Welcome to Australia

We left the an inviting wonderful place to stay (Lorenzo’s home), got stuck in traffic, they moved the rental car drop off location in the month we were in New Zealand and we hadn’t bought our visas for Australia. Basically, barely made the flight after all of that. A fair bit of stress to start off Australia. Nice flight from Qantas though and Fluffy, Karen and I got to go in the cockpit after landing (kids were embarrassed and ran off).
We found our shuttle to the Globe Backpackers and took a long ride into town. Once we arrived at the Globe (in Kings Cross for those of you who know Sydney), they informed us we couldn’t stay because the kids we under 18. Karen and Jess jumped on the internet (best they could using McDonalds free internet with loads of tourists logged on) trying to find rooms and I walked around the area doing the same. Turns out several events were going on in town and it was hard to find a place to stay. I finally found a room for us in the Sugar Shack and we book it for the next four nights. Kings Cross is not the best part of town and it is a bit of an eye opening experience for the kids.

Karen and I spent the next four days purchasing a car and camping gear. School was difficult because our only option for the internet was the McDonalds on the main drag and there is loads going on in the street. Finally, Monday we are able to change the registration on the car, load up and hit the road north.

Won’t say the first four days were the greatest, but it had its highlights. We got to see Katy and Oyvind from Seattle they bought us a nice dinner and ice cream. Thanks!

Sydney is a wonderful city. I could live here in a heart beat. There are so many beautiful neighborhoods and areas. Every direction we drive we see nice areas. There are beautiful beaches, a wonderful downtown on the harbor, a good train system and a fantastic ferry system. The botanic garden is huge and amazing, right in downtown. My favorite part is the welcome sign that says: Please walk on the grass. Also feel free to hug a tree, talk to the birds and picnic anywhere.
Jeff