tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16513714185996062622024-03-05T18:31:32.603-08:00My Amazing Adventures with OprahA travel log of our Ultimate Australian Adventure with Oprah
December 4 - 15, 2010Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14235659823402693588noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651371418599606262.post-92014150599186333182011-03-06T16:59:00.000-08:002011-03-06T16:59:57.478-08:00Australia Day Gala in Boston<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOA5WDYQDYzWGQu_xOrUu7yIrsHudgdn2spoxEGFuPVQC-xrm76Tf3WFj80IwgmtzeKQV4yEluVAm2lEh3__xzuizQWptMTFaQFLg28lgR3Q57Hf7nfvsjZV5p2vwbV_1rDALGqxL796E/s1600/with+Malcolm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOA5WDYQDYzWGQu_xOrUu7yIrsHudgdn2spoxEGFuPVQC-xrm76Tf3WFj80IwgmtzeKQV4yEluVAm2lEh3__xzuizQWptMTFaQFLg28lgR3Q57Hf7nfvsjZV5p2vwbV_1rDALGqxL796E/s320/with+Malcolm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWhB_-ThOSQHIVjmrAoFQL6Y7uUfe9qROtzFvNQxy2i8Tc3HZ5hYm9dw7NDk2aUlDlNYVJBu5wYY-m9uBfuWfmPqv_XZgyx6PzuDzBPaOqnChu5Hqpg0vYBhlT2kZlROZ4L8LJkGDfHA/s1600/with+ambassador.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWhB_-ThOSQHIVjmrAoFQL6Y7uUfe9qROtzFvNQxy2i8Tc3HZ5hYm9dw7NDk2aUlDlNYVJBu5wYY-m9uBfuWfmPqv_XZgyx6PzuDzBPaOqnChu5Hqpg0vYBhlT2kZlROZ4L8LJkGDfHA/s320/with+ambassador.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTW424JLEelj5LqyIxUl1PRoqv7xCoLhosF0kwnGfUNCzqk5R6sWFEQATsFrw2mES2zW1ggXW2lU3kXDvST0t38c3e81ybCX0oAPTEKRbyUeeIHMhqbM66UqiyKjbZ1tTk0sv436QKICY/s1600/with+michelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTW424JLEelj5LqyIxUl1PRoqv7xCoLhosF0kwnGfUNCzqk5R6sWFEQATsFrw2mES2zW1ggXW2lU3kXDvST0t38c3e81ybCX0oAPTEKRbyUeeIHMhqbM66UqiyKjbZ1tTk0sv436QKICY/s320/with+michelle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvLMdMymnaM4lLyfLmu_N2QA6qf7wQQVyNL8uCrM7W61bcdl5cwEjyMp91SBxc6UI_mNZf4TdccyB5mkUDvYi9WzhJ35PR1zBMSvXLXODjso_sPXnlpojp4wrzKqWivfZwRICtr4wEmA/s1600/with+Michelle+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvLMdMymnaM4lLyfLmu_N2QA6qf7wQQVyNL8uCrM7W61bcdl5cwEjyMp91SBxc6UI_mNZf4TdccyB5mkUDvYi9WzhJ35PR1zBMSvXLXODjso_sPXnlpojp4wrzKqWivfZwRICtr4wEmA/s320/with+Michelle+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1X8L1tLR4Ty11Ydn0q9UIjGe9xZ4VJTB1Efnn50MH2UWYnNu-ep19s68FtDt7FxSrOJtPyRya5g_gMnw-H7PzKk2IZDJ7Yx8h_u1SRezH_jjsrHBL_P6hVQPjX7a0JXeCQUHbbO0Nxw/s1600/lobby+gala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1X8L1tLR4Ty11Ydn0q9UIjGe9xZ4VJTB1Efnn50MH2UWYnNu-ep19s68FtDt7FxSrOJtPyRya5g_gMnw-H7PzKk2IZDJ7Yx8h_u1SRezH_jjsrHBL_P6hVQPjX7a0JXeCQUHbbO0Nxw/s320/lobby+gala.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16362ROqfsYzYFxds7W7iFUR5_OFU2IpWp-XhE7gwKnLQ2EBXdw9-TVFk9SDlq-ITURoFu0JX8SXB1tDvb9C48y0kutoZThW7E_uNLPDPw3VBWjW2AbQOgCtTHlZ2gCWeLicRUiKoZzw/s1600/in+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16362ROqfsYzYFxds7W7iFUR5_OFU2IpWp-XhE7gwKnLQ2EBXdw9-TVFk9SDlq-ITURoFu0JX8SXB1tDvb9C48y0kutoZThW7E_uNLPDPw3VBWjW2AbQOgCtTHlZ2gCWeLicRUiKoZzw/s320/in+snow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>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.Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14235659823402693588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651371418599606262.post-77122860936833798962011-01-16T07:25:00.000-08:002011-01-16T07:25:06.863-08:00Oprah's Australia Shows on Tuesday, Jan. 18 -Friday, Jan. 21<div>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 <span style="color: red;">red</span> will feature the "road trippers" as we are now called in Oprahland (we may be in some of the <span style="color: blue;">blue</span>). 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:<br />
<ul><li>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. <span style="color: red;">Plus, some of Oprah’s ultimate American viewers hit the road for a jaw-dropping jaunt through Tasmania.</span></li>
</ul><ul><li>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 <span style="color: blue;">Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb</span>. Plus, our fleet sets sail for a once in a lifetime <span style="color: blue;">regatta </span>with Oprah’s first mate, Russell Crowe!</li>
</ul><ul><li>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.</li>
</ul><ul><li>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!</li>
</ul></div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14235659823402693588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651371418599606262.post-16865372220379356582010-12-28T11:11:00.000-08:002010-12-28T11:11:04.114-08:00Day 9 The Journey HomeOn December 15, 2010, our Ultimate Australian Adventure came to a close. But there was even one more wonderful surprise in store for us as we waited at the gate to board our Qantas flight home. Oprah Winfrey came to the airport to say goodbye to each one of us individually! What a humble and kind woman!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-962lMgf5agu48kfwMxap0wPOzNKkhxo0JovZWZZCd5I1NG3awsiA01sWWl5pVTpqyyMQW2ju5G2zsUYyhZi3WLWpJsl_WhtBSA8zKhW8iBi1mFLSINdzUTIvssR-tsVSSTvm3lVLsGk/s1600/airport+goodbye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-962lMgf5agu48kfwMxap0wPOzNKkhxo0JovZWZZCd5I1NG3awsiA01sWWl5pVTpqyyMQW2ju5G2zsUYyhZi3WLWpJsl_WhtBSA8zKhW8iBi1mFLSINdzUTIvssR-tsVSSTvm3lVLsGk/s320/airport+goodbye.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you Oprah and the marvelous people of Australia and especially our cherished friends in Tasmania.</div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14235659823402693588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651371418599606262.post-18050179612535472482010-12-28T11:02:00.000-08:002010-12-28T11:08:41.685-08:00Day 8 The Oprah Winfrey ShowsAfter another delightful buffet breakfast at the Intercontinental Hotel in Sydney, Tuesday, December 14, 2010, our final day in Australia, began. All 302 Ultimate Viewers walked a short distance down the hill to the Opera House. Along the way we were greeted very enthusiastically by lucky Aussies holding tickets to the morning Oprah Winfrey Show. The show was taped outside with 6,000 Aussies in the audience. This was the first of two Australian Oprah shows, her first ever filmed outside of the United States. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ_gaWjTmOAsXYd6QK8S9O3wPnlHyjXBgAr4ErkPIwra-ah-TkW6EaB_9SoFXPlz4hoIkojr-i_gLf6LhXv0dMAdjYE9VKTiz_koeCjH3RnEGXbK8sCTinGcI0g7LyeCdrxH9VFlGU38/s1600/first+show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ_gaWjTmOAsXYd6QK8S9O3wPnlHyjXBgAr4ErkPIwra-ah-TkW6EaB_9SoFXPlz4hoIkojr-i_gLf6LhXv0dMAdjYE9VKTiz_koeCjH3RnEGXbK8sCTinGcI0g7LyeCdrxH9VFlGU38/s320/first+show.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After the first show, we were treated to an elegant luncheon in the Northern Foyer of the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House overlooking the harbor. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An afternoon of trying to pack was cut short when the six "Road Trippers" had to get back down to the stage for "Hair and Make-up" and be escorted to our front row, center seats for the second and final Oprah show.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifC2qtAnIUIZRNGHc9nVbsRt1OzgGSSuDf8m4aHpx93Hj1d_gBw5cOmzWhus0b6kVgLKcheFF0dpNvDVZ_Ps1xw23GT1pAl9SUVG-xs_B3UVxdAKRxYdAZ47pFuD5_FhUhK4dIk5J2vlo/s1600/hair+and+make+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifC2qtAnIUIZRNGHc9nVbsRt1OzgGSSuDf8m4aHpx93Hj1d_gBw5cOmzWhus0b6kVgLKcheFF0dpNvDVZ_Ps1xw23GT1pAl9SUVG-xs_B3UVxdAKRxYdAZ47pFuD5_FhUhK4dIk5J2vlo/s320/hair+and+make+up.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>Along with footage of the many adventures of the 302 privileged American guests, four shows will be aired in mid January. Many famous Australian entertainers as well as "everyday" Aussies will be featured. The six "Road Trippers" are actually part of the final show. Be sure to watch and join in on our excitement and share our fantastic memories of this trip of a lifetime!<br />
