Our big trip ...

We decided it was time to move forward in life ... we looked into buying a home. And with our resident real estate agent, Gary, we began to look into our options. Something as a small starter, nothing elaborate. Just a home to make our own. We searched and searched and searched. Found a few possibilties and went for it. Each time with a counter, then another, then another and then nothing. Ugh ... every time we tried ... we left the situation with no home.



With that ... Gary (the wise) gave a suggested opportunity. Leave ... and so we did.



Neither of us were in jobs that were "to die for" or really what we wanted out of life even if only to make a few scheckles. We didn't have a dog. We didn't have a home to pay a mortgage. Nothing was really keeping us in California ... only each other.



We moved out of our apartment ... sold our cars ... quit our jobs and left the country. We went to Australia. Afterall, Mike speaks Spanish, Danielle has limited French so an English speaking country was needed. In the mix of all the plans ... we recruited another couple to go with us. They too quit their jobs, sold or moved their cars back home to Illinois and moved out of their apartment. We met them in Sydney and started the newest and one of the most exciting chapters of our life.



We spent the first 4 weeks travelling up the Eastern coast of Australia. Unfortunately Danielle's health kept them from going any further north than Airlie. Although fortunately for Danielle, their work visa required health insurance so she was able to see a doctor. And this very kind doctor took pity on her ... a combination or asthma, humidty and new allergies took hold of her ability to breathe. The doctor not only charged her a small fee of $30 for the consutlation but also gave her a steroid inhaler free of charge. Along with the recommendation to not go any further north. Instead we headed south but not before going to the Whitsunday Islands and more specifically ... Whitehaven Beach. Where the sand is so fine it squeaks when you walk on it. We went to Fraser Island and LOVED Lake McKenzie (it really did clean Danielle's jewelry). Even headed to Brisbane and Surfer's Paradise.



The group of us got to see some amazing things on this journey up the coast and truly enjoyed the adventure. At the end of the first 4 weeks, our friends went back to Illinois and we continued on our way. Back to Sydney to find a place to live and jobs. Mike took his "mixologist" skills to work in 2 separate bars, one in Bondi and one in Sydney. Danielle on the other hand took a job at an internet cafe in Sydney's CBD (Central Business District). And part of the way through the remaining 3 months, also became the "door girl" at Mike's bar in Sydney for Friday and Saturday night cover charge collections.



Towards the end of our adventure in Australia we made a last minute decision to head to Thailand. Many a folk in Sydney made the 8 hr flight to Bangkok to have a cheap vacation. We figured ... that we could not guarantee when we'd be on that side of the world again and oh so close to Asia. And in the end ... we're so happy we went. It was amazing; so amazing we're looking at going back again in the future. We went to Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. All 3 cities are so different from one another and have their own flare.



Returning to Sydney for a few short days before we headed off to New Zealand. We spent a week here where we took a short trip up to the most northern part of the two islands. Here you will find not only the meeting place of two oceans but Cape Reinga. Which we've decided had THE best fish and chips. Took a short trip through the capital city of Auckland and got ready to be on the move again.



Next stop, Fiji. This was a really fun trip and one that actually took a bit more preparation. More preparation ... because we had to prepare for total relaxation ... as there isn't much to do there but lay on the beach and snorkel. It's truly a travel destination meant to just relax. We however are the "on the go" type traveller. Moving and shaking to see and do all the "musts" a destination city can offer. We took books and our i-pods and mentally prepared to be ... well ... bored. Two weeks in Fiji ... one out on the Yassawa Islands and one going around the main island, Viti Levu. On the islands you got a feel for the true Fijian experience of luxurious vacationing. But then going on a trip around the island you got to see the "real" Fiji. Including visiting a tribe and even some school children at school. A traditional kava ceremony with a chief and even a big of trekking.



From Fiji we headed back to New Zealand. This time ... for 3 weeks and a huge tour around both islands. We took the 'Funky Chicken' bus tour on the Kiwi Experience (www.kiwiexperience.com/funky-chicken-nz-pass.aspx). Here we got a great tour of almost everything the thrill seeking country can offer. Favorites included our Maori cultural night in Rotorua, Taupo to sky dive over Mt. Doom (actually called Mt Ngauruhoe), Franz Joseph for a heli-hike on the glacier and Queenstown to ski. With plenty of other places in the middle ... click the above link!! Or do it yourself!!



We left Auckland and took 14 hours to head back home to San Fran. This trip was an amazing journey that gave us opportunities beyond belief and a realization that we'd each found the best travel buddy. One that was obvious ... it'd last a lifetime.