Back to Being "Down Under"

Well, the bad news is that we're not going to China in April. :( The Chinese decided to try to sell us on the idea of an $800 "infant fare" for Noah to fly to and within their country...without an actual airline seat or meals, I might add. For that price, they'd better have a flight attendant assigned to full-time diaper duty donning babies in Pampers enlayed in solid gold and emeralds. It actually gets more ridiculous...they like Americans SOOO much that they also tried to impose a $180 visa fee (each) for all the members of our tour group--I researched it and it's actually only a $75 fee. No way, Jose. "Why would they do that?" you ask. I'll let you ponder awhile on that one....

Instead of submitting to that kind of extortion, Chris and I decided forego China until Noah is old enough to make $800 really count. Like when he can walk, talk, and carry his own camera and backpack.

The good news is that we're going to Australia instead....going back for me, first time for Chris. Actually, it'll be the first time either of us has been to Sydney. We're so excited! The plan is to see the famous Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, maybe a zoo or two for Noah (and get a picture with a koala and a wallabee), before heading up to the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley. H.V. is the Australian equivalent of Napa Valley in California....VINO!!!! :)

I really like the Aussies and I think Chris will fit right in--they have a wonderfully sarcastic sense of humor (like Chris) and are more than happy to live the laid-back lifestyle (also like Chris). It'll be Fall in April there and 70 degree sunny weather, so I can finally get out of my snow boots, gloves, and fleece pull-overs and into sandals, capris, and tank tops. It should be a good trip!

Amanda