Returning Down Under :)

The second half of my adventure commences. As of today, the 16^th of December (for me) I have 238 more days in Australia and I intend to utilize every second for learning, fun, friendship forging etc. I have been back for a week so far and I have been busy settling back in while prepping for my Tasmania trip. I have met the latest addition to our crew, Tellu’s sister Emmi and she is an amazing girl. She is extremely nice and a wonderful addition to our Tassie Team. I am really looking forward to getting to know her more over the next couple months (she is

staying until April). I completed most of my shopping before I came back which resulted in some careful/ stressful packing and repacking of my bags in order to return here but I have to say that I am definitely prepared for my trip. Thanks mom, dad and KT for all your contributions to my gear!

This past weekend we (Al, Tellu, Emmi, Todd, Roman, Wade and I) all dressed up for the Casino

themed Thiess Christmas Party. This party, sponsored by Al, Todd and Wade’s work, was held at the Brisbane Convention center and was quite a sight to see. It was gorgeously decorated and the night was classy and entertaining. There was a stand up comedian, dancers, and a singer accompanied by a “Big Band” style band for the entertainment. We all had a great time dancing, eating and faux gambling and we all looked pretty snazzy if I do say so myself.

On Friday I turn 23 and I get the pleasure of waking at 3am to catch our 7am flight to Tasmania. I am not complaining in the least because I will get to spend the following two weeks exploring a new place with new friends :-D. Our trip has changed a bit since I posted the first itinerary. The Overland Trek costs $265 to complete in full and so our plan was to go backwards and only complete a portion of it so that we would not have to pay the fee. Unfortunately Todd has discovered that the trek is going to be more closely patrolled this year and so we will not be able to do our original sneaky plan. Instead we will still be hiking up Cradle Mountain (but not camping there) and then backpacking around a few other locations. I am not disappointed or concerned in the least about this change of plans. I am sure that Todd will take us to wonderful places and we will all have an amazing time no matter what!

The next time I write will be when I return from Tasmania! I will not have internet there and so you will all have to hold out to hear about my trip until after I return. Post- trip I promise to write several entries about my adventure! I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, last few days of Hanukah and a wonderful New Year! Thank you for being so supportive of my adventures here! Catch you on the flip side (of 2010 that is)!! :-D