The Tropics

Welcome back all,

Back in Sydney now after a few great days in Tropical North Queensland. We visited Cairns, whose name is the most ambiguously pronounced name that I’ve ever heard. While in Cairns, we spent two days on the Great Barrier Reef, snorkelling and the other day exploring the tropical rainforests that surround the town. I’ve snorkelled before but this was the best yet. The water was absolutely pristine; a bale green-blue colour that was only outdone by the colours of the coral themselves. We were able to see coral, fish, sharks and even a turtle! Unfortunately, no underwater camera for me, but I did manage to get some shots of the beautiful water.

On day two we travelled up the mountains into the rainforest. We took a scenic railroad up the hill and a cable car back down. Both offered stunning views of the valleys below us as well as the forest itself and some great waterfalls. Once in Kuranda, the village, we saw some wildlife up close and personal. I was able to pet a kangaroo and even cuddle a Koala!

We also spent some time with the local Aboriginals and learned how to throw a spear and a boomerang. They also performed some tribal dances and taught us the basics of didgeridoo playing. I also got some private lessons from a didgeridoo shop in town! The didgeridoo is a really cool instrument that requires a huge amount of breath control and air. Definitely a great experience to learn to play though.

Our last day in Cairns was also spent on the reef where we were once again stunned by the natural beauty present there. Sunburned and tired, we caught a few hours sleep before the red eye flight back to Sydney.

The weather in Sydney was gorgeous today and we took a ferry ride to Manly Beach which offered amazing views of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Tomorrow, it’s off to Canberra and Melbourne. It’s hard to believe that I’ll be home in less than two weeks time...

More soon!

- Liam

The land of Oz

Its been almost a week since I left Wellington. I can’t even begin to describe how weird it has been to be without a home. It’s really hard to grasp that I won’t be returning to Landcross Street. Unlike my South Island adventure, which eventually returned me to my “regular life,” my time in Aus and Fiji will result in my return to my actual life. And again, I can’t even begin to describe how excited I am to be back in New York & Delaware.

Having Dad here has been fantastic. We landed in Sydney on Monday and Dad basically passed out in bed as soon as we arrived in our hotel. But after the hours he had spent travelling, it was totally understandable. We both slept well that night, I was emotionally drained from the last few days. On Tuesday, we rented a car and drove northwest of the city, towards Lightning Ridge. This tiny town is one of the first places in “the Outback” and is the only place in the world where black opals come from. We did some self guided tours of the region and then descended into an opal mine turned sandstone sculpture gallery. Wicked cool. For anyone who hasn’t seen an black opal, they are absolutely gorgeous. They certainly surpass the diamond in natural beauty and come close in price. Our drive out and back to Lightning Ridge included interesting characters, emus, kangaroos and heat. The temperature has been at least 40 degrees since we arrived. And that’s Celsius...

We spent yesterday in the Blue Mountains, one of the many “World Heritage Sites” located in Australia. These mountains constantly appear to be covered by a blue mist which is actually caused by the eucalyptus trees that fill the area. We did a few short hikes to see many different areas of the park which culminated in a train ride up the steepest railway in the world. At its steepest, it measures 52° and has a gradient of 1 to 1.28. This officially beats Baldwin Street in Dunedin in both gradient and thrill. While we were both nervous about the strength of the cable pulling us 450 metres (in length and 250 metres in height), Dad was definitely more vocal about it. Today it was the remainder of the drive back with a quick stop at the Olympic Stadiums, where the games of the XVII Olympiad were held in 2000. There was some pretty cool stuff to see here and I hope to be able to visit another set of stadiums soon, maybe when the games are being played.

After getting back to Sydney, Dad and I took a walk across the Harbour Bridge and I finally got to see my first glimpse of the Sydney Opera House. Less than 6 hours I was inside, about to hear the Sydney Symphony perform the fourth concert in their Prokofiev Series. On the program was Lieutenant Kije: Suite, Piano Concerto No. 5, The Ugly Duckling for Soprano and Orchestra and Peter and the Wolf. This was an incredible performance. The pianist who performed the concerto was fantastic. His body became one with the instrument and after a resounding amount of applause, he played a solo piece. I swear, he had 6 hands.

The most interesting part of this trip so far has been traveling with Dad. While New Zealand and Australia have very different cultures and accents, there are certain things that they share. And on these points, I have a clear advantage over Dad. My favourite moment so far has been when we went out to breakfast for the first time and Dad was asked if he wanted coffee. His response was simply, "yes." However, this is not such a simple question in Australia or New Zealand. As I've explained before, coffee is very different here. Dad's still adjusting.

Another great moment has been "teaching" Dad to drive. Even though he's successfully driven on the left side of the road before, I have way more recent experience. Almost every turn is preceded by "ok, so a wide right now?" And no matter how often he flips the windshield wipers on instead of the turn signals, it never gets old. And I chuckle every time. Uncle Bobby joins us tomorrow and I can't wait to help a new person adjust. Or hide some secrets and just laugh some more.

Kia Ora,

Liam

So long Aotearoa...

Last day in New Zealand.

It's currently 9PM here in Sydney and I haven't slept in about 36 hours. But these have been some crazy awesome hours.

After a 2AM drive to the airport with Maggie and Emily, I hung out with them before they had to go through security, on their way to Brunei and Thailand. Then it was the waiting game. People were crowding through the arrival gates from San Francisco, Santiago, Apia and Perth. But all I cared about was NZ5 from LAX. Finally, I started to see luggage tags from L.A. and then, a bright blue Delaware sweatshirt appeared in the doorway. I cannot describe how amazing it was to see him. After days of tears and depression with people leaving, it was great to see someone I hadn't seen in so long.

