A Hop to Perth Puts the Size of This Country into Perspective! After a fantastic week in Melbourne, we packed a bag and said our temporary goodbyes to the Lawrence fam. We were off on a walkabout—or rather, a jet-about—to see more of Australia. Next stop: 4.5 hours west to Perth! I have to admit, …
Tag: Australia
A Very Tiny Big Adventure!
Before we left Melbourne, we had one last adventure planned—one that turned out to be one of the most unforgettable. Our generous hosts and wonderful friends, Jan and Jim, took us on a day trip to Phillip Island, about a two-hour drive. Along the way, we stopped for what might’ve been the best fish and …
Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!
We’re suckers for live sports, so when the chance came to catch an Aussie Rules Footy match, we didn’t hesitate! We headed into Melbourne with Trent and met up with his mates at Etihad Stadium (now known as Marvel Stadium) for a night of fast-paced, high-flying action. I love their mascot! Aussie Rules is like …
Making Family Connections
Before arriving in Australia, Dave discovered that his cousin Tepa lived just outside of Melbourne with his wife Leiana and their sweet son, Hunter. We were so happy to be able to meet up with Tepa and his family and catch up over lunch at a local shopping mall. Even though this was our first …
I Almost Held a Koala!
Remember how this all started? Back in 5th grade, I became obsessed with koalas (not bears—never bears!). My friend Tanya and I would dream about going to Australia someday and holding one of those adorable eucalyptus-munching fluffballs. It was a top-tier bucket list item. As it turns out, a few things have changed since my …
Hoppin’ Around Melbourne!
On Monday morning, while the Lawrences headed off to work, Dave and I were left to our own devices. We caught the train into Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD) and spent the day exploring. The train into the city. One of our favorite ways to get a feel for a new city is to jump …
Off to the Races!
One of the unexpected highlights of our trip? Being in Melbourne the same week as the Formula 1 Grand Prix! Neither Dave nor I had ever been to an F1 race before, so when Trent suggested we get tickets, we were all in. Trent, his dad Jim, Dave, and I met up with a couple …
Custard Apples & Huntsman Spiders
The Good, the Bad… and Both Kinda Ugly When I found a custard apple at the market, I was thrilled! I’d read about these unique fruits—native to Australia—and didn’t think I’d get the chance to try one since they’re more common farther north. Even the Lawrences had never had one, so I felt like I’d …
G’day from Down Under!
Some dreams take a while to come true—this one took more than 30 years. G’day Australia Way back in 5th grade I fell in love with Koala Bears (now I know—not bears, just Koalas) and from that moment, I’ve wanted to go to Australia. A few years later, Crocodile Dundee hit the theaters and sealed …
Pebbled 