Pottery Chatroom Board

I used to post on the other board infrequently, but read them every day. I am now posting to tell Gordon, Julia, and Sandra that a friend and I have just returned from the "trip of the lifetime" to Australia and we Loved It! My friend from
San Franciso and I (from Kentucky now)--friends since 7th grade, just a FEW years ago-- flew to Sydney Feb. 16. We stayed in the YHA hotel at the Rocks. Surprised us because we found out, after we had booked, that YHA stood for Youth Hostel Association. Being ladies of "a certain age" we weren't sure it was appropriate, but at least we did not book a "mixed sex 8 bed room". Had twin beds with bath. It was great! Met many interesting people--some backpakers, most not. They had a roof-top deck where everyone met.

Next day, we got on a ship for a 17 day cruise around the "top end" going north, then west then south. Incuded many interesting ports including Bali. Ending up in Freemantle/Perth. Stayed 5 days in Freemantle, saw everything possible including going to Rottnest Island. Wonderful museum in Perth about aboriginal history and culture. The only down side was the heat wave! Don't remember what it was in Celsius, but over 100 farenheit!

Flew to Ayers Rock/Uluru for 4 days. Great tours and accommodations

Then on to Sydney for an additional week. Stayed at a B&B on "the other side of Harbor Bridge that had a roof top garden that looked out on the opera house, ferry terminal, and bridge. Wonderful. We ate dinner there each night watching the sunset on the area and the bats flying around.

The purpose of this post is to let everyone know how wonderful all the people we met were. It was not cheap--but when is anything worthwhile cheap? The people we met on the cruise were fun! This is the first cruise (of many--over 25) that USA citizens were not in the majority. It was interesting to hear about their politics due to the fact that elections were coming up while we were on the cruise.

Everyone in each place were very friendly and helpful. We took buses, trains and ferries. Sometimes every free! Who ever heard of free buses in the U.S.? Free in Freemantle and Perth and one line in Sydney!

We did not get south of Sydney. We need to come back! The down side is the 22+ hour plane trip. But it was well worth it.

Thanks to all Autralians for being so friendly, welcoming, and wonderful!
Edie