I got to show my Dad the smallest bit of New Zealand, but I think he loved every minute. From the view on top of Mt. Victoria to the beer at lunch, he was pretty happy with his 10 hours in the country.

Next we boarded our flight to Sydney and it was way harder for me to deal with than I had imagined. As the plane started off down the runway, I realised that I was going to take off from New Zealand and wouldn't be there again for many years, if ever again. The memories will live vividly in my mind, and I'll always be able to look at pictures, read this blog or chat with a friend about the amazing time we spent together in Aotearoa.

Two things are for sure: First, I'll miss this country and the people I met so much. Second, my life will never be the same.

Expect more from Aus soon!

Kia Ora,

Liam

The City of Sails

1 day left in New Zealand.

Today was an eerie repeat déjà vu of my first day in the country. After an amazing New Zealand style breakfast of eggs, sausage and bacon, and four hours of conversation with Franesca's mom, where we explained the importance of tipping American service staff, we drove to central city Auckland and walked around the harbour. The weather was overcast, chilly and rainy, identical to the weather I experienced on 4 July. I saw my hotel again and took nearly the same harbour walk I did 4 months ago. This time however, I was able to head to a pretty sweet bar I had seen on my last time here. After a drink, we headed back to Francesca's for an incredible classic New Zealand meal. Roast lamb, potatoes, kumara, pumpkin and vegetables. Yum. Now its some Rhys Darby (Murray from Flight of the Concords) stand up comedy.

Pretty soon I'll be taking Maggie and Emily to the airport. These will be my last goodbyes in New Zealand; a sign it's actually coming to a close. But then, only a couple hours later, I'll be meeting my dad outside of customs! As much as New Zealand will be tough to leave, spending the next three weeks exploring Australia and Fiji with my dad is going to be fantastic. I'm so pumped and I can't wait to share my time with you while I'm there.

- Liam

So long Wellington

2 days left in New Zealand.

After only 3 hours sleep, I was awake again. Final cleaning, packing and goodbyes were the order of the day. I was finally successfully checked out by my RA with 45 minutes to spare before my shuttle came to pick me up. At this point, I was in complete denial. But soon enough my shuttle was attempting a 12 point turn in our narrow street and I was saying goodbye to some amazing people.

First it was my flatmates. I know life will be so different without them. I can always count on Natalie for a good laugh, political bashing or just great conversation over a few bottles of beer. From our treasure at the pirate party to Shortland Street to the time spent with her in Blenheim, I am going to miss her so much. And she's the furthest away. It's not going to be an easy task to see her again in the future. He had already left, but without Kevin, there won't be spilled ice, sweet tea or constant 90s jams. I'm hoping that I'll be able to meet him in the city when his flight lands, to hear about the amazingness of his trip. And then there's Elizabeth. Who will I skype with from across the room? Whose true laugh will I be able to blast through the house, immediately breaking up any awkward silences? She has become a solid part of everyday life and it was really hard to say goodbye. Luckily, she lives in Ohio on the way to Ohio State, so a trip to visit Kiersten can include a visit to Elizabeth.

My neighbors have been fantastic as well. The American friends I have made will encourage me to get in my car and drive across our country just to see them again. And I hope to be able to visit New Zealand again to see Natalie, Jacob and all of the other Kiwi friends I have made.

After a lonely flight, I have arrived in Auckland. I picked up my rental car and headed to One Tree Hill, which has great views of the greater Auckland area. I spent the afternoon there, just reflecting on the experiences that I've had here. This has to be one of the most beautiful countries and I am so glad that I have been able to spend such an extended period of time here. I've seen and experienced so much, and I have made friends who will last far beyond the shores of Aotearoa.

I am lucky enough to not have to be alone for too long. Maggie and Emily are heading to Thailand on Monday and flew to Auckland a few days early in order to save a bit of cash. I picked them up at the airport and we are staying at Maggie's friend Francesca's house. Her house is absolutely gorgeous. Its located far outside of the city and the air is so clean and crisp. Its also far enough from light pollution that I can finally see the stars. And let me tell you, the Southern Hemisphere out shines the Northern Hemisphere by far.

More soon,

Liam

Goodbyes. For real.

3 days left in New Zealand.

Last day in Wellington.

I cannot even begin to describe how I feel right now. Its 4AM and I just said "Good Night" to Natalie for the last time. These past 4 1/2 months have absolutely flown by and I wish I could scrape a few extra moments in Wellington before it's time to leave. But alas, time is not so kind.

I spent the last 20 hours packing, cleaning, shipping packages & gifts and enjoying the company of my best friends here in Welly. Tonight began the true sense that this incredible experience is coming to an end. While a few people have already departed, including Kevin (who is off on a trip that will take him from Singapore to Hong Kong, Venice to Dublin before flying home in December), it almost seemed as if they would be back. It was tonight, when I said a final goodbye to a kiwi friend, that it all hit me. Harder than a ton of bricks.

I realised in that moment that it would most likely be years before I see him again, if we were even so lucky. Someone I've seen at least four times a week for four months will no longer be present everyday. It's a cruel irony that friendships can build so fast. In one sense, it's fantastic. We can easily assimilate into a new environment and feel comfortable. But it makes it so much easier to be hurt when the time comes to head elsewhere.

Tomorrow, I leave Wellington.

Tomorrow, I say many more goodbyes.

Tomorrow's going to be an emotional day.

And with that, I bid you good night.

- Liam

Un più giorno

4 Days left in New Zealand.

Today, I finished up (almost) the rest of my souvenir shopping. And then, some of us headed to Laser Force for four hours of laser tag and arcade games. For only $15! Normally, you'd pay $18 for a half hour of laser tag, so this is the best bargain of the week. We then headed to Enigma for some iced chocolate. An awesome last night out in Wellington.

- Liam