Where Dreams Really Do Come True: Australia Zoo, Brisbane and the Gold Coast

For me, Australia Zoo was always the dream goal, the place where my dreams were to come true. As of last Sunday, June 8th, they did. Obviously, the dream can never be complete now that Steve Irwin is gone, but his spirit and life's passion is extremely present at The Zoo. Crikey!!

It is no wonder that Australia is a land of dreams. The indigenous cultures of dream time and dreaming are evident in the land and the atmosphere of this country. It is especially true in the land surrounding Australia Zoo in Queensland known as the Glasshouse Mountains. The mountains are supposed to feature prominently in Aboriginal dream time,and the zoo makes sure to capture and conserve the essence of those values and cultures, while bringing conservation to the wildlife at and around the zoo. When you walk into the zoo, you can almost feel Steve's love for the animals, and the animals even express their love back. I was greeted with a welcoming kiss from Delilah. Be sure to get her good side when taking her picture.

Now, I know what you're thinking. Zoos are pretty terrible places if you are a true environmentalist and believe that all animals should be free and run wild in their native lands. You right. However, when the people and urban development in such wild places harm and hinder wildlife and their habitats, there are places like Australia Zoo who are there to take them in and give them a home away from home. Here, you will not find dark, damp cages of tired, sad, lazy animals nor are they sick and hurt. In fact, Australia Zoo is one of the few zoos in the world who have a fully accredited and functioning wildlife hospital on site that looks after the health and well being of the zoo animals, as well as wildlife taken from surrounding areas who have been hurt on the road or in conflict with humans and land development.

I have never seen happier, healthier, nor more patient animals in my life. The enclosures are massive and closely mimic the natural habitats and diets of the animals. But, what's more interesting and incredible, is that patrons can interact with some of the animals in the enclosures. People can walk through a field populated with kangaroos enjoying themselves in dirt and sun baths. They patiently and graciously let the people stroke, touch and take pictures with them, which was unbelievable to me. Such encounters can also be had with koalas, as well as pythons, baby alligators, birds, camels, and even tiger cubs if you schedule an appointment early enough.

Don't worry, the more venomous snakes are kept safely locked behind glass, but are very active nonetheless.

I have never seen such a place, where animals and people peacefully and lovingly interact with one another. The trust and patience between the staff, public and wildlife is astounding and awe-inspiring. Wow! These animals are true rock stars, and they certainly live like ones as well!

Even the zoo staff are amazing people. None of them are tired, angry, selfish or contrite. They are all friendly, open, outgoing and share the same love, passion and enthusiasm that Steve embodied with animals and the education of the public about their importance. The staff even helped us by moving Heaven and Earth to try to get us in contact with Jane Goodall's people (who are all brand new since the people we usually dealt with had retired). My dad told them he was a colleague and the staff graciously and trustfully acknowledged this and gave us a number for Jane's contact in order to meet with her. Of course,this number was not accepting in-coming calls. Jane has one hell of a firewall around her now that she's 80, and rightfully so.

Her talk was spectacular and it was surreal for me to see her talking with Bindi and Terri Irwin. I had hoped that I would get a chance to talk to Terri and Bindi if we got in contact with Jane, but sadly I had to make do with sitting a couple rows behind Robert Irwin and Steve's mate Wes in the Crocoseum instead. Bummer haha. ;)

What an unbelievable moment and experience this was for me. Especially, when they began talking about topics and opportunities for conservation and indigenous peoples that closely relates to my research. I am more excited than ever to get started on this project and use ecotourism for cultural and wildlife conservation.

As if this trip couldn't get any better. Brisbane is also my favorite city in Australia. I know I claimed Sydney in the last post, but Brisbane is so sunny and warm. It reminds me a lot of Southern California, but with less pollution, bleached hair and tans in a bottle. The city was young and vibrant and houses Griffith University, who works closely with Australia Zoo since it is only an hours drive away.

An hours drive away, in the other direction, lies another land of dreams: the Gold Coast. If you are a surfer or beach bum of any kind you must make your way to the Gold Coast. Even one of the beaches is aptly named, "Surfers Paradise". This truly is a paradise and some of the most beautiful waves, surf and sand I have ever seen. There is also a bevy of restaurants and shopping opportunities, all of which with a view of the breathtaking ocean and golden sands.

My trip to Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and of course the Glasshouse Mountains of Australia Zoo, is a trip I can and will never forget. After 14 years of dreaming about seeing the zoo and this country, it finally happened. I am now more determined and impassioned than ever to continue my work here and to keep dreaming. I'm so blessed to live in such a remarkable and beautiful part of the world, and I hope I can help in keeping it wildly beautiful and a place of dreams for many more years to come.

Sydney: Dining, Opera House, and the Harbor

Well folks! Here is it! Sydney! And no...before you ask, there is no such thing as 42 Wallaby Way. Believe me, it was the first thing I tried to find.

But what does exist, what I did find, was amazing food, beer and views along the Circular Quay in Sydney Harbor.

Based on my travels thus far, Sydney reminds me of the French Riviera, Boston, and San Francisco mixed in one.  The tropical luxury and boutique shops took me back to Nice, while the wharf food and apartments took me back to those found in Boston and San Fran. However, nothing I know of can compare to the splendor and artistry of Sydney's Opera House. I had always envisioned it as sitting right on the bay, looking out over an ocean. Instead, it is safely tucked away into Sydney Harbor and is surrounded by beautiful quays including the botanical gardens right next door, the Tooranga Zoo across the bay, and the Presidents house on a hill on a  secluded, protected quay directly opposite the Opera House.

When we arrived, we met with my supervisor and talked business in Chatswood, a suburb of Sydney. The train ride was lovely and relaxing. We made good time and arrived in Sydney about 2 hours from leaving Newcastle. There were many views of small, desolate villages and suburbs, but there were also beautiful pastoral views of greener than green forests, and vast enigmatic lakes.

Once I arrived in Sydney, I quickly feel in love. It is a  busy cosmopolitan world filled with shopping favorites that one would find on Fifth Avenue in NYC, as well as friendly people and beautiful green surroundings and suburbs.

We finished business in Chatswood just in time for lunch. We sought out a place to dine with a view and found Cruise Bar: a sophisticated pub on the opposite side of Circular Quay from the Opera House. We sat on old wood benches eating our steak frites with a bottle of beer, when we discovered we were surrounded by flying rats a.k.a seagulls. It is no wonder where Pixar got their inspiration from.

After a fabulous meal, we walked along the quay to the Opera House. The "sails" were so large and intricately designed with inlaid markings, that they looked more like seashells to me.

We didn't have time to take a tour or see a show, but we plan on returning before the 16th in order to do so before Dad flies home to the US. Stay tuned for that post! We did see, however, people setting up for the "Grace of Monaco" movie premier starring, an Aussie favorite, Nicole Kidman.

As we walked around , we decided to take a water taxi around the bay. We were lucky enough to take this boat at sunset,when the city and sails of the Opera House would light up with golden and pick hues. We stopped at the zoo quay to pick up some passengers before heading over to the metropolitan part of town which showcased several different restaurants, bars and museums to choose from.

One nautical museum we sailed past was the Sea Shepard vessel: an anti-