A beautiful farewell dinner was held for us in the Opera House after the show. Many photo ops and tearful goodbyes were heard. What a fantastic bunch of new and wonderful friendships were made during this dream-filled journey.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-__zLigsX8igxIH7W_abEQOthTlGAHkBuXK4Xebzobvdt134EMPWNgWpoy0-KJTf_WRs1TFZERk9yG4_S1YPVhu970mUFUBE4o4Nj1gMk_gcjUh757FPVa6zrQUgGzbmAFzp60V2pe08/s1600/goodbye+to+Sydney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-__zLigsX8igxIH7W_abEQOthTlGAHkBuXK4Xebzobvdt134EMPWNgWpoy0-KJTf_WRs1TFZERk9yG4_S1YPVhu970mUFUBE4o4Nj1gMk_gcjUh757FPVa6zrQUgGzbmAFzp60V2pe08/s320/goodbye+to+Sydney.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div> Then it was back to the hotel to finish packing up our many treasures and calling down for a 5:00am wake up call.Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14235659823402693588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651371418599606262.post-14233808413958547062010-12-27T14:15:00.000-08:002010-12-27T16:35:55.864-08:00Day 7 The Regatta and U2 ConcertMonday, December 13, 2010, It was time to go sailing on Sydney Harbor! Cathy, Deb and I ventured onto the "Anti-Money," an <a href="http://www.eastsail.com.au/">Eastsail </a>sailing yacht for a three hour lesson and sail along with 21 other sailboats, one tall ship and two spectator boats. Oprah and Russell Crowe were on one and Gayle King on another as we thoroughly enjoyed a picture perfect morning on the beautiful blue waters surrounding Sydney. We sailed past the Opera House and under the Harbor Bridge before arriving at Darling Harbor and the <a href="http://www.bungalow8sydney.com/">Bungalow 8</a> restaurant at Sydney's King Street Wharf for a delicious brunch. Oprah gave an inspiring speech that had us all in tears of gratitude for the opportunity to share in this wondrous trip.<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOP6-oTlRhYUC4b4b6d5Qt82n9ylpp0T2WoPKo-QbXisVZ_N5xT7nMp5zfCKh5d1_mImabVS0y1sM78qUAE3XJcqzmSmzZA-N634cQlYWFhDZdGjx4pklaWxSSDkO1H_t8gDwn9zIjlEE/s1600/regatta+sail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOP6-oTlRhYUC4b4b6d5Qt82n9ylpp0T2WoPKo-QbXisVZ_N5xT7nMp5zfCKh5d1_mImabVS0y1sM78qUAE3XJcqzmSmzZA-N634cQlYWFhDZdGjx4pklaWxSSDkO1H_t8gDwn9zIjlEE/s320/regatta+sail.jpg" width="214" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJ_qn1Fbf6whPPtm8d7qPvpYhRQG_R94d_b_PLBiAscPDs0MHAxZCokxPM2OV9ZXFLT-26x1C4T2hmZRdDPSz_a2slIKG8ZsdlM7Yd_WTiajgp3WwPCtjs4AQQ_KjsaElHOULEWQGTis/s1600/sialboat+city+regatta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJ_qn1Fbf6whPPtm8d7qPvpYhRQG_R94d_b_PLBiAscPDs0MHAxZCokxPM2OV9ZXFLT-26x1C4T2hmZRdDPSz_a2slIKG8ZsdlM7Yd_WTiajgp3WwPCtjs4AQQ_KjsaElHOULEWQGTis/s320/sialboat+city+regatta.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKX9xs50TdPYNGbdGKuSie0iLZePE3yj0rQjJXWM_HwX14Oe2iYPn0GjdkLJCsKrmSdiPPaJ7NV_if_lgeIjra8sWrHFSoVxY__w3jF4RnrS0LYnY9AIwYi-Xa3F0e98P9b830W713_NA/s1600/oprah+and+russell+crowe+asail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKX9xs50TdPYNGbdGKuSie0iLZePE3yj0rQjJXWM_HwX14Oe2iYPn0GjdkLJCsKrmSdiPPaJ7NV_if_lgeIjra8sWrHFSoVxY__w3jF4RnrS0LYnY9AIwYi-Xa3F0e98P9b830W713_NA/s320/oprah+and+russell+crowe+asail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi814-u7_VfOUYaxtxF6BZXbe9JYTIU8dxhyphenhyphenNT9erYw-pEsH-373egXVGlKRPlVClEPDJ4kTRJfKI4I8Cvb9qWr6T4S3fW6grecNXO9IfnNaHhNRuWnkdp29LuiVGEzxyrw1rW1_oYFLjI/s1600/lunch+after+sail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi814-u7_VfOUYaxtxF6BZXbe9JYTIU8dxhyphenhyphenNT9erYw-pEsH-373egXVGlKRPlVClEPDJ4kTRJfKI4I8Cvb9qWr6T4S3fW6grecNXO9IfnNaHhNRuWnkdp29LuiVGEzxyrw1rW1_oYFLjI/s320/lunch+after+sail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Tonight was billed as "A Surprise Event." All of us boarded buses with a boxed gourmet dinner in hand setting out for parts unknown. After about 10 minutes in the bus our <a href="http://www.event-architects.com/">Event Architect </a>guides showed us a DVD announcement by Oprah that we were on our way to the <a href="http://www.anzstadium.com.au/News/LatestNews/NewsArticles.aspx?NewsContentId=3e68f0e0-c17a-4ff5-8d7c-090377924f4b">ANZ Stadium</a> , the home of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2000 Olympics in Sydney to see Jay Z open for U2! Another OMG! What an amazing experience!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0IA89A7JTAaih7rlIdkaG4fM5a9qHufIQN7lIpFzBPdrBdiyUzcgAYhW2hCsd_77f8DbWA-TgCUnROn1bfZ_-_hTL9VNbs-4aM93L9Cjutm3Hh8bmy98Hsb7v7-_Ra0JkqNOBa2PIUs/s1600/at+U2+concert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0IA89A7JTAaih7rlIdkaG4fM5a9qHufIQN7lIpFzBPdrBdiyUzcgAYhW2hCsd_77f8DbWA-TgCUnROn1bfZ_-_hTL9VNbs-4aM93L9Cjutm3Hh8bmy98Hsb7v7-_Ra0JkqNOBa2PIUs/s320/at+U2+concert.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14235659823402693588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651371418599606262.post-24435882534678319232010-12-27T13:43:00.000-08:002010-12-27T13:43:15.082-08:00Day 6 Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb and the Historic Rocks PrecinctOMG, today, Sunday, December 12, 2010, we climbed the <a href="http://www.bridgeclimb.com/">Sydney Harbor Bridge</a>! It all began about 7:30am when Ev, Deb and I suited up in secure jumpsuits and were tethered to the guardrails and began our ascent 134 meters (440 feet) high and 503 meters long (1650 feet). We joined Oprah and Gayle at the top and were able to enjoy the panoramic views for over an hour with about 250 of our group. Wow, what an awesome experience. <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyoeNIdYOXK55KndsnI_JbL6HcjNB3rKVbM5u7rRfgn8GuzIiz347Hwrs-HuwxFzNII7wTeEVgX8xIFE3sMnN5i-4lvwFYTwDbg3-I5YXlH5UAJaNzN2uNY0T7_8EjD52bjBM15pBTnQ/s1600/at+top+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; height: 214px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 308px;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyoeNIdYOXK55KndsnI_JbL6HcjNB3rKVbM5u7rRfgn8GuzIiz347Hwrs-HuwxFzNII7wTeEVgX8xIFE3sMnN5i-4lvwFYTwDbg3-I5YXlH5UAJaNzN2uNY0T7_8EjD52bjBM15pBTnQ/s320/at+top+bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4r4fmkwYU0EpUJvVILEU3MDu-r2OL8OOSlhAcqOLyZCif-lsvuy7lZlPwNHPIePNsZw5zQ6zxUzSvq0Fv59YS5MswKP-3g9e2QizDK5x7tddvG-0fkRj-Fp6mUT82Y5UJAqXC56srG10/s1600/o+and+g+at+top+of+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4r4fmkwYU0EpUJvVILEU3MDu-r2OL8OOSlhAcqOLyZCif-lsvuy7lZlPwNHPIePNsZw5zQ6zxUzSvq0Fv59YS5MswKP-3g9e2QizDK5x7tddvG-0fkRj-Fp6mUT82Y5UJAqXC56srG10/s320/o+and+g+at+top+of+bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Following the Bridge Climb, we all had a delicious luncheon at the <a href="http://waterfrontrestaurant.com.au/">Waterfront Restaurant</a> at the pier in the Rocks section on Sydney Harbor were we watched the local residents enjoy the warm and sunny Sunday afternoon. After lunch, Ev and I went on a <a href="http://photographytravel.net/Tours_in_Sydney.html">Photography Tour</a> where we learned digital photo tricks of the trade. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQFk4zaram5GwMg0H2PaOY72DPv3l2QhnMVFJUYxyzq3kNKUfXT7YM3QD_GNChli_cmQ3Yy07kcsVkM8kiEMZGmvoxCkNzY7JWPGOMGaB5nzEVQD5OdQJjNxBCSdwwcm9W46CRavazWo/s1600/photography+class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQFk4zaram5GwMg0H2PaOY72DPv3l2QhnMVFJUYxyzq3kNKUfXT7YM3QD_GNChli_cmQ3Yy07kcsVkM8kiEMZGmvoxCkNzY7JWPGOMGaB5nzEVQD5OdQJjNxBCSdwwcm9W46CRavazWo/s320/photography+class.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We even had a couple of hours to relax around the pool before getting ready for a "dine around" dinner in the Argyle Precinct in The Rocks. Here the 302 guests divided into three smaller groups for dinner at three connected restaurants. The "Road trippers" enjoyed a delicious dinner at <a href="http://www.theargylerocks.com/">The Argyle Bazaar</a>. We all joined up after dinner for desserts and more cocktails in the courtyard. Another wonderful day in Australia!