Adventures as a Grown Up

Down Under: Prologue

Last August I decided to cash in my United Frequent Flyer Miles and go somewhere. After trying to get to El Salvador to visit my friend Emily didn’t work out, I decided to ask my friend Andrew in Melbourne, Australia if I could visit him. It was an iffy desire as I hadn’t really spoken to him in two years- and I was asking to stay w/ him and his roommates. But it was worth it. As soon as he said “sure” I clicked purchase. Well over six months later, I wasn’t going to let snowmagedden prevent me from going.

While working in Seattle, WA I patiently spoke with three different United representitaves and changed my return flight to D.C. and my departure flight to LAX to a whole day earlier and to leave from Seattle (SEA). I consider this a smart decision; even with the $150.00 change fee because on Monday all flights to the DC area were cancelled! So now, for those of you who like this game, I went: SEA-LAX-SYD-MEL and then returning was set to go MEL-SYD-LAX-IAD!

I ended up having a nice long layover in LA and was able to hang out with my good friend Jon for lunch/dinner and a walk our at Redondo Beach. I was tired by the time I got on the plane (at 10:30 pm), but so excited that I couldn’t sleep just yet.

Sandwiched between a guy who had parent in northern Australia and a Pilot headed to Adelaide, I listened intently to their golf banter as we took of for the 13 hours together to Sydney with a very large smile on my face. After the first of four movies and dinner (which wasn’t too bad) had passed, I took a Tylenol PM and was out cold for the next 9 or so hours. I didn’t even wake up when the Pilot next to me climbed over me to use the restroom and go to the cockpit to speak to our pilot!

When I did wake up, it was just in time for the “hot breakfast”. I was in shock. I fly all the time, but never do we get meals for free…hot meals… let alone TWO meals! I wouldn’t call the food great, but I clearly ate it. I’m not really a picky eater as it is.

When we finally landed in Sydney, I really did think to myself…. “hum, I think I need to find Nemo! 42 Wallaby Way!” I explored the Sydney airport for a bit and then it was on to Melbourne for the next seven days of amazing relaxation and exploration.

I loved every minute of my trip! No amount of reading and researching could prepare me for the feeling of surfing along the Great Ocean Road, or the chance to feed a kangaroo… or dancing at a club in St. Kilda. The sun was strong, the accents were thick, and I was in heaven down under.

I will spill more details later. In the mean time, here are some photos.