. I'm hoping that I have convinced them to come to Texas; I think they would feel right at home.
Well, this will be the last post for a few days. I'm off to Sydney in the morning and then to Hawaii for two weeks. Linda has apparently put together quite a little itinerary for me which includes Maui, Molokai and Oahu. As I always tell people, everyone should have a friend like Linda! I'm looking forward to some "Hawaiian time".
Take care and thanks again for keeping up with me. I feel so blessed.
Hugs from Christchurch,
Ann
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
New Zealand
Greetings from Christchurch!
I feel as though I've been dropped off into what England was like 100 years ago. Christchurch is a beautiful city on the Southern Island. It's very cold here; it was -3 degrees celsius the first day I was here. I should add that my metric is as bad as it was before I left so I can't tell you what that is but I do know it's very cold!
Just to give you an idea how far it is from Perth to NZ, it was a 6 1/2 hour flight. I took the redeye which meant that my first day here was a blur. Luckily, I was able to meet up with Theresa (ex-student now in grad school here) and she helped me get my bearings. We went into the cathedral, which is the city center, and the choir was rehearsing. It was a choir of men and young boys in black robes and lacy collars. Oh my, the sounds gave me chills; it was some of the most beautiful music I'd ever heard. We went back for the service and it was an evening I'll never forget. We followed it up with the best fish and chips I've ever had.
Yesterday, I took the trans alpine train to Greymouth. The southern Alps were spectacular, to say the least. I found myself nodding off on the way back, it was like being rocked. It made for a wonderful day.
Well, I'm off to the city centre. Today is to be the shortest day of the year. I hope to find some merino wool/possum stuff. It's all the rage here.
Take care of each other and I'll post again when I can. Thanks again for the notes; they make me smile.
Hugs from Christchurch,
Ann
I feel as though I've been dropped off into what England was like 100 years ago. Christchurch is a beautiful city on the Southern Island. It's very cold here; it was -3 degrees celsius the first day I was here. I should add that my metric is as bad as it was before I left so I can't tell you what that is but I do know it's very cold!
Just to give you an idea how far it is from Perth to NZ, it was a 6 1/2 hour flight. I took the redeye which meant that my first day here was a blur. Luckily, I was able to meet up with Theresa (ex-student now in grad school here) and she helped me get my bearings. We went into the cathedral, which is the city center, and the choir was rehearsing. It was a choir of men and young boys in black robes and lacy collars. Oh my, the sounds gave me chills; it was some of the most beautiful music I'd ever heard. We went back for the service and it was an evening I'll never forget. We followed it up with the best fish and chips I've ever had.
Yesterday, I took the trans alpine train to Greymouth. The southern Alps were spectacular, to say the least. I found myself nodding off on the way back, it was like being rocked. It made for a wonderful day.
Well, I'm off to the city centre. Today is to be the shortest day of the year. I hope to find some merino wool/possum stuff. It's all the rage here.
Take care of each other and I'll post again when I can. Thanks again for the notes; they make me smile.
Hugs from Christchurch,
Ann
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Southwestern Australia
The last 3 days have been a whirlwind, to say the least. I have so much to tell you about yet risk the "putting you to sleep" factor. I will do my best to condense things. For those of you who are interested, I'm now up to over 1200 pictures.
Michael (Chris' friend since childhood, a vet student in Perth) picked me up after his last semester exam. It was great to see him! The last time I saw Michael was at his going away party. It was also fantastic to see Sara, his girlfriend, again. We got up early the next morning and headed to Margaret's River, a wine growing region in SW Australia. We were to be on a winery tour at 10:30 and made it in plenty of time and got loaded onto a bus of strangers. Being on a wine tasting tour is a great way to make new friends. We went to 5 wineries and had tastings at them all. We were also served a light lunch that included a huge worm in the middle of the table which was offered to anyone who dared eat it. Michael, who had spent time in Nepal, downed it. We all had a good laugh. By the end of the tour, we were all singing some Belgian song about a bird. It was a blast! Margaret's River is a wonderful place with phenonenal wines. I can now pose as a wine snob.
Yesterday, we got up early and headed along the Southwestern Coast. Our first stop was to watch the surfers and see the beautiful beach. From there, it was in the car for a long day of driving. Late in the day we saw a sign outside of Walpole for some cabins. It didn't take us long to figure out that this was for us. We spent the rest of the night stargazing on blankets in front of the cabin. Let me tell you, I've never seen a planetarium that looked as beautiful as that night sky did. I just wish I'd known more about the universe and all that is in it.
This morning we continued west and stopped at Conspicuous Cliffs which was one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen. We left there and headed to the Valley of the Giants. It has the third largest trees in the world and a white knuckle bridge that takes you through it. I've decided that Western Australia is one of the world's best kept secrets.
Tomorrow night it's off to New Zealand. Everyone says that it's a wonderful place. I'm sad to say goodbye to Australia but I will have one more night before I head to Hawaii on my return from New Zealand.
You have probably already figured out that this has been the experience of a lifetime. I can't wait to come back and share the stories.
Thanks again for the notes; they mean so much. I miss you guys!