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqCZeAAz8burPkyZdQeKtQ-Whds3JOBxrKK0uQNMUuEZHg-5VGLLJrX1lKxPm_fdR1Ldk4MwhX3X4F7za_nkNeq_PjCt1RzFofIJri6m1nNCRtanRrMqCbhoOAO6ccQh2ral2K97STaM/s1600/dinner+at+the+Rocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqCZeAAz8burPkyZdQeKtQ-Whds3JOBxrKK0uQNMUuEZHg-5VGLLJrX1lKxPm_fdR1Ldk4MwhX3X4F7za_nkNeq_PjCt1RzFofIJri6m1nNCRtanRrMqCbhoOAO6ccQh2ral2K97STaM/s320/dinner+at+the+Rocks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14235659823402693588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651371418599606262.post-26807541979632747232010-12-26T09:35:00.000-08:002010-12-27T13:31:14.202-08:00Day 5 (Part Two) Return to Sydney<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After a two hour Qantas flight back to Sydney, we were off to <a href="http://www.sydney.com.au/rocks.htm">The Rocks</a> section of the city to explore their open air arts and crafts market on a glorious Saturday afternoon. What a marvelous outdoor world this Sydney is located right on the waters with many beautiful parks and areas where many locals enjoy their weekends in the clean, fresh air. I spent most of the afternoon walking around the booths, admiring and shopping before heading back to the <a href="http://www.intercontinental.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/SYDHA?sicreative=8222501749&dp=true&sicontent=0&sitrackingid=203035784&siclientid=4973">Intercontinental Hotel</a> to change and get ready for dinner. </div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0uaxy6WG-Gh2OwT6o9jifYjPIxMLeSWc-zdgvl6VZVjQyd3KEXErXDF6ryByMw7753IShk7_0lzLwtqTRFgEDV5YLxnbSSSTEWue4uZt8AblUHHPGNk8fKUq476Roq9B-niNF0Z12fc/s1600/GArden+party+group+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0uaxy6WG-Gh2OwT6o9jifYjPIxMLeSWc-zdgvl6VZVjQyd3KEXErXDF6ryByMw7753IShk7_0lzLwtqTRFgEDV5YLxnbSSSTEWue4uZt8AblUHHPGNk8fKUq476Roq9B-niNF0Z12fc/s320/GArden+party+group+shot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Saturday evening brought all 302 of us back together at the <a href="http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/welcome_to_bgt/royal_botanic_gardens">Royal Botanic Gardens</a> for a <a href="http://australia.broadwayworld.com/printcolumn.php?id=193044">cocktail party/dinner</a> with Oprah. The six of us we asked to "walk the red carpet" (which meant chat with the media) with Gayle King prior to the festivities. We were interviewed by the Australian Today Show. <a href="http://www.lifestylefood.com.au/chefs/neilperry/">Neil Perry</a> and <a href="http://www.donnahay.com.au/">Donna Hay</a>, two very famous Australian "foodies" brought together the night's delicious goodies while <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Sebastian">Guy Sebastian</a> (winner of Australian idol) performed for us. In between the cocktail party and the "beach party" we were presented a magnificent fireworks display over the Sydney Opera House and the Harbor Bridge before the lighting of the "O" on the bridge in honor of Oprah's visit to Australia! What a wonderful welcome back!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgRP63IsNAUFG1JWeYKyPuOmtPCTKTXZ0DOnm1ZIvn7XHN6Yb_G4A7Ii-E6WfiP8r7ywLERT53o7e-t2Wk51tuFlXsd4mBAf3pW25g-PnGzp-0TgTiIUMGhyrMY1F1COguYL9mBpBwVE/s1600/fireworks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgRP63IsNAUFG1JWeYKyPuOmtPCTKTXZ0DOnm1ZIvn7XHN6Yb_G4A7Ii-E6WfiP8r7ywLERT53o7e-t2Wk51tuFlXsd4mBAf3pW25g-PnGzp-0TgTiIUMGhyrMY1F1COguYL9mBpBwVE/s320/fireworks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14235659823402693588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651371418599606262.post-67783954684665578422010-12-26T08:54:00.000-08:002010-12-26T08:54:34.269-08:00Day 5 (Part One) Helicopter transfer to Hobart then fly back to SydneyDecember 11, 2010, back on the Helicopters early this Saturday morning with a gourmet box "breakie" so that we could experience the <a href="http://www.discovertasmania.com/activities__and__attractions/shopping/markets/?a=36014">Salamanca Markets</a> in Hobart. What a fun time we had shopping for unique Tasmanian crafts and gifts.<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWNWR0JxVgHICZ9_VptbwSghl4D_LyEGSu3j9qqrS-uk5zZOeVAYW3RrH11UEFQjvJgYLoZwTlSaR_epLQ0Aer2FNtdoci39w0kS_GojIKSSAekfu8_wpyf3SybMZIq_xezihGvm2oGw/s1600/helicopters+await.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWNWR0JxVgHICZ9_VptbwSghl4D_LyEGSu3j9qqrS-uk5zZOeVAYW3RrH11UEFQjvJgYLoZwTlSaR_epLQ0Aer2FNtdoci39w0kS_GojIKSSAekfu8_wpyf3SybMZIq_xezihGvm2oGw/s320/helicopters+await.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQHP-kU3HvVYGOYUoUAbMt-GgniCIZ8mxAP4Eto7lhB3jstkRfJt3oN-Umnw7ScvBfMkenGI2TqpXvb-hG-tZFYoCULAo4ZvXDkuIU42AM5fYPgrE6rO0WSNYGPuAKfXByNrgsN8C0cA/s1600/getting+off+helicopter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQHP-kU3HvVYGOYUoUAbMt-GgniCIZ8mxAP4Eto7lhB3jstkRfJt3oN-Umnw7ScvBfMkenGI2TqpXvb-hG-tZFYoCULAo4ZvXDkuIU42AM5fYPgrE6rO0WSNYGPuAKfXByNrgsN8C0cA/s320/getting+off+helicopter.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMNXhQ4HWfyzaEHq6Nna8Qa9qMzV5sdRJdIOZ4zjpouBNFztu20rjY8AIlbsDNbm3CLX4sLWumH0FVok11DBzw9U_kI09u_K-NHStysreiO6kBmASFxv9oLOVAfieEMWF2sxTI31kdqo/s1600/shopping+i+Hobart+market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMNXhQ4HWfyzaEHq6Nna8Qa9qMzV5sdRJdIOZ4zjpouBNFztu20rjY8AIlbsDNbm3CLX4sLWumH0FVok11DBzw9U_kI09u_K-NHStysreiO6kBmASFxv9oLOVAfieEMWF2sxTI31kdqo/s320/shopping+i+Hobart+market.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Our Fairy Tale trip to Tasmania ended with tearful goodbyes at the airport. We had found cherished friends in this land down under that we will never forget. They will always remain in our thoughts and prayers and to them we will be eternally grateful! They are the dream makers that everyone should have in their lives. Tasmania is a lush paradise that all should have the privilege to visit sometime in their life! Thank for sharing this piece of heaven with us!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">(I just learned that the Tasmanian Tourism Bureau will be flying me up from Florida to Boston in late January to attend a Black Tie Gala to celebrate Australia Day! The surprises and gifts continue. Thank you!) </div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14235659823402693588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651371418599606262.post-35408754677537756042010-12-20T14:00:00.000-08:002010-12-27T13:07:07.626-08:00Day 4 (Part Two) Freycinet National Park and Saffire, The Jewel of Tasmania<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirs77vN5GtQAbh6EncD5X-IqteAmmGOayUvOLXGpjGTAOfWSgFrZ6fZypxyHpijD5ErZxXM1avWe6a2nnOZ03WP0lhR4QVLnbB6Le8r2IvRAgFpPLIXAsGIzQEenCHOJRRwvJFI1nQfIA/s1600/saffire+lobby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; height: 240px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 276px;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirs77vN5GtQAbh6EncD5X-IqteAmmGOayUvOLXGpjGTAOfWSgFrZ6fZypxyHpijD5ErZxXM1avWe6a2nnOZ03WP0lhR4QVLnbB6Le8r2IvRAgFpPLIXAsGIzQEenCHOJRRwvJFI1nQfIA/s320/saffire+lobby.jpg" width="320" /></a>Soon after the helicopters all hovered to safe ground we weredriven at the most luxourious of resorts, <a href="http://www.saffire-freycinet.com.au/">Saffire Freycinet Sanctuary</a>, which overlooks the Great Oyster Bay and Hazards Mountains with their glimmering pink granite rocks. The awesome views from the grand lobby are beyond description.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We were escoutrted to our suites through our private Zen gardens to the most specatcular setting. