Sydney Opera House
Amelia Earhart has always been one of my heroes. Her fearless journeys were inspiring, and while I won’t be piloting my own plane over the Pacific, I am heading west on a new exploration. Destination: Australia.
The land down under was always intriguing. Maybe it’s my love of animals that’s calling me to the Outback, or my love of wine that’s tempting me to try new vineyards on the other side of the world. Or maybe it’s the simple pleasure of travel that keeps me inspired, and prepared, for the upcoming 25-hour journey across the Pacific.
I called one of my best gal-pals and proposed the idea. We just returned from Ireland and traveling together wasn’t a problem, so it seemed a natural fit to bring her along for the ride. Her neurosis equals out mine, which makes long flights and turbulance, as well as last-minute crisis in foreign countries, manageable.
“I’ll plan the entire trip. Just tell me your budget,” I said.
A dollar amount later and I was on the phone making the plans.
I booked the flights, courtesy of Virgin Airlines and a newly debt-free American Express card, and called my travel agent-turned-friend to help me book hotels. Two days later I was booked at one of the Today Show’s most favorable Aussie spots, the Observatory, an Orient-Express Hotel. Australia: here I come!
Bring on the koalas, the ‘roos and the Tasmanian devils. Pour me a tinnie and treat me to a lillie-pillie, and get ready Sydney, for I’m about to climb your famous Sydney Harbour Bridge.
There’s something mysteriously exciting about my upcoming trip to Australia. I don’t hit the skies until February 2010, but I have plenty to plan in the meantime. I think Amelia is sitting perched on her star above the Pacific Ocean, eager to guide me on this journey.
