Jim Travels The World

as our time here in Oz counts down, we're preparing for the insanity of moving again to another country. This time it's back home, and I'm taking a lot of comfort in that fact. Colorado is like no place on earth and I can't wait to call is my home again. A short stop (3 weeks) in Singapore for some work stuff, then it's off for the next chapter of life in the USA. More and more thinking of the stuff I'll miss about Melbourne. Like Belvga. Best Fish n Chips ever, event though lately we've switched over to the grilled fish w/ rice instead of the fried + chips combo. We definitely were not city people before moving here, and I can't say it has made us so, but I can see some advantages to living in a big city. Just not enough.

well, specifically, here: Our wedding A few choice shots: the last known photograph of jim heskett as a single man. that's anticipation in my eyes, not fear. it was one of the most whirlwind weeks of our life. I didn't feel the brunt of it as much as Lisa (since she did most of the planning) , but it was still pretty crazy. We decided literally about ten days before that we were going to get married. it's legal! We had, since getting engaged last November, talked through many different wedding scenarios: In Michigan, in Colorado, in Vegas... we couldn't seem to agree on anything, and we especially couldn't see throwing $25k-$50K on a one-day party. Plus the thought of months and months of picking out invitations,cakes, caterers... it just seemed like it would consume us and was not going to be what we wanted it to be - fun. attn: blog-only exclusive pic! for some reason, we did a bunny picture. don't ask me why. Of the scenarios we discussed, one we kept co...

Last weekend, came the whirlwind Sydney experience. I'm not going to post anything to do with Sunday yet, but this will be Friday & Saturday: Upon arriving in Sydney, our first experience was the train to Kings Cross. On the train, we saw a woman have a conversation with her own waggling fingers. We get to Kings Cross, walk to our hotel at Potts Point. (Ed note: not our hotel, but in the same neighborhood) In Potts Point, we we nearly run over by a car full of teenagers. One of them leaned out of the car and gleefully shouted at me, "I'm going to kill you!". Welcome to Sydney. Friday night, we met with our wedding celebrant , then out to dinner near the bridge/opera house. Saturday morning, I'm approached by a prostitute while looking for a coffee shop in Kings Cross. Saturday was action-packed as we wandered around Darling Harbour, The Rocks and a market around that area. monorail station Saturday night, the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. I can't describe ...

boxes of cigarettes at the duty free in the Queenstown airport. Apparently, these things are really bad for you. If you're interested in the whole facebook album, can check it out here

Then the boat across Milford sound to the bus station. Milford sound is def the most amazing thing i've ever seen.  the awesomeness just keeps coming I took about 100 pictures just on that 20 minute boat ride. Now on the bus out of the sound, out through fiordland national park. I could spend many more days here, this place is astounding. However a hot shower and fush n chups back in queenstown is too inviting. Being here has really made me miss and appreciate Colorado. We've met a few people who've badmouthed Melbourne, talking about the bad weather and lack of outdoor activities. It's made me thnk about how special CO is. now back to reality

Day 4 This day was so awesome I have to split it into two posts: Part 1: Dumpling Hut to Sandfly Point: Up early and on the track by 7. Today's timing is critical. We have to go twelve miles to get to sandfly point as close to 2 pm as possible without being late. Later than 2 and we miss our boat. Arrive too early and we have to wait among the sandflies. So I was a bit anxious, but we had a good trip itinerary based on the landmarks from the hut ranger. It rained on us for about 5 minutes but great weather the rest of the day. So many waterfalls, it was too easy to lose count. mackay falls The last mile was the toughest, after going 33 miles in 4 days, with most of that being the last 3. around every turn was another amazing sight like this one We made it to sandfly point with about ten minutes to spare. Perfect. The 20 minute ferry ride across milford sound was so friggin awesome it deserves its own post. coming soon