Australia Day Gala in Boston

On January 26, 2011, the Oprah Road Trippers attended the Australia Day Gala at the Park Plaza Hotel in Boston.  I was flown up from Florida by the Tasmanian Department of Tourism on the day before and took the MBTA from Riverside into Boston in a snowstrom.  Thanks again to my Tasmanian friends for the Blunnies, a traditional Australian boot we were given while down under.  I sure needed them walking in the snow covered streets of the city.  We decdied to stay at the hotel because of the storm.  At 6:30 we finally got to meet the wonderful Malcolm Griffiths who has been our liasson with Tasmania.  He escorted us to the wine reception. Here we mingled with Qantas executives who had been very influencial in getting us to and around Australia in December.  We met up with Michelle O'Bryne, the Minister of Tourism is Tasmania who had been the force behind our fairytale trip and now this fantastic celebration.  After the Wine Reception the wall opened up to the Grand Ballroom and we joined about 200 other attendees for a delicious dinner accompanied by outstanding wines from Australia.  The Australian Ambassador, Kim Beazley, joined us for awhile.  What a delightful night to end our Australian dream.

Oprah's Australia Shows on Tuesday, Jan. 18 -Friday, Jan. 21

I just found this information on the Oprah shows on Australia next week, Tuesday thru Friday.  They are airing on her regular show not on the OWN networK.  The parts in red will feature the "road trippers" as we are now called in Oprahland (we may be in some of the blue).  We will also be on Friday's show right after Olivia Newton John and before the finale. All the shows should be pretty spectacular.  Hope you can watch.  Enjoy. Here are the highlights, as issued by Winfrey’s publicists:

• Part One: (Tuesday, January 18) Oprah begins her Australian adventure with a bang as she lands on Hamilton Island and has a close encounter with a pair of frisky koalas.  She enjoys the wonder of the Great Barrier Reef and hosts a beautiful beach barbeque with celebrity chef Curtis Stone.  Then, Oprah travels to Uluru where she experiences the spiritual heart of Australia and an unforgettable dinner under the stars with local Aboriginal people.  Next up, she meets Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and a crowd of 10,000 in Melbourne’s Federation Square.  Plus, some of Oprah’s ultimate American viewers hit the road for a jaw-dropping jaunt through Tasmania.

• Part Two:(Wednesday, January 19) Our incredible Australian adventure continues as Oprah gets a firsthand look at the Australian lifestyle.  See what happens when she goes knocking on doors, including an unexpected pop-in at one local viewer’s weekly taco night dinner.  And, hidden cameras capture the special delivery Oprah had in store for one of her ultimate Aussie viewers who was nine months pregnant!  Then, nearly 500 feet above the Sydney Harbor, a brand new world record attempt as Oprah and her audience make their way to the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb.  Plus, our fleet sets sail for a once in a lifetime regatta with Oprah’s first mate, Russell Crowe!

• Part Three:(Thursday, January 20) Oprah hosts the first of two shows from the world famous Sydney Opera House in Australia. First, tune in for a tribute to the late “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin with his wife, Terri, and children, Bindi and Robert. Then, find out what happens when ten-time Grammy® winner Jay-Z helps deliver a million dollar surprise, Oprah welcomes Oscar® winner Russell Crowe, and watch a heart warming surprise for a dad battling cancer. Ultimate wildest dreams are coming true!  Plus, Bon Jovi rocks the stage.

• Part Four:(Friday, January 21)It’s our Australian grand finale from the Sydney Opera House with U2’s Bono and some of Australia’s best loved stars!  First, see actor Hugh Jackman’s headline-making entrance and what happens when he introduces Oprah to the wonders of vegemite.  Then, it’s their first interview together – Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban!  Plus, thirty-two years after starring in “Grease,” icon Olivia Newton-John joins them as the biggest names from Down Under bring the house down!