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaM0pH4c2z19XEFVnbPQMVSvb763M8vdYvycbtmZQq9NZmbPpnBQ_jDri7zbW20C4xUn2bzPfBzGCROtg6z7cvwo_pf5CsRur0ailZ7iLwWs2eil61DA1ukoU-ki4ei1hf-51tt1opBcw/s1600/gearing+up+for+quads+new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaM0pH4c2z19XEFVnbPQMVSvb763M8vdYvycbtmZQq9NZmbPpnBQ_jDri7zbW20C4xUn2bzPfBzGCROtg6z7cvwo_pf5CsRur0ailZ7iLwWs2eil61DA1ukoU-ki4ei1hf-51tt1opBcw/s320/gearing+up+for+quads+new.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Then it was quickly back to the lobby to change for our Quad trek. We received <a href="http://www.blundstone.com/">Blunnies</a>, famous Australian traditional boot and were outfitted with jackets, helmets and goggles and whisked off for a lesson on another road trip vehicle! What fun we had soaring through Tasmania's wilderness. I did almost bump into Gayle King a couple of times. Our final destination on the ATV's was a pristine beach, <a href="http://www.about-australia.com/tasmania/freycinet/destinations/friendly-beaches/">Friendly Beaches</a> and a private afternoon tea and champagne on the beach with white linen table cloth setting and a "Welcome" etched into the white sands. How Elegant! On the ride back we even spotted kangaroo jumping along side the road. </div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ji4b8G3_5OSZ2REMnBDyG_orl7NjHtYpF2jjvl5v2FR7hC_kc8JZe0TkrQWBq1PHZdiOE3Hb2YlL6FHfWXfGJ6n3nY8n1kJyJQDrKAfZBq7c97ERFY3TVaZBPCcHnxaABGKOAUb4fzM/s1600/dewayne+everttesmith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ji4b8G3_5OSZ2REMnBDyG_orl7NjHtYpF2jjvl5v2FR7hC_kc8JZe0TkrQWBq1PHZdiOE3Hb2YlL6FHfWXfGJ6n3nY8n1kJyJQDrKAfZBq7c97ERFY3TVaZBPCcHnxaABGKOAUb4fzM/s320/dewayne+everttesmith.jpg" width="320" /></a>On arrival back at the hotel we were greeted with plush robes and told to prepare for a luxury, Saffire Sanctuary Spa experience, where a relaxing and rejuvenating massage was enjoyed by all.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Dinner this evening followed drinks, canopes and entertainment by <a href="http://dewayneeverettsmith.blogspot.com/">Dewayne Everettsmith</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Executive chef <a href="http://www.luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/properties/saffire/alias-9">Hugh Whitehouse</a> prepared a exquisite gourmet six course meal that he served and explained to us along with the wines that accompanied each course.<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3VR4G29sjKh2RcRa6c_uQAQskTEzRVpF3QqNXRtNr5EMND0nFVw2lcV29pmRk4B6ZcOzllmiqL2-Gm1AuIYyTQjrPduSN0Ry_Sko7OqAlmyke8lgxruEfCFOIM5nafF3GvNzpBnkaZk/s1600/dinner+at+saffire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3VR4G29sjKh2RcRa6c_uQAQskTEzRVpF3QqNXRtNr5EMND0nFVw2lcV29pmRk4B6ZcOzllmiqL2-Gm1AuIYyTQjrPduSN0Ry_Sko7OqAlmyke8lgxruEfCFOIM5nafF3GvNzpBnkaZk/s320/dinner+at+saffire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mSgyUEeIBUqiGnfIVaz1mVzdjeZ6lg1KO9Mp1RdNNhH2mekwwHP-bRzvobXl7Q9gHseryTtyi04ECacK6SOJc9eyl7HgNNyfuBCds54Lak5QEhx4YkYSeAfnx6F4TUbfQjU1D4rkX1c/s1600/ev+and+i+at+saffire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mSgyUEeIBUqiGnfIVaz1mVzdjeZ6lg1KO9Mp1RdNNhH2mekwwHP-bRzvobXl7Q9gHseryTtyi04ECacK6SOJc9eyl7HgNNyfuBCds54Lak5QEhx4YkYSeAfnx6F4TUbfQjU1D4rkX1c/s320/ev+and+i+at+saffire.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJer63QtJ8w0nIyZ3Xryp1TizfNK1mbTZcRKK04Z1Jr0Bkhy7h6SIilmazaRKWjYIVO40QYXzPqNQtInV3rEAj5Dk7UDqkB-eAyqwZW_JwQWixsqFKOZFDHk9rOKHL7JTWyfrwDqbKqc/s1600/girls+at+dinner+at+saffire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; height: 293px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 321px;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJer63QtJ8w0nIyZ3Xryp1TizfNK1mbTZcRKK04Z1Jr0Bkhy7h6SIilmazaRKWjYIVO40QYXzPqNQtInV3rEAj5Dk7UDqkB-eAyqwZW_JwQWixsqFKOZFDHk9rOKHL7JTWyfrwDqbKqc/s320/girls+at+dinner+at+saffire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14235659823402693588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651371418599606262.post-39515038483765612432010-12-19T08:22:00.000-08:002010-12-20T11:29:28.451-08:00Day 4, (Part One) on route to Freycinet National Park, Tasmania<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGkStuRFcDUqhT57Oy9pFmKPBgJWLfll4DnrFbJu88PN0q40dYtRqh2-sd4rGK1enMuVSalUQWvQTwpt3C6olcSzRFNULfhEQUUpH_5GnlG2ainIIJTjJ38Bbif9SdYYbXX4u18HktZw/s1600/meadowbank+vineyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGkStuRFcDUqhT57Oy9pFmKPBgJWLfll4DnrFbJu88PN0q40dYtRqh2-sd4rGK1enMuVSalUQWvQTwpt3C6olcSzRFNULfhEQUUpH_5GnlG2ainIIJTjJ38Bbif9SdYYbXX4u18HktZw/s320/meadowbank+vineyard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CH-ldCmun6mWF0QML9kVK7ba1E4TopY6Dymmzr0RbS69xeaYTo7fwaQrUUhwMPdIWgq_cof_eaWlXbcMQX9AMEak8r9UEgRyYgxpz_wn0fd8HrN4DLPfSh-WnEA1m6cDkYOs5LTowz8/s1600/Gayle+joins+us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CH-ldCmun6mWF0QML9kVK7ba1E4TopY6Dymmzr0RbS69xeaYTo7fwaQrUUhwMPdIWgq_cof_eaWlXbcMQX9AMEak8r9UEgRyYgxpz_wn0fd8HrN4DLPfSh-WnEA1m6cDkYOs5LTowz8/s320/Gayle+joins+us.jpg" width="320" /></a>After a breakfast meeting with Tasmanian Senator, Carol Brown, in the beautiful atrium of the Henry Jones Art Hotel, we were off to the <a href="http://www.meadowbankwines.com.au/">Meadowbank Estate Vineyard</a> for an awesome wine tasting with a delicious cheese and sweet assortment to go along with our wine. While munching and sipping in walked Galye King to continue her surprise started on Stoughton, MA on September 5. After a quick driving lesson for Gayle (with no accidents) we drove through vineyards and gorgeous countryside to <a href="http://www.bonorong.com.au/">Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary</a>. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm65Y-cci_i0Dwx0K-ZuXHSfNuIRs39DKC9QNtsbG0cYJ3HsmSHrO2UJxzWI1EgYJSenBcHYXJTlIQjFM6iS9SOdaiiJa_pFRoKOPFnKiUGX2NWl6NE5r7giKT4_zlPH4SlRGmWApqOqE/s1600/pinic+at+Borong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm65Y-cci_i0Dwx0K-ZuXHSfNuIRs39DKC9QNtsbG0cYJ3HsmSHrO2UJxzWI1EgYJSenBcHYXJTlIQjFM6iS9SOdaiiJa_pFRoKOPFnKiUGX2NWl6NE5r7giKT4_zlPH4SlRGmWApqOqE/s320/pinic+at+Borong.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMDT61ubKcWbeMGq9f5mDIhL31qXSGOZ6fC2SLQxsSMXoYKk9Mbsi2KEa9GAIORBxizej9h-fjIpG6Cn9ZtWcxVTn47fd1Yj0lsmW4gMG2_B4uHvDdx_ChM5USU1vjMkR5jrf3yGCVik/s1600/tasmanian+devil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMDT61ubKcWbeMGq9f5mDIhL31qXSGOZ6fC2SLQxsSMXoYKk9Mbsi2KEa9GAIORBxizej9h-fjIpG6Cn9ZtWcxVTn47fd1Yj0lsmW4gMG2_B4uHvDdx_ChM5USU1vjMkR5jrf3yGCVik/s320/tasmanian+devil.jpg" width="320" /></a>This ia a natural refuge for some extraordinary Australian animals like the Tasmanian Devil, wombats, and kangaroos. Greg Irons, the manager, showed us around the sanctuary and we had a chance to get up close and personal with the animals. We had a delicious lunch outside with the animals before leaving for our helicopters.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQh6FDWwjYfF3vF8NNaYkve00QWpem8U_P_9LwsjJPh6O6jcmVO53MHTV3WVH3oXYUR7tp-YPJi6VJfRYAXPs7O7qD3zwo8kWl5FHwTkbgDyhlnDVC8E7TdLq96ZQvjcDRBO4HQwT8gHs/s1600/feeding+kangaroos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQh6FDWwjYfF3vF8NNaYkve00QWpem8U_P_9LwsjJPh6O6jcmVO53MHTV3WVH3oXYUR7tp-YPJi6VJfRYAXPs7O7qD3zwo8kWl5FHwTkbgDyhlnDVC8E7TdLq96ZQvjcDRBO4HQwT8gHs/s320/feeding+kangaroos.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMTBUWBdCtIqjzBcEG64k3VimX7pr2ZDco8_jDpMQbKwrJalQWNmQNlLfJYk4moixeOaa_z9Bdv7B5r6VWyHwGJ4Zc4fHLHTVwO1WXC3x49pWWlaKqop9c1k4uhVT52zFZgrUykJKIL4/s1600/wombat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMTBUWBdCtIqjzBcEG64k3VimX7pr2ZDco8_jDpMQbKwrJalQWNmQNlLfJYk4moixeOaa_z9Bdv7B5r6VWyHwGJ4Zc4fHLHTVwO1WXC3x49pWWlaKqop9c1k4uhVT52zFZgrUykJKIL4/s320/wombat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We were off to <a href="http://tassie.org.au/freycinet/">Freycinet National Park</a> soaring over breathtaking scenery. I sat next to Gayle and tried to console her as she is not fond of flying. