We have arrived!

We have arrived in Sydney!

We had a little issue with our luggage. Apparently, when the airline pushed back our departure time about a month ago, it left us with only 45 minutes to connect in Dallas and the airline cannot print an electronic baggage ticket unless there is 50 minutes. Since we had no other option, we had the lady hand-write our baggage tickets and just prayed that they'll make it.

We were both able to sleep a good deal of that 16 hour flight (and still watch 3 movies and eat 2 meals).

Unfortunately, our bags did not make it to Sydney. Luckily, Quantas was really helpful and will be forwarding our bags to Eoin's house. Plus they gave us $200 and a bag of pajamas and other essentials.  We used the money to buy our train tickets to meet Eoin along with new swimsuits and dresses. It is soooo hot and muggy and we both wore jeans on the plane. We expect to have our bags by tomorrow.

Today we took it pretty easy. We had a nice relaxing day with Eoin and then went out later to meet up with Liam, his brother and his wife (the ones who were married in Peru when we met these guys). It was great to see all of them. It still doesn't feel like we are in Australia, but I'm sure that'll change in the upcoming days.

Hope everyone is doing well back home.

Itinerary

ITINERARY
Wednesday November 28th - Depart Minnesota at 6:45 PM

Thursday November 29th - Lost in air.

Friday November 30th - Arrive in Sydney at 10:15 AM. Take train into the city to meet Eoin. Liam will also be arriving this day from Melbourne.

Saturday December 1st -  Harbor cruise with Eoin, Liam, and their friends.

Sunday December 2nd - Left open pending plans with the guys!

Monday December 3rd - Check into Backpackers HQ Hostel.

Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb 9 am.
Sydney Opera House Tour 3 pm.

Tuesday December 4th - Manly Beach Surf School lesson 9 am - 11 am.

Wednesday December 5th - Flight to Cairns. Leaves at 10:40 and arrives in Cairns at 12:45 pm. Check into Tropic Days Backpackers Hostel.

Thursday December 6th - Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary 8 am.

Friday December 7th - Snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef.

Saturday December 8th - Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Skyrail Cableway to Kuranda, and Kuranda Scenic Train.

Sunday December 9th - Flight to Alice Springs at 11:25 am. Arrive in Alice Springs at 1:15 pm. Check into Haven Backpackers Hostel and explore Alice Springs.

Monday December 10th - Depart Haven Backpackers Hostel with Adventure Tours at 5:30 am for 4 day Red Centre Explorer Tour. Alice Springs to Kata Tjuta and Uluru (Ayers Rock). Stop at an outback camel farm for an optional camel ride, then catch your first glimpse of Uluru at Ayers Rock Resort. After lunch explore Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) on a guided Valley of the Winds walk. This evening watch the sunset over Uluru and sleep in a swag (Aussie bedroll) under the stars.

Tuesday December 11th - Uluru to Kings Canyon. Rise early to catch the magical Uluru sunrise. Take an unguided walk around the base of Uluru and stop in at the cultural centre for a fascinating insight into local culture and the opportunity to purchase indigenous arts and crafts. Enjoy lunch before traveling to Kings Canyon where we stay overnight.

Wednesday December 12th - Kings Canyon to Glen Helen. Explore the Amphitheatre, Lost City, and Garden of Eden within Kings Canyon. After lunch travel along the famous Red Centre Way and pass 140 million year old meteorite crater, Gosse Bluff. Overnight in Glen Helen, nestled in the western end of MacDonnell Ranges.

Thursday December 13th - Glen Helen to Alice Springs. Spot wildlife and discover the geological features of Ormiston Gorge on a morning walk. Next, travel along the ancient track of the Finke River to view the majestic Palm Valley and Cycad Gorge, exploring what was once prehistoric inland sea. Return to Alice Springs early evening via the impressive Western MacDonnell Ranges.

Friday December 14th - Depart Alice Springs at 12 pm.

Saturday December 15th - Land in Christchurch NZ at 7:25 am. Get rental car and drive to Kaikoura.

• Kaikoura Kayak with Seals Tour 12:30 - 4 pm.  

• Drive to Motueka, check into Laughing Kiwi Backpackers Hostel

Sunday December 16th – Depart Laughing Kiwi Hostel early morning to go to Abel Tasman National Park. Full Day Sailing Tour - visit Anchorage Beach, fur seal colony, Split Apple Rock. Drive to Punakaiki and overnight at Te Nikau Retreat.

Monday December 17th - Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, then drive to Franz Josef

• Franz Josef Glacier Tour @ 2:15 -5:30

• Overnight at YHA Franz Josef

Tuesday December 18th –Leave Franz Josef and drive to Queenstown. Check into Pinewood Hostel

Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jump

Wednesday December 19th - Drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Overnight cruise in the Milford Sound with Real Journeys.

Thursday December 20th - We return to Milford Sound at 9:15 am. Drive to Queenstown. Back to the Pinewood Hostel. Below Zero Ice Bar in the evening!

Friday December 21st - Lord of the Rings Tour.

Saturday December 22nd - Depart Queenstown at 2:40 pm.

Sunday December 23rd - Arrive in Minnesota at 5:50 pm.

Prepare For Departure

Just two weeks left until Mesa and I depart for our 1 month adventure to Australia and New Zealand!

We have talked about doing this trip since the second we returned from Peru in August 2011.

I've already pulled out my trusty travel pack - newly decorated with the Australia and New Zealand patches my sister Heidi picked up for me during her J-Term this year. I guess now all that I have left is to pack. Or, more specifically, wane what I've already pulled out.

I like to believe that I have excellent packing skills, but it is hard trying to figure out what you know you'll be stuck wearing for a month!

We just have a few more details to straighten out on our itinerary, but look for that in the next update.