Dreamworld...



I'm not sure if it was the moment I was in, the rapture of showing my girls one of my favorite places to go, or the pride in being able to take them to a childhood attraction, my childhood memory.  While living in the US, I had longed to show my girls so many places I had been and enjoyed when I was growing up, and finally, years later, I was able to do just that.

The prospect of going to Dreamworld, only a short distance from where my Aunty lived, and our last stop before coming back to the US, was for me a moment that was encompassed in joy, but also, just a tad heartbreaking.

Our last stop. It hurt a bit. But this was an exit from home that would wrap up our stay there in fine style, so to speak. Talk about a few mixed emotions.

Our trip to Dreamworld, occurred on a day that turned out, weather wise, exceptionally well. The days prior to this had been raining, almost non-stop, but that day, the sun was gleaming, and a gentle coastal breeze was sweeping over the land...

So onward we went, like true tourists... we missed our exit took the scenic route, but then in the midst of our brief freeway tour, we came across the turn off, thanks to a smart phone.  

Within our first few steps toward the entrance, Erin bounced along excitedly with her pink streaks swaying in that gentle breeze I mentioned, and then...

Pose.... 

Its a set in stone teen style you know. I mean, you remember the other most recent pose right? Let me refresh your memory here briefly...

This was the Opera House pose.  Its something we've come to expect during our adventures hither and to, though they can strike when you least expect it.

On through the gates, our first stop was a hurried, excited bounding toward the gift shop, where fairy costumes, tiaras, masks, plush animals, sparkley pens and a plethoria of other enticing wares had the girls in a daze...

After that, we concentrated on other stuff, like the main street...

Sisterly love...

Wiggles World!!..

We found the candy store...

and US candy!...

...then it was off to feed the skippies! or kangaroos...

By the way, this is a must see if you should ever find yourself visiting Dreamworld. The kangaroos are quite well fed, though if you insist, they don't mind too much...

And then we have Koalas!..

Awww....which is nice because here, they happen to be tame. Incidently you can have your photo taken holding a Koala for $25. 

Ever wonder why Koalas look so sleepy? Its because Eucalyptus has a euphoric drug like effect on them.  So trying to hold or pat them in the wild is kinda hazardous, they don't like to be disturbed so much, just like drop bears who won't even wait for you to disturb them.

Then it was on to the crocs.  They were behind glass which is where you want them to be when they are this big.

Checking out rickety old buildings...

and the Main Street Emporium, full of unique Aussie type things like showbags. 

The Emporium is the last place you go before you leave.  Course, there are tons more things at Dreamworld, tons of rides, games, Shreks Far Far Away, Madagascar.  Still after this we were pretty wiped out.  Then we were on route back via smart phone directions to my Aunty's house. The next day, we went to visit my brother who would be taking us to the airport the day after.

Our years adventure coming to a close, the mixed emotions again popped up. Its hard leaving your family for a second time, never knowing when you'll see them again. It can be an emotional rollercoaster.

The happiness you feel when you arrive is balanced by the sadness and uncertainty you feel when you're about to leave. It was a time that was punctuated by the quickly approaching first anniversary of my dads passing from cancer. Torn between two countries has never been so apparent to me than what it is now. Still, life is an adventure...

W&W

Post Jet Lag...

We think we made it. 


A literal shuffling between the worlds larger airports, time zones, shuttles, hurry up and wait routines and the next cup of coffee, or at least some caffeine related beverage.


Airport exercise, there is nothing like it is there. Between your carry-ons that eventually feels like they weigh 100 lbs each, there comes to one, an epiphany of sorts... 

This is the most expensive gym in the world
We paid how much to run like this??
This. Is. The Amazing Race.


By the time you get off your 2nd flight, get through customs, and onto another, you know how it works, you're an expert. Make it through security, while the clock is ticking, grab your stuff, if you haven't gone through a bag check, then make it through the obstacles (for Erin, this was every Starbucks at every airport), find your connecting point, check in, and begin your journey to your departure point for your 3rd flight.


 You discover that your departure point has moved.

Your eyes roll to the back of your head and back to center, and you set off again, kids in tow, bags blustering in different directions.


By the time you reach your new designated departure point, you look like a hard core workout addict.  Messy hair, a disheveled heap, with sweat beading on every area of your face. The navy jacket that fit you quite nicely is now hanging off one shoulder pulled down under a bag strap, while you are balancing a coffee between 2 carry-ons and checking to be sure your kids haven't been displaced somewhere.

All the seats are taken, you realise as you stare around the waiting area.. you, someone who could now look like you just completed 10 hard years of street life as a bag lady.

But you notice everyone is wearing their best pouty faces.  These are my people you think, because you know you look the part.
Then you find out, your plane is delayed.

So to make a good impression, you put on your best pouty face to match everyone else properly and demand your kids do the same, then you all collapse in a crumpled heap on the floor. 

With your coffee in hand, without spilling a drop.

You've now been traveling for 32 hours, non stop.

Its interesting too that on our way, we started with a nice brand new Qantas plane.  Little touch screen tvs on the back of each seat for your enjoyment to watch movies and TV shows, play games. Even a little more leg room, which is very, very nice if you are tall.


Every time we changed planes after that, they became smaller and smaller, and eventually we were pointed to a little bi-propeller plane across the tarmac, with a set of stairs to climb into a compact metal tube, containing a cranky older attendant.


At this point you start to wonder... what the h. e. double toothpicks are we going to?

But we did make it. 
The propeller plane was actually quite good, and did have moving parts after all.

Finally just got over the jet lag.  Though I think we were all still a day ahead of ourselves for about a week.

One good thing about having an accent is that if your head is still in the clouds and you do something stupid, you can plead ignorance.  It works.


So now the count is 7 states, 3 international moves
...and settling into another new town.

Life is definitely an adventure. 


Picture credit: exact source unknown. Tried to find it but it was a dead website, with no name in Russia, but whoever it was is brilliant, and has obviously travelled internationally!

 Catch ya soon
W&W