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQ1CoELoF_JTDhHjUlwrDFOnoFkjdndBxq-TFBzCaFQhd6jl8JWBeb38_gxUJDeUTTlYpmY0oo_PbuqiYqqggHfOm0f7AAaxmNrZ5kZfPAzm6tatQrNB5VLOYCtP6H9XYtIEiybFdq7Y/s1600/helicopters+await.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQ1CoELoF_JTDhHjUlwrDFOnoFkjdndBxq-TFBzCaFQhd6jl8JWBeb38_gxUJDeUTTlYpmY0oo_PbuqiYqqggHfOm0f7AAaxmNrZ5kZfPAzm6tatQrNB5VLOYCtP6H9XYtIEiybFdq7Y/s320/helicopters+await.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14235659823402693588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651371418599606262.post-73211370882220613852010-12-18T12:01:00.000-08:002010-12-20T11:26:44.393-08:00Day 3 (Part Two) Hobart, Tasmania<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BhyphenhyphenInJRhx3ekm8vnC1Pn3FVUgKSWsLmY5AtLAyVmugR7fNAD_hyphenhyphenUAsYJUR4rVgjV-cEcenwpa7W831LNcYzrtpVrSyE3Bw5sam9e-3Bvwc51xhAfeA9Fv5xSK-oLJwAN0HLy426Ws-Y/s1600/interview+scenery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BhyphenhyphenInJRhx3ekm8vnC1Pn3FVUgKSWsLmY5AtLAyVmugR7fNAD_hyphenhyphenUAsYJUR4rVgjV-cEcenwpa7W831LNcYzrtpVrSyE3Bw5sam9e-3Bvwc51xhAfeA9Fv5xSK-oLJwAN0HLy426Ws-Y/s320/interview+scenery.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlP3VejEqdHOPtIDs6UFKZJ2aLjezwUwQRxvH8A3di8xtw_B-kC7Z23zYtTENkcmyqGfWRwS4nAMlyn0jUYPbg4xPtPW13unrqOulxjZzowChpWAFkekFYM8NVAVmoEzPShVNfuLZYS0/s1600/interview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlP3VejEqdHOPtIDs6UFKZJ2aLjezwUwQRxvH8A3di8xtw_B-kC7Z23zYtTENkcmyqGfWRwS4nAMlyn0jUYPbg4xPtPW13unrqOulxjZzowChpWAFkekFYM8NVAVmoEzPShVNfuLZYS0/s320/interview.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>After our spectacular picnic lunch and a little more exploring of Port Arthur, our road trip continued along an incredibly scenic route towards Hobart, Tasmania's capitol city. With the background of a an incredible ocean view, it was my turn to be interviewed for our road trip section.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGtBBmkyECdMijWG_TmAm8wi8hFM5vpOm7ojMPICrp07OWO7JVNzUcLyyAzLkavWHlW4DB8WBtneJBrani4J_uhseS8iLOATZ3Vw3EKmKvETxL8tzhnlMDh1jDS7EaKj9FRYeo9CBTWM/s1600/Rob+at+winery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGtBBmkyECdMijWG_TmAm8wi8hFM5vpOm7ojMPICrp07OWO7JVNzUcLyyAzLkavWHlW4DB8WBtneJBrani4J_uhseS8iLOATZ3Vw3EKmKvETxL8tzhnlMDh1jDS7EaKj9FRYeo9CBTWM/s320/Rob+at+winery.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>As usual, Rob shared a delightful tour of the countryside as we passed by poppy fields. sheep pastures, and many other rural sights all the while learning many Aussie sayings like "She'll be apples" or "tall poppies."<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In Hobart, the second oldest city in Australia after Sydney, we checked into our own suites at the <a href="http://www.thehenryjones.com/">Henry Jones Art Hotel</a> , a dedicated five-star art hotel showcasing the work of Tasmania's finest local artists. The one-time jam factory has been transformed into a waterfront, suite hotel. What a fascinating place!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UJJABVBcYJgedmCFPkEGUbOzM1gELPh4r38Q9pFs-RdSReV23cFUl0QPMh6Mj4hfkjeqovywjiKv20oR63cOnoDMXt40_rQYlkiexC1bMY9K6xcdzzUZJDUBctv9knlUwF2L8MSnfmM/s1600/art+hotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UJJABVBcYJgedmCFPkEGUbOzM1gELPh4r38Q9pFs-RdSReV23cFUl0QPMh6Mj4hfkjeqovywjiKv20oR63cOnoDMXt40_rQYlkiexC1bMY9K6xcdzzUZJDUBctv9knlUwF2L8MSnfmM/s320/art+hotel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Dinner this evening was a feast for all our senses at the <a href="http://www.tmag.tas.gov.au/">Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery</a>.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After our private tour of an Aboriginal Exhibit Area we headed upstairs to the Antarctic Hall where we were greeted with champagne and appetizers served on plates designed based on ice floes while we listened to the director of this exhibit talk on Tasmania's expeditions to the Antarctic. After touring more of the museum we arrived at our private setting with the most exquisite table setting surrounded by tapestries and our own private string quartet playing for us while the chef served a 4-course scrumptious entree accompanied by wines from local vineyards. At one point, six gentlemen from our entourage joined us in a dance to the music of the quartet. How elegant! After a private tour of the vaults where the DNA of the extinct Tasmanian Tiger are stored, we were led to another of the art galleries for a three-course dessert. Here was another exquisite table setting for the six of us with a harpist playing and signing for us while we marveled about our magical day.</div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14235659823402693588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651371418599606262.post-73266920622303162442010-12-18T02:53:00.000-08:002010-12-20T11:23:45.329-08:00Day 3 (Part One) Tasmanian Road Trip Continues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoACyC4EpZzNw9aVz5ThO-LjXWBJOV2So62O9j5pLxNDNjIOQNyUgjZXZ77FwWu1D_2hNfybt0CP2m1LPjamhf8r0-pvGloGqOssvw3pPy255C9Bu5cqcoomCiQvGUObYnYEHfwA28qWM/s1600/view+from+cabin+in+stewarts+bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoACyC4EpZzNw9aVz5ThO-LjXWBJOV2So62O9j5pLxNDNjIOQNyUgjZXZ77FwWu1D_2hNfybt0CP2m1LPjamhf8r0-pvGloGqOssvw3pPy255C9Bu5cqcoomCiQvGUObYnYEHfwA28qWM/s1600/view+from+cabin+in+stewarts+bay.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QYaXUO9a0gEWrJgWhtVzMY0bBOyBNBNDLGdNRMFOcgXXm8QeuTKSqpMrPoqKsePZSCaqUbzi2OSP-HG2J4RMUkRjNlurpS4NZH-i6trq6dO2rHS8YxJ3RjsxIjGW5o6qS-YrT6SXmrs/s1600/breakfast+in+Stewarts+Bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QYaXUO9a0gEWrJgWhtVzMY0bBOyBNBNDLGdNRMFOcgXXm8QeuTKSqpMrPoqKsePZSCaqUbzi2OSP-HG2J4RMUkRjNlurpS4NZH-i6trq6dO2rHS8YxJ3RjsxIjGW5o6qS-YrT6SXmrs/s1600/breakfast+in+Stewarts+Bay.jpg" /></a></div>On Thursday, December 9, 2010, we awoke very early to the beautiful sounds of birds signing and a fantastic view of the bay and mountains. The girls came over to join Ev and I on our balcony porch at about 5:00 am. We didn't want to waste one minute of this amazing resort in the Tasmania's World Heritage wilderness. I enjoyed a spa bath with an awesome view of this serene bush setting before a lavish buffet breakfast where we were treated, thanks to Leslie, to Vegimite served "the right way" on toast with lots of butter - and it wasn't that bad! We were very sad to leave our hosts Ken, Rosemary and Jorgie, but the grand southern ocean was beckoning.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlKnuaYIxKtKM8jC-l0r8TpYhRXSmxnTKy89DrxdsIm7_3repvM0O32EOfRftkWjs3KVIzgK2v9r-dS9Nmh8nMCnrz5GMq_BJmDBP8E4mMt6wpulfMkdvSwj4ik3MxH7NmFJfWMeA7mE/s1600/seals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlKnuaYIxKtKM8jC-l0r8TpYhRXSmxnTKy89DrxdsIm7_3repvM0O32EOfRftkWjs3KVIzgK2v9r-dS9Nmh8nMCnrz5GMq_BJmDBP8E4mMt6wpulfMkdvSwj4ik3MxH7NmFJfWMeA7mE/s1600/seals.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0BBASt76AXahCy_9_Jm61JA-j5Gdsx7G8CfPgUKlynD9Rk2KvCh7upcSqiZxmg_xhA8eZ3wcjZDJOx2u-KjA4x1rpYWrjPzGOdJ9WGh0yBNQ19LWVb4QPhKu0bYcgd0vXh8BPgSNZyo/s1600/cliffs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0BBASt76AXahCy_9_Jm61JA-j5Gdsx7G8CfPgUKlynD9Rk2KvCh7upcSqiZxmg_xhA8eZ3wcjZDJOx2u-KjA4x1rpYWrjPzGOdJ9WGh0yBNQ19LWVb4QPhKu0bYcgd0vXh8BPgSNZyo/s320/cliffs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhthk54ErEyw9NOQISboTumqhirqybwfi3keOshb-xnhGhnJnJFGsaom1yLbZCsaMa7Hz5-l4KjNV7JOxPP8bLzpLooRShiyTW_qHHotJBG5fdbQPHsS_JBW-KHpa4cA6s3HZMgScEP0M/s1600/crew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhthk54ErEyw9NOQISboTumqhirqybwfi3keOshb-xnhGhnJnJFGsaom1yLbZCsaMa7Hz5-l4KjNV7JOxPP8bLzpLooRShiyTW_qHHotJBG5fdbQPHsS_JBW-KHpa4cA6s3HZMgScEP0M/s1600/crew.jpg" /></a></div>So off we drove to Eagleneck dock to board Robert Pennicott's boat (see <a href="http://www.tasmancruises.com.au/">Robert Pennicott Cruises</a>) to see an abundance of marine wildlife (Albatross, humpback whale, Gannets, dolphins,seals and more) and towering sea cliffs (some 1,000 feet high and the highest in the southern hemisphere)! This cruise was totally awesome!