Getting serious about Australia

[sabrinamari]

I'm starting to get serious about planning for Australia. It's late in the game: I've been juggling work, a winter cold/sinus infection and lots of household and book-related tasks. It's been a challenge to find the time, energy and mental acuity to focus on the trip.

I still don't know exactly what I want to do, but I've sketched out a series of options, looked up some two-and-three day tour operations and made peace with staying flexible on the ground. I'll have the ability to plan several days ahead, but I can change my mind if I decide I want to stay in one place longer than expected or head in a previously unimagined direction.

The first part of the trip I'll be traveling like an adult: while I'm facilitating the conference, I'll be staying in the ritzy Hotel Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula. The Rough Guide makes it sound like a well-heeled resort area, heavy on the luxury. I'll enjoy that while I can, then attend another day-long conference near Melbourne, and after that I'm free.

At this point, I think I shed my adult identity and switch into grad student travel mode.

I'm planning to stay in hostels and ask around to find out what longer-term travelers and local people like to do. I'm packing light---as light as I can. Chances are good that I'll do at least one short, small group trip: I'm eyeing a multi-day trek along the Great Ocean Road. I'll need to take a 1-or-2 man tent (Michael's is 4.2 lbs; Meagan's may be lighter still---Meagan, are you open to loaning it?). I'll have to carry my own supplies, but that's not a problem. I'm strong and confident that I can carry whatever I need in order to do this.

I'm still thinking of taking a flight across the continent to scuba the Great Barrier Reef. This will require a little more of an investment, but I don't think I can pass up the chance to experience it. elphaba_of_oz, the certification I got for your wedding should come in handy. We'll see what I'm able to do with it.

I'm not taking a computer---the tent is more important. I'll probably take my iPhone and see if I can switch it around to use while I'm there. I'll hop on the net when I find access, call the states when I can, and make sure I'm at the airport well before my departing flight takes off.


Otherwise, I'm curious, open, flexible and starting to get excited.

Comments

[wgseligman.livejournal.com]

At the risk of sounding stupid:

Don't forget to bring the necessary power adapter for your iPhone. Apple's chargers work on either 120V or 220V, but you'll need the correct metal prong for the electrical sockets they use in Australia. Apple sells a power adapter kits for all the world's electrical sockets; it's $25 or so, and you can find it at any Apple store.

Now that I know you're taking your iPhone with you, don't forget: As the Celts said when they invaded Britain, "Picts or it didn't happen."

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Bill. I was just wondering about this.

I'd love to meet some Picts, but I'm not convinced that's likely. Lots of other cool folks, though.

[evcelt.livejournal.com]

As the Celts said when they invaded Britain, "Picts or it didn't happen."

::snort::

[paganpilgrim.livejournal.com]

bunny,
i sold my 1 man tent, and my dogs chewed through my 2 man in September. I think Michael's tent is the way to go.

Unsolicited advice: Unless you are planning an excursion that requires a tent/sleepingbag/sleepingpad and various other camping things I find when I am going somewhere I need my mask/fins/snorkel i cannot fit camping supplies. I have managed for 2 trips to cali but in Oz my understanding is that hostels are really cheap and everywhere.

If it were me there is no way i would miss the GBR but I would do a 2-3day liveaboard all inclusive dive trip out of townsville

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

I'm taking your advice and ditching the tent. I'm also taking a mask and snorkel, but dithering on the fins...

[elphaba-of-oz.livejournal.com]

When I was in OZ airfare was much cheaper than here, also MUCH MUCH cheaper when bought with OZ dollars, in OZ. They charge AMericans more. Things may have changed but flying might not be as pricey as you expect.

And scuba should be cheap. YOu may get all the scuba you can eat for surprisingly little money.

Oh fuck how I wish I was going with you! I could be your ladies maid and secretary for the adult half of the trip and your sherpa for the grad student half.

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

This is so good to know. I have Oz dollars with me---some, prob not enough, but I ain't travelling without a cash reserve---and I'm planning on booking short flights while I'm there, so this is perfect.

Also, I may have the opportunity to give a book talk at ANU in exchange for flight reimbursement.

I will look for cheap scuba. I am struggling with whether or not to haul my fins with me. I'm taking my mask and snorkel. Fins are so big and so heavy! But if I take them I can snorkel for free...I ditched the tent idea and am only using short tours that provide lodging.

So what do you think: can I rent just fins for cheap? Otherwise I have to haul them everywhere, but if you think it's worth it, I may do it.

[elphaba-of-oz.livejournal.com]

Australia is the land of outdoor activities. You can absolutely rent gear there. I wouldn't haul.

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

I'd love company. It would be delicious.