#saleyoverseas2020

It's still surreal to me that we landed in Denver 2 weeks ago today! The trip went so quickly in retrospect but while we were in Australia it seemed like we were gone for a while. We started to get used to the time change, scenery, could navigate the city without our map and the accent....let's just say I started to get an accent. It's much easier than I thought it would be to adapt to the culture and really integrate yourself into a city. I've never wanted to go back to a place so badly before. I usually get home sick, come home and get back in my routine, upload the photos to Facebook and check the box labeled, Australia, off the list. Of course I always appreciate that I was able to visit such an amazing place, but then it's on to the next best city/country that we haven't seen yet. Not with Australia. I could go back again and again.

Side note- on the most recent episode of the Bachelor, they travel to Gold Coast, Australia and I was feeling so jealous that they were there and wanted to hop on the next plane.

I thought I'd break down each city, what we did and what we saw. It'll be nice to look back on as well so that I don't forget the little details. I can say that the memories we made will be ones that I remember for the rest of my life.

Sydney, New South Wales |

This was MY favorite city! It may partially be because we stayed here the longest or it was the first stop, but it still was my favorite of the 3 we visited. The weather for one, was perfect. It didn't rain once, and they had been experiencing a lot of rain right up until we landed. The hotel we stayed at was right across from the Harbor! It was clean, safe, and everything was walking distance. The hotel was central to everything we needed. We quickly found our way around and were exploring the boardwalk and all the fun restaurants and bars that were right on the water. I would compare this area to maybe a Cherry Creek North, if we had a harbor and everyone drove their yacht up to the wharf for happy hour. It was a very high-end and expensive area. We explored the city and shopped a lot. We would scout out any good food spots, which you really couldn't go wrong anywhere you went. Australia doesn't have much native cuisine, other than Kangaroo, which we did not try. I was apposed to trying it because I think Kangaroo's are so cute but I heard that they are delicious as well, and that we should have tried it. So, maybe next time. Sam took his badge with us so we got to check out the Google office here as well which was amazing! The only thing better than the Boulder office was the view of the water and the city from the rooftop deck. I realized how much I love the beach, even though my skin doesn't always agree with me, and had the BEST time just being a kid again and jumping waves in the ocean with my husband. It was the best day of the entire trip, even though we got so lost trying to find a good fish and chips place and by the time we did, I could see I was already so fried from the sun which ruined our plans to get a sunset drink at the Opera Bar. Buuuutttt, between aloe applications, we got pretty hooked on the show Married at First Sight Australia!!

Most touristy things we did: Seeing the Iconic Opera House and Bridge

Highlights: Bondi Beach

Favorite Drink: Aperol Spritz

Favorite Food: Fish'N'Chips

Something we learned: the sun is stronger on Bondi Beach than it is in Colorado.

Cairns, Queensland |

This city was full of adventure and thrill seeking. I also don't think I put on makeup because I would have sweat it off in about 30 minutes. It was in the high 80's and low 90's everyday with 90% humidity. Very warm and it was too hot to be outside and not in the water. This city was unique because you could tell that other Australians coming here on vacation. The city was small and seemed like a retirement destination. Even though there was a boardwalk the beach was not swim-able which is why there was a huge man made pool right on the boardwalk for anyone (kids especially) to play in the pool and cool off in order to be outside during the day. There were tons of trees, parks, outdoor activities and patio restaurants and bars. There were lots of boats around since that was the only way to be out on the water. The sunsets were incredible and the food was great too! very expensive to drink, but that was just the price you paid on this island. Fun fact: we were closest to the "bush" in this state and at night there were thousands of bats that would fly over the water to the mountains to eat the insects. During the day they would infest this one block in a few trees and they were so loud and smelled so disgusting when we would walk back to our hotel. I had no idea that bats could be that big and also out during the day time. They were so scary looking, actually, and freaked us out a bit because of Corona Virus. But don't worry, we didn't eat any bats!! We have some videos of these bats just because we knew no one would believe how many there were in these trees or how loud they were when they would make noise (I think for echo location?? not sure). Overall this city was super laid back, we got really fancy with a nice dinner and wine one night and got some amazing once in a lifetime experiences.

Most touristy things we did: Great Barrier Reed Tour, Snorkeling

Highlights: GBR Tour!!! Holding a Koala

Favorite Drink: Blue Mothaf*ckers

Favorite Food: Schnitz

Something we learned: scuba diving isn't as easy as it looks, we can't live in this high of humidity, bats are gross.

Melbourne, Victoria |

This was Sam's favorite city! It was a good mix of city and country. We rented a car here and drove to the Peninsula so we did get the advantage to see more of this state than the others. This city also is known for it's wineries. We went to 4 wineries, only 2 were open, but we are still going to stick with 4....The wine was great, can't top Italy though!! However when we went to Italy we drank all the wine there, here we bought 3 bottles and brought it back home. We clearly ran out of time!!! This city was the best for food and amazing little cafes around every corner. It also had the coolest ally with graffiti artwork which was amazing to see and take some photos with. We got donuts in this city and amazing coffee! Also Korean hot dogs (corn dog on crack) which were super cheap and delicious. We got to check out a few roof top bars, the Queen Victoria Market which is the cities largest farmers market!! We went to the coast for a romantic day at the hot springs, wineries and a sunset on the beach. Driving in another country was an experience, but we made it!!

Most touristy thing we did: Queen Victoria Market, Hosier Lane

Highlights: Queen Vic Market, Cotton On, Peninsula Hot Springs

Favorite Drink: Rose

Favorite Food: Korean Hot Dog

Something we learned: How to drive on the left side of the road (trippy!!!)

Like I said in my previous blog, best trip ever, highly recommend!!! I don't think we will be able to top this trip. I could move there and that's saying a lot!! So back to reality, back to day to day life, but with a better perspective after seeing yet another amazing country and 3 beautiful, breathtaking, unique cities.

xoxo,

Kaley