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyRkHxNWpBrene0c2s1dT7E1WNIc7t_w8QfJbyx6RztmN3HHDjXY-30jas1ZkYg4GtM1q5gQa_Yet9hsKsLnaYfbt-xhswKMf1LyoCw-SJwoNdId2EqKFmj2AHlvbCPCf0DTLxXBn5b4/s1600/port+arthur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyRkHxNWpBrene0c2s1dT7E1WNIc7t_w8QfJbyx6RztmN3HHDjXY-30jas1ZkYg4GtM1q5gQa_Yet9hsKsLnaYfbt-xhswKMf1LyoCw-SJwoNdId2EqKFmj2AHlvbCPCf0DTLxXBn5b4/s320/port+arthur.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We landed at Port Arthur Historic Site <a href="http://www.portarthur.org.au/">http://www.portarthur.org.au/</a>. Port Arthur was a penal colony in 1804 as the first settlers in Australia were convicts from Great Britain Jake led us on a guide tour of the refurbished grounds and 30 buildings and ruins to a hillside picnic catered by one of Tasmania's renowned chefs, Rodney Dunn, <a href="http://www.theagrariankitchen.com/The_Agrarian_Kitchen/about_us.html">Agrarian Kitchen</a> were we feasted on lobster rolls, snapper, abalone and fresh salads and of course champagne and wines to accompany our delightful lunch.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">More on this second day of our Tasmanian adventure tomorrow.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhfHfNlhK9tABnJ3f5igjqDizzy9_lpLiNgbcT7jlk-qDGZbEn04yf3WTIUAdo_kcw2p8r5QJQwEXjJadbTaKTCYWOEO_EwkMzvAylaeW5hDZkmfzn8giCVFzLNQQl6EzYntsVcq8aDc/s1600/picnic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; height: 214px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 250px;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhfHfNlhK9tABnJ3f5igjqDizzy9_lpLiNgbcT7jlk-qDGZbEn04yf3WTIUAdo_kcw2p8r5QJQwEXjJadbTaKTCYWOEO_EwkMzvAylaeW5hDZkmfzn8giCVFzLNQQl6EzYntsVcq8aDc/s320/picnic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pqOriXwF5VbeUQHrZIhoMvzhUc1rA54NcHgykPafCn_VfNuQvK_P516P8aFrB7IQfA6SPmC5p1_iVnk2uok9mLBlW3mgIs6Zz5pamZwE_apKhy0fl8ad7Vl26Ze5pRSx0gmgHwgOZ9s/s1600/picnic+lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pqOriXwF5VbeUQHrZIhoMvzhUc1rA54NcHgykPafCn_VfNuQvK_P516P8aFrB7IQfA6SPmC5p1_iVnk2uok9mLBlW3mgIs6Zz5pamZwE_apKhy0fl8ad7Vl26Ze5pRSx0gmgHwgOZ9s/s320/picnic+lunch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJsVv1yvaqzWO_gn1_YQkSyhjREIWq4fv1HliqAw7JnsSz80f0cLC6_QyGKxX-y8vAUAZULjI4akm-MBKU-YKK83mpto7BwfASLCeOMrSCa_pRTsJXwlbg9IQMBePWkcTPDfPHIIYAL8/s1600/at+picnin+at+Port+Arthur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJsVv1yvaqzWO_gn1_YQkSyhjREIWq4fv1HliqAw7JnsSz80f0cLC6_QyGKxX-y8vAUAZULjI4akm-MBKU-YKK83mpto7BwfASLCeOMrSCa_pRTsJXwlbg9IQMBePWkcTPDfPHIIYAL8/s320/at+picnin+at+Port+Arthur.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14235659823402693588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651371418599606262.post-12839166872896372582010-12-16T11:16:00.000-08:002010-12-20T11:20:52.555-08:00Day 2 Our Road Trip in Tasmania Begins<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrlUDLQRIkYyxr_zWySI_RixnfPbY_-Oc_CpscG_hDDP534-ily4WAWYrSDiB4dQvIRJDBRn5Yc8XHIU03gwr5SpBsGBI_RycD44OoC_JEcvwNXA-MR3wMxiWmDvPn3NYEytrcruvc6k/s1600/all+of+us+landing+in+Hobart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrlUDLQRIkYyxr_zWySI_RixnfPbY_-Oc_CpscG_hDDP534-ily4WAWYrSDiB4dQvIRJDBRn5Yc8XHIU03gwr5SpBsGBI_RycD44OoC_JEcvwNXA-MR3wMxiWmDvPn3NYEytrcruvc6k/s320/all+of+us+landing+in+Hobart.jpg" width="320" /></a>On Wednesday, December 8, 2010, after a scrumptious buffet breakfast at the Intercontinental Hotel in Sidney, we were off to the airport for our 2 hour flight to Hobart, Tasmania. We waited in the Qanta's VIP lounge with three of our guides, Rick Cosgrove from Event Architects in Chicago, and Matthew Cameron-Smith and Leslie Neil from Tourism Australia and ID Australia. As we deplaned, there on the tarmac were two cars awaiting to surprise us on our own private road trip of Tasmania. We were also met by Ruth Dowty, the wonderful representative from Tourism Australia who had arranged this incredible tour for us, who had "fought" for us to come there on a road trip after seeing the original show! Wow!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRrkkiSX1-6VF6B6ISA6nCKG3AmZZBuORzDE77UhSXrZVgahC3Ze1EQ1RxygG0j6OnPf_ZFXyWZ0KqMXZdmxqYakzz-RjYMtKLXvj8gVLZ4X2b3FQOBUxyK_D71gEnZq8JNzSR4FX5ok/s1600/Rob%252C+our+awesome+Tassie+Driver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRrkkiSX1-6VF6B6ISA6nCKG3AmZZBuORzDE77UhSXrZVgahC3Ze1EQ1RxygG0j6OnPf_ZFXyWZ0KqMXZdmxqYakzz-RjYMtKLXvj8gVLZ4X2b3FQOBUxyK_D71gEnZq8JNzSR4FX5ok/s320/Rob%252C+our+awesome+Tassie+Driver.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1P0XcO26NfxyoyvZa7dFaJy2EWCr2b5s1yJXfgL3eGenX4dFVWAIq2GDyddxxbQYcmpJm9Xt19iX1EdWk8YaNX4hT8VSreFQ7LaYYElQjV3wTKNwh7LsxdvUVwIdVtVA7CRbiazjxvMo/s1600/Tasmanian+road+trip+begins+12.08.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1P0XcO26NfxyoyvZa7dFaJy2EWCr2b5s1yJXfgL3eGenX4dFVWAIq2GDyddxxbQYcmpJm9Xt19iX1EdWk8YaNX4hT8VSreFQ7LaYYElQjV3wTKNwh7LsxdvUVwIdVtVA7CRbiazjxvMo/s320/Tasmanian+road+trip+begins+12.08.10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiHGvYwmZRHKhle7ODag7rsqu_rgGffsMu02lT9EMbz5-rHGmYoLYp6BrodSodDoTYCGxtrCMU7Oy7c22HsYnbI3eY1cFhihoZ6eQhxS1Qi6yvuAdP9jBkkeU7rvzuyVRDhUUtXZlWvE/s1600/cathy%2527s+accident.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiHGvYwmZRHKhle7ODag7rsqu_rgGffsMu02lT9EMbz5-rHGmYoLYp6BrodSodDoTYCGxtrCMU7Oy7c22HsYnbI3eY1cFhihoZ6eQhxS1Qi6yvuAdP9jBkkeU7rvzuyVRDhUUtXZlWvE/s320/cathy%2527s+accident.jpg" width="320" /></a>We then split into two cars with our drivers Rosemary for Cathy, Mary and Peggy's car and Rob for Deb, Ev and me. We drove to a remote beach parking lot for our driving lesson as the Aussies drive on the other side of the street. Here we met up with our Harpo producer, Veronica Votypka and our camera and audio crew. Andrew, Adam, Mike, Paul and Peter. As Cathy was having her driving lesson, she bumped into a log while trying to navigate a sharp turn and missing slightly. After we all checked out the damage and finished up our lessons we were off to Port Arthur along the magnificent, scenic roads of the Tasmania Paradise - only the beginning of our grand exploration of this land of natural beauty and diversity. We drove along the beautiful shores of the Tasman peninsula to Stewart's Bay Lodge <a href="http://www.stewartsbaylodge.com.au/">Stewart's Bay Lodge, First night in Tasmania</a> . From the web site you can see how truly picturesque this piece of heaven was. In this tranquil bush setting, at Taylor's Restaurant, we had a delicious dinner prepared for us by the countries best regional chef, Steve Cumper after a cocktail party by the fires where a rainbow appeared for us. We were entertained by Cary Lewincamp and his wonderfully reflective compostions. I cannot put into words the flavors of Rock Oysters, Abalone, two kinds of lamb and the wines and much more! delicious beyond description. What a marvelous gourmet dinner.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Then it was back to our luxurious 2 bedroom deluxe spa cabins with a fully stocked kitchen, living room and balcony overlooking the bay. What a magnificent day.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsctFeqjjIShSvObxfuzoI7vCZ4zvyjQJs4DkS6dYW8ggUOn6SXsB0Fevi794XDli2hyQdQdNtnKyMyRV0F5m4nOmzeQT_5n_6jsGBrKrj9FqI11sk74zURvxj4S-ylrKwJO4N1iJrpII/s1600/Jordie+and+Rosemary%252C+our+hosts+at+Stewart%2527s+Bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsctFeqjjIShSvObxfuzoI7vCZ4zvyjQJs4DkS6dYW8ggUOn6SXsB0Fevi794XDli2hyQdQdNtnKyMyRV0F5m4nOmzeQT_5n_6jsGBrKrj9FqI11sk74zURvxj4S-ylrKwJO4N1iJrpII/s320/Jordie+and+Rosemary%252C+our+hosts+at+Stewart%2527s+Bay.