Jelly fish and a southern cross

Ahh, finally in Oz after all. Am terrible with nicknames. Well, actually, we only have one week left of our fantastic journey. Regardless of what I told anyone, we arrive back on Dec. 11th.

I dont have much time on this computer and its really hard to type on, but here are some Australian highlights...

In Sydney we met up with ICC, we went to the Opera House (actually tan in person,, not white like it looks), went to the zoo for an awesome free flying bird show. Really great. Went to the aquarium and saw a fabulous shark exhibit. We could have sat there all day. went out to the blue mountains and it was ok. Manly beach was fantastic and if we ever go back, Jamie and I would stay there. ICC went to Bondi, said it was ok. Went on a harbour cruise. The highlight was meeting up with the aforementioned friend we met in Aitutaki, Juels. She invited us to her brothers for an authentic Australian Barbei (no idea how to spell that.) And although it was similar to our bbqs, there was just something in the air that was different. And the company was superb. Everyone was so wonderful, reminded us of all of you. And Jamie is now fairly well educated on how to play cricket. I still only know thebasics. As he learned I was busyh having a hair removal conversation with a woman who admitted to me she was having it done, and had told no one else. We of course bonded.

Next was Uluru and it was worth every minute. We were very moved by the whole experience and Jamie and I were both completely infatuated by our guide who was translating our tour from our Aboriginal guide. I know its a rock, but I could have spent days there. We also went and saw another formation, the Olgas. Also quite impressive, but doesnt have quite the spiritual significance of Uluru. We couldnt get enough.

Next was an overnight stay in Alice Springs. I have known about the remoteness fo Alice Springs from Priscilla of course, so I was completely enthralled. Jamie, not so much. We did double our money at a casino though, so that was all good.

Next, we left ICC to head to Cairns while he explored Adelaide. We went to Fitzroy island where we scuba dived on an fringe reef. ANd because I love the drama, I managed to get stung by a jelly fish. On my face. Nice. Doing fine though, no worries. THe next day we went out to snorkel on the reef itself. Indescribable. We saw a fleet of squid and amazing psychodelic fish. If we didnt ruin our film, we did take pictures with our underwater camera. So fabulous. Now, we also went to a casino in Cairns, lost money, but met an illusionist there who invited us to his place a couple days later for lunch. His wife is from Thailand and cooked us an amazing fresh thai meal. So good. And hthe magician is well established so theconversation was great. We are now on Kangaroo Island and just saw the Little Penguins in their homes on the beach. Earlier we saw a wild kangaroo and wild koalas. of course, we have pictures of all of it. Speaking of which, according to our camera we have taken over 1200 pictures. Whoa.

Oh, and several folks mentioned seeing the southern cross. Not so easy. Saw it for the first time tonight and havebeen trying the whole time!

Ok, running out of time. Must post. Cant wait to see all of you!