Mar 31 2019
When my Los Angeles flight landed in Australia, I was in the city of Melbourne. I start pedaling in Perth, which is still on the other side of Australia. So how come Melbourne? In truth, I really didn’t need to be in Melbourne; my destination was Perth. But the flights to Perth all seemed to …
Mar 18 2019
With about 7 days to go before I board Qantas flight number QF94 for Australia, I find my mind and heart beginning to feel simultaneous pangs of excitement and dread. I find it funny that I am feeling joy and elation (“This trip is finally going to happen!”) and yet, at the same time, feel …
Feb 01 2019
How long will you be gone again? My daughter asks me that often, as if not believing the answer I gave her last time. Almost seven months, I say. Almost seven. Every time she looks at me with a puzzled look. An Australian friend sent me this map, comparing Australia with the U.S. Pretty much …
Jan 09 2019
Australia Trip Planning #5 I bought the ticket! I had been viewing the ticket sites regularly for a while, and with the appearance of the right price, I finally hit the button “Purchase.” The cost of a round trip ticket to Perth landed at US$790 (with a return from Sydney), so I had to bite. …
Dec 06 2018
Australia Trip Planning #4 I finally established a route with which I am fairly satisfied. After 9 iterations (and numerous sub-iterations), I think I have the route that fulfills a number of criteria I was after. This it IT, folks. (If desired, you can use the + and – signs on the map above to …