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqY9glpUE2Yg_iV7god2OUrqkGBX9n5TSjV21S1BnrYB5tJlGabe7r2iyimbDoDiMJpPSCI0TgJN8Y_W-OzBbKqtg_GRI5rCCMcfA6gYCz-KnUbPuBzAhiXzGV9GHibKX1JiAhMcriSTA/s1600/Taylor%2527s+restaurant+with+chef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqY9glpUE2Yg_iV7god2OUrqkGBX9n5TSjV21S1BnrYB5tJlGabe7r2iyimbDoDiMJpPSCI0TgJN8Y_W-OzBbKqtg_GRI5rCCMcfA6gYCz-KnUbPuBzAhiXzGV9GHibKX1JiAhMcriSTA/s320/Taylor%2527s+restaurant+with+chef.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgankHv_AgNS1xlYzeCABDW_3n5KIWX-1dYn82AO9daRtAIAi-HHHonlkaEn7QZputsTU8FrAVfGblTSsCB-FtnQGlTJCLCVchyDyEnrx4o0DSCQ7PFlK7FSFIiwuTPFqcz5rPbqCKsuCI/s1600/table+setting+in+STewat%2527s+Bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgankHv_AgNS1xlYzeCABDW_3n5KIWX-1dYn82AO9daRtAIAi-HHHonlkaEn7QZputsTU8FrAVfGblTSsCB-FtnQGlTJCLCVchyDyEnrx4o0DSCQ7PFlK7FSFIiwuTPFqcz5rPbqCKsuCI/s320/table+setting+in+STewat%2527s+Bay.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SK1Ss256V6BKbrC4RaBP3CP0iFOEev-osFc-LyjfMz4Josf1jj0APuQbzAjba8442rvZi0WNJ8cPypjnzbdIqS3r_kEXW8XBFi_KFwtoWdyhYiqJrHhftiNbPrlwFwORNLPUpq7lY-I/s1600/the+whole+gang+at+Taylor%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SK1Ss256V6BKbrC4RaBP3CP0iFOEev-osFc-LyjfMz4Josf1jj0APuQbzAjba8442rvZi0WNJ8cPypjnzbdIqS3r_kEXW8XBFi_KFwtoWdyhYiqJrHhftiNbPrlwFwORNLPUpq7lY-I/s320/the+whole+gang+at+Taylor%2527s.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgNjFA_fLXoFUZCj9L-vsFC4pfkMGg3rvqT5VTJmTQvSL7Z_z7enBZuDF2aGeGtBE8GDFJyFLUuA3CXgoei1DlhzILT7gms0IYaTcQ8zuTKpjP-TMYUhH4schdyWcKt24BqBVvRQr92I/s1600/stewart%2527s+bay+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgNjFA_fLXoFUZCj9L-vsFC4pfkMGg3rvqT5VTJmTQvSL7Z_z7enBZuDF2aGeGtBE8GDFJyFLUuA3CXgoei1DlhzILT7gms0IYaTcQ8zuTKpjP-TMYUhH4schdyWcKt24BqBVvRQr92I/s320/stewart%2527s+bay+view.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14235659823402693588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651371418599606262.post-91578265304645623482010-12-12T15:09:00.000-08:002010-12-12T15:09:10.754-08:00A message from Linda via her sister AnneHello All,<br />
Linda and her friends are having the most outstanding time Down Under! She has contacted me via phone 3 times already and wants me to let you all know she is enjoying every minute of her days in Australia, but does not have one minute free to BLOG. The 6 gals were selected to go to Tasmania were they have been treated like royalty. They have an entourage following them around and filming (once again) their road trip. They have had a picnic on 1000 ft cliffs being feed by the best of chefs, museums closed for their private viewing, serenaded by live music at dinner! They just finished a helicopter ride to a vineyard in Tasmania with Gayle King. Last night they had a cocktail party with Oprah as they joined back with the other 300 guests. Today they headed out for a beautiful cruise around Sydney Harbor.<br />
This was a quick update, Linda apologises for not keeping you all posted, but she will have many stories to tell when she gets back. She loves the trip and says the Ausie's hospitality is the BEST.<br />
AnneLindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14235659823402693588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651371418599606262.post-55672667113510004202010-12-07T16:17:00.000-08:002010-12-20T12:16:18.494-08:00Day 1, Sydney<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik67PtK98KaHPbEbNRB48qfNkUkpqZXReMeu_H51JmArAxJhfZiOv7fpW-KIoAQc8Sn_1FxNkmrddUBZoxxxPsgHlJyiqTQCPts9s2s_c7SkcphXi5RqUQ3z5gEZqO25arx0Xq6MMmnP0/s1600/DSCN1293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik67PtK98KaHPbEbNRB48qfNkUkpqZXReMeu_H51JmArAxJhfZiOv7fpW-KIoAQc8Sn_1FxNkmrddUBZoxxxPsgHlJyiqTQCPts9s2s_c7SkcphXi5RqUQ3z5gEZqO25arx0Xq6MMmnP0/s320/DSCN1293.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">G'Day Mates!! We have arrived in Sydney and it is absolutely amazing!! They rolled out the "Red Carpet"(literally) for us and we are in awe of the hospitality and the beautiful sights and sounds of our 5 star hotel and surroundings. We had a welcome reception with buffet lunch, divided into smaller groups where we found out where our 4 day excursion would take us. More on that later as we have to keep it under wraps due to the intensive media coverage...the airport coverage was wild! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In the afternoon, the groups broke up and some of us went on a walking tour and some of us went to the Sydney Opera House. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">At five, we all met in the lobby to take a harbor cruise with appetizers and cocktails over to the Taronga Zoo where we had a private tour of the zoo. We had our pictures taken with a Koala Bear and then a cocktail and buffet dinner during sunset overlooking Sydney Harbor!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MBHMjh40gqYBd8hx-zUjXxvsq5R_3HRNyXAdrwrAyaf9OdcD25baZwWJ9WwE8cDZyryGPPzuCtJt_jyxQz530UHoozrU9aXP2UfpfoiiaqW_SbhpxVZpKE5dxYJv66VeCiUxVPn8Sr0/s1600/bird+show+at+zoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MBHMjh40gqYBd8hx-zUjXxvsq5R_3HRNyXAdrwrAyaf9OdcD25baZwWJ9WwE8cDZyryGPPzuCtJt_jyxQz530UHoozrU9aXP2UfpfoiiaqW_SbhpxVZpKE5dxYJv66VeCiUxVPn8Sr0/s320/bird+show+at+zoo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As you can see, we do not have much down time!! Every moment is filled with an eloquent adventure and to end our first day, we had to pack for our next 4 day personal excursion!! Details on that later...stay tuned!</div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14235659823402693588noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651371418599606262.post-24413881242935800792010-12-06T16:32:00.000-08:002010-12-06T16:32:12.122-08:00watching youHi Linda, I saw oprah tonight, getting a reward of some kind with obama.( tues night)Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14235659823402693588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651371418599606262.post-60214916011289201922010-12-03T13:41:00.000-08:002010-12-03T13:41:23.858-08:00Tomorrow!All packed, checked-in, boarding pass printed and ready to go! Now, IF I can figure out how to use my new phone to create blog entries, you'll be hearing more about our trip of a lifetime. Thank you, Oprah.Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14235659823402693588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651371418599606262.post-32135787603916347802010-11-29T17:26:00.000-08:002010-12-03T13:44:56.914-08:005 Days to go<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today we received a packet of information from Oprah. We are staying in LA on Saturday night. We will receive our international Motorola phones and they are giving us a "Munch and Learn" lesson on Sunday afternoon at the hotel on how to use them.</span></div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We will leave LAX for our non-stop, 14 hour flight to Sydney on Sunday.They have events planned for us in Sydney before we depart for a "3-day regional territory experience" on Wednesday. They have not given us any details as to where we'll be going or what we'll be doing yet. They are keeping many surprises for us 'til we get "down under." </span></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTQjvQxNr16NPFeFU1woMzWQvGN-b14l0Y_C_7wleb3cQ36mPvtufasnDfypc93G_r8ZMjeNiA959a1XvbVO5xVbk-QFMeFGfEGwGegXAqnp683PdTXrTTnpBplKjkCvVzf6EJCoxGNo/s1600/fi+girls+in+HH+on+stairs+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTQjvQxNr16NPFeFU1woMzWQvGN-b14l0Y_C_7wleb3cQ36mPvtufasnDfypc93G_r8ZMjeNiA959a1XvbVO5xVbk-QFMeFGfEGwGegXAqnp683PdTXrTTnpBplKjkCvVzf6EJCoxGNo/s320/fi+girls+in+HH+on+stairs+08.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hilton Head visit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14235659823402693588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651371418599606262.post-2729073970785965552010-11-28T16:00:00.000-08:002010-11-28T16:00:10.059-08:00One week from tonight we are on the plane from LA to Sydney!<span style="color: #b45f06;">Well, we are down to one week! Tomorrow we get our info. pack from Oprah. Check out this web site from the Orlando Sentinel regarding Oprah's Show on Monday </span><a href="http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/2010/11/nicole-kidman-keith-urban-visit-oprah-winfrey-on-monday.html"><span style="color: red;">Oprah's Australian Preview show</span></a><span style="color: #b45f06;"> . I'll be watching it at 4:00.</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">Most of the Christmas decorations are up and some shopping has been done. The rest will be done in Australia (how cool does that sound)! I'm off to iron a few things I'm bringing but the real packing will wait until Friday. Tomorrow's post will have info on what exactly our tripof a life time will entail.</span>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14235659823402693588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651371418599606262.post-44988875110358106522010-11-26T11:14:00.000-08:002010-11-26T11:14:28.222-08:008 days and counting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbgV-HG0Rc9MWX5awEgbzxppVPFZI4LguAFgzOenxDw_S7xY_ZT0TBApwQRdaZNpAu5TdLR0SY97f-ZtUU7jAYrJC5HHHZhgy7-s3k5w4rkXIx9BanrpRMMNRwG4YEKyagSEc5DNsE1o/s1600/fi+girls+at+my+retirement+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbgV-HG0Rc9MWX5awEgbzxppVPFZI4LguAFgzOenxDw_S7xY_ZT0TBApwQRdaZNpAu5TdLR0SY97f-ZtUU7jAYrJC5HHHZhgy7-s3k5w4rkXIx9BanrpRMMNRwG4YEKyagSEc5DNsE1o/s320/fi+girls+at+my+retirement+party.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I hope everyone had a terrific turkey day. George and I coordinated the dinner here in our community. We had 100 questes. The past two days were very busy and the Australia trip had to take a back burner (almost litterally). With the help of many others we roasted over 100 pounds of turkey (7 big birds), 40 pounds of "real" mashed potatoes and all the other traditional fixin's in huge quantities! All went well!</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So today I'm taking down all the fall decorations and stating to put up Christmas. I want to have everything all decorated for the holiday before I leave. I'm doing most of my holiday shopping in Australia, even sending out my cards from down under. </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">No news on our final itinerary yet. You'll know shortly after I do.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For those of you that mentioned yu were having trouble getting the Boston Globe article on our friendship here is the link </span><a href="http://www.boston.com/ae/tv/articles/2010/11/20/oprah_honors_6_longtime_girlfriends_from_mass/"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Friendship Boston Globe Article, Nov. 20, 2010</span></a>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14235659823402693588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651371418599606262.post-86370602673854906352010-11-24T14:47:00.000-08:002010-11-24T14:47:45.183-08:00the final countdown 10 days to go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGMArZS0rB_oIpEi0ao2GCzHyXkyxAs0T2X-F7NNT1YgMNUshGzBWEWuUr3oNEjV81Mt-ZjoC_BVEpnKBzRBgKj8GciTvpu7y7Fnm6_uz58nf5J8Fhq7vcpdHwFExTiI-j6yanE58x4w/s1600/at+rock+and+roll+H+of+F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGMArZS0rB_oIpEi0ao2GCzHyXkyxAs0T2X-F7NNT1YgMNUshGzBWEWuUr3oNEjV81Mt-ZjoC_BVEpnKBzRBgKj8GciTvpu7y7Fnm6_uz58nf5J8Fhq7vcpdHwFExTiI-j6yanE58x4w/s320/at+rock+and+roll+H+of+F.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1301864072">We have finally reached the ten day countdown. We are still waiting for our itinerary as they want to keep our adventures a surprise to the end. </a></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1301864072">The other five girls were interviewed and filmed by Oprah's team last night. Camera crews were on hand at Mary's house while the girls called me and we had a "tele-toast" to Australia and to Debbie's birthday. They filmed Mary packing.</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1301864072">I had a visited from The Daytona Beach News Journal reporter, Audrey Parente. We talked about how the plans for the trip are going and she, too, took a photo of me with my new dress, bathing suit, hat and glasses holding up my Australian money. I'll send you a link and let you know when the article is published.</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1301864072">John Travolta's baby was born yesterday so we'll have to wait and see if he'l be piloting one of those huge Quantas A380's that are flying safely again.</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/09/13/oprahs-final-season-premiere-australia/">Check out this link. I made the top ten list! So did Ev and Cathy.</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><span style="color: #810081;">http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/09/13/oprahs-final-season-premiere-australia/</span></u></span>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14235659823402693588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651371418599606262.post-90389321340657632342010-11-21T16:18:00.000-08:002010-11-21T16:18:01.400-08:002 weeks to go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsLLCjqPV5CoF7KvhZmV98_up2l-tGoqvZj89DgpZfin-Fp68T45CxcJVppI87cNuc1b2y4TA53Jd_1apexDyAW2yZHU7HHjRMCrNa_VpK9AHn9BEl9OH_xdHkKKr1f-AZW0D5XsuaSc/s1600/with+Gayle+at+breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsLLCjqPV5CoF7KvhZmV98_up2l-tGoqvZj89DgpZfin-Fp68T45CxcJVppI87cNuc1b2y4TA53Jd_1apexDyAW2yZHU7HHjRMCrNa_VpK9AHn9BEl9OH_xdHkKKr1f-AZW0D5XsuaSc/s320/with+Gayle+at+breakfast.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNZ268HiDZi1prgDxYnFAWGWGT8zh5leITfD87EQJXtl7XCTbUAi6h5XkB50WmV_inCl33OHlgRBpv7857R_XBqHUyTcMSggS99TqOqpE_uhQmJ9IcCXs-hOf0ErPBvtLm3rCTk1fLfQ/s1600/Bff+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNZ268HiDZi1prgDxYnFAWGWGT8zh5leITfD87EQJXtl7XCTbUAi6h5XkB50WmV_inCl33OHlgRBpv7857R_XBqHUyTcMSggS99TqOqpE_uhQmJ9IcCXs-hOf0ErPBvtLm3rCTk1fLfQ/s320/Bff+cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: red; font-size: large;">I'm hoping that I will be able to use this blog to communicate with y'all while I'm in Australia with Oprah.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: red; font-size: large;">We will be leaving for Los Angleles on Saturday, December 4th, staying overnight there and then flying out late at night on Sunday, December 5th. We are supposed to be going on one of those huge Quantas A 380s that were just grounded. Hopefully, they'll be the safest thing in the air within the next two weeks.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: red; font-size: large;">We will stay for a while in Sydney and attend an Oprah show at the Opera House before we return. Other than those plans, we are still awaiting many surprises. They have told us that we will receive a full intinerary the week before we leave. I'll update this blog when I have more news.</span>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14235659823402693588noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651371418599606262.post-5829572659859014232010-11-01T17:04:00.000-07:002010-11-01T17:04:07.985-07:0034 days and countingI'm trying this blog thing. Figure I'll need a month or so to figure it all out. I'm also working on Facebook. All this e-stuff is too much for my old mind. I'm hoping to link this blog up with Facebook. We'll see.Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14235659823402693588noreply@blogger.com2