Hugs from Perth,
Ann
Michael (Chris' friend since childhood, a vet student in Perth) picked me up after his last semester exam. It was great to see him! The last time I saw Michael was at his going away party. It was also fantastic to see Sara, his girlfriend, again. We got up early the next morning and headed to Margaret's River, a wine growing region in SW Australia. We were to be on a winery tour at 10:30 and made it in plenty of time and got loaded onto a bus of strangers. Being on a wine tasting tour is a great way to make new friends. We went to 5 wineries and had tastings at them all. We were also served a light lunch that included a huge worm in the middle of the table which was offered to anyone who dared eat it. Michael, who had spent time in Nepal, downed it. We all had a good laugh. By the end of the tour, we were all singing some Belgian song about a bird. It was a blast! Margaret's River is a wonderful place with phenonenal wines. I can now pose as a wine snob.
Yesterday, we got up early and headed along the Southwestern Coast. Our first stop was to watch the surfers and see the beautiful beach. From there, it was in the car for a long day of driving. Late in the day we saw a sign outside of Walpole for some cabins. It didn't take us long to figure out that this was for us. We spent the rest of the night stargazing on blankets in front of the cabin. Let me tell you, I've never seen a planetarium that looked as beautiful as that night sky did. I just wish I'd known more about the universe and all that is in it.
This morning we continued west and stopped at Conspicuous Cliffs which was one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen. We left there and headed to the Valley of the Giants. It has the third largest trees in the world and a white knuckle bridge that takes you through it. I've decided that Western Australia is one of the world's best kept secrets.
Tomorrow night it's off to New Zealand. Everyone says that it's a wonderful place. I'm sad to say goodbye to Australia but I will have one more night before I head to Hawaii on my return from New Zealand.
You have probably already figured out that this has been the experience of a lifetime. I can't wait to come back and share the stories.
Thanks again for the notes; they mean so much. I miss you guys!
Hugs from Perth,
Ann
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Perth and Freemantle
It's been a busy couple of days. Playing tourist in a strange place has it's ups and downs. I'm happy to report that most have mine have been ups. Yesterday I roamed around Perth. There is a nice, free shuttle around the city which makes life so much easier. I found a lovely cafe for lunch and tried to learn my way around. It's a really pretty city.
Today it was off on the train to Freemantle. The train is fabulous for people watching. Freemantle is a coastal seaport with a High Steet and traditionally English looking buildings. Everyone I'd talked to said that I must eat fish and chips on the wharf. That's exactly what I did. It became a competition between me and the sea gulls but someone was dumb enough to toss them something and they left me alone. I can't say the same for nut that threw the food! It was a really nice day and tonight it's pouring down rain. I'm just thankful the clouds waited to open up.
For those wondering, Chris is off Denali. After being stuck at 14,000 feet for 10 days with little hope of the summit clearing, the group came down. They were running out of supplies. It looks like he'll be in Alaska for the rest of the season. He's talking about coming home for a bit after that.
As always, I miss you and hope that you're catching up on your rest. Take care of each other.
Hugs from Perth,
Ann
Monday, June 11, 2007
Finally, Perth!
I made it! You know how it is said that it's not about the destination, it's the journey; it's true! I guess if everything went as planned, the story would be boring, right? I arose on Sunday at 4:15 am to get ready to leave and was blessed to share a row on the Quantas flight with a lovely couple from Melbourne. They made the flight a wonderful experience.
Upon arrival, I went straight to the Hotel Ibis and checked into my room. My thoughts were that after a quick nap, I would get on the tour bus and check out all of the sights that Perth had to offer. My quick nap turned into a 3 hour snooze. (remember the part about not sleeping on the train and the next day getting up at 4?) I think my body was defining the word "exhaustion". I thought back on the fact that I'd been going and blowing for almost 3 weeks non-stop. I gave myself permission to "chill" and after consuming a quarter of the largest hamburger I'd ever seen, I bonded with the pillow again. I slept through the night and then prepared for check out. I have landed at the Pensions at Perth which is an adorable bed and breakfast. Ironically, the gal from Hilo that I'd met while boarding the train had booked a room here as well. I should mention that there are only 4 rooms! Her husband flies in from Hawaii tonight so I'm sure she's thrilled. I am looking forward to getting out this afternoon and seeing some of the sights. This bed and breakfast is an old Victorian house. I feel like I'm in my old house in Cleburne!
Well, I'm off to check out the city and all the sights. Take care of each other and I'll post again soon. Til then....
Hugs from Oz,
Ann
Upon arrival, I went straight to the Hotel Ibis and checked into my room. My thoughts were that after a quick nap, I would get on the tour bus and check out all of the sights that Perth had to offer. My quick nap turned into a 3 hour snooze. (remember the part about not sleeping on the train and the next day getting up at 4?) I think my body was defining the word "exhaustion". I thought back on the fact that I'd been going and blowing for almost 3 weeks non-stop. I gave myself permission to "chill" and after consuming a quarter of the largest hamburger I'd ever seen, I bonded with the pillow again. I slept through the night and then prepared for check out. I have landed at the Pensions at Perth which is an adorable bed and breakfast. Ironically, the gal from Hilo that I'd met while boarding the train had booked a room here as well. I should mention that there are only 4 rooms! Her husband flies in from Hawaii tonight so I'm sure she's thrilled. I am looking forward to getting out this afternoon and seeing some of the sights. This bed and breakfast is an old Victorian house. I feel like I'm in my old house in Cleburne!
Well, I'm off to check out the city and all the sights. Take care of each other and I'll post again soon. Til then....
Hugs from Oz,
Ann
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