There and back again...a Kellee's tale

G'Day!  In my attempt at a clever subject line last time, I didn't realize Gmail won't let you change it when replying to a previous email.  In short, I was trying to say that the biggest danger in NZ is the chocolate.  So dangerous, in fact, that it consumed all of my spare change and then some; not to mention weighing down my backpack. I've decided that the metric system is much more flattering, though. Your weight is a smaller number, the distance hiked is a longer number, and nutrition labels list "energy" in kilojoules rather than
calories.  Who couldn't use more energy?  As for temperature, I never really made the transition, but I just learned that when I was in Sydney it was always between the mid-60's and 80's.

I say "was" because all good things must come to an end and I'm back in DC.  I'm happy to see friends again and look forward to the cherry blossoms in a few weeks, but I confess that the grey sky, bare trees, and brown grass that greeted me as we landed was one of the most depressing sights I've ever seen.  Not to mention the weather!  My whole scheme was to flee winter and have it warm and sunny upon my return.  Alas, gloves are still required, but that's not what you want to hear about so here's the wrap-up of my travels.

My last weekend in NZ was spent in Auckland, where I was able to meet the Pakis, a family related to some family friends.  They were so welcoming, and if they didn't already have a daughter named Kelly I'd offer to join theirs.  Monday was grey and drizzly, and I took comfort in knowing the country was as sad to see me leave as I was to leave it.  But to ease the pain of separation, I had a few days in Sydney before returning to the States.

While I struggled in NZ to differentiate between being a traveller and tourist and what exactly that meant, I was determined to be as much of a tourist as possible in Australia and just enjoy myself.  Sydney is a beautiful city in site and situation, with some architecture I was able to enjoy up-close (see photo).  Rather than waste my money on bungee jumping or sky diving in NZ, I opted to climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge.  It was completely safe, lasted longer, and offered better views.  It was excellent!  Later that day I went to the zoo to get my
marsupial fix, and decided that the Koala is my favorite.  Did you know it needs to sleep 20 hours a day?  I  topped the day off by going to a performance at the Sydney Opera House, where I was treated to the drum music and dancing of Papa New Guinea and Polynesia.

The next day was spent hiking in the Blue Mountains, a national park just a few hours from downtown.  Not surprisingly, the forest consisted of several species of gumtree (eucalyptus) and turpentine. I also encountered more lizards than I ever saw in NZ, but thankfully no snakes.  My final morning was spent in a last-ditch effort to tan, so I took the ferry across the harbor for some swimming and sunning. On my Aussie coworker's suggestion I headed to to Manly Beach--named by Captain Cook because the aboriginals looked especially "manly"
there (I'm serious!).  Speaking of aboriginals, while I never actually saw a boomerang thrown, I did hear some street performers in native dress play a didgeridoo.  Then it was back to the airport to fly to Auckland and back to LA, where I spent the night with my family before flying back here.

Now I'm back at work, waiting for my pictures, and in denial about the financial impact of this trip for as long as possible.  It will have been worth it regardless of expense, but you know how frugal I am.  In summary, New Zealand is a beautiful and amazing country that I highly suggest visiting if you ever get the chance and Sydney isn't so bad, either.  Well, take care and keep in touch!

Cheers,
Kellee