Time In Australia: September 17 - August 2, 2004

I started out by flying into Sydney. I had a day to walk around and see things a bit before I flew up to the north-eastern part - Cairns, Australia to check out the Great Barrier Reef and other wonders.

September 20, 2004:

"Starting my 4th day in Australia, or Oz as the Kiwi's say.

I spent one day walking around Sydney and then flew up to Cairns. Yesterday I was a major tourist - I went on a bus ride up to Port Douglas, then a boat ride out to the reef, out on the ocean they have this floaty thing with stuff to do. I did a helicopter ride for 15 mins over the reef - front seat! - and then into a semi-submersable submarine, then scuba for an hour! Was far out! My fave would have to be the heli, followed closely by scuba.

Today I'm off to see the rainforest, with a train ride and a sky tram thingy.

Gotta run!"

My RainForest, Sky Rail, Bird, and other Adventures.

My GreenIsland Adventure.

My GreatBarrierReef Adventure.

My HotAirBalloon Adventure on September 23, 2004.

The funny thing is when I got back and told my friends what all I'd done... well some of them didn't believe me. After all... I'm Aspen... I'm "Momma"...

/grin

I grew so much and found out I had the courage to do things I never thought I'd do.

Australia was a HUGE leap (not a stepping stone - think more like the Golden Gate Bridge) for me.

One of the most exciting things that I did in Australia was D R I V E ! That's right! It was my first tim driving on the opposite side of the road and opposite side of the car. And I didn't have anyone to share the adventure with! At one point, after driving for about 10 minutes or so I started giggling hysterically. It's hard to explain. I am glad that I did these things by myself because I learned so much about me. I had the freedom to go where I wanted, when I wanted and to do whatever I wanted. It is something I'm not likely to experience again. I was totally and completely in control of my life at that point in time (as much as anyone can ever be) and I loved it. For the first time in my life I didn't have to worry about what other people wanted or thought. I could be 100% me. Aspen uncut. :) But of course there were those moments, like the drivng, when I so wanted to share with someone, but couldn't. I experienced all of these things and I can tell people and show pictures and make this scrapbook wiki, but you will never truly know and that is a little sad.

This is the car I drove:

And since Cairnes is a touristy town they had signs to keep us in line:

After my action packed week in Cairnes I flew back to Sydney for a week.

On Sunday evening, September 26, 2004 "I saw The Lion King and it was awesome! I love the way they made the puppets become part of the actors. Truly amazing. And the music... /happy sigh

Even had a guy from the new Star Wars movies; JAY LAGA'AIA (Captain Typho) who plays Mufasa. Who knew he could sing? :)"

And on Monday, September 27, 2004 I had dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe in Sydney.

My SydneyHarbourCruise.

My SydneyAquarium Trip.

My SkyTower Experience.

My SydneyOperaHouse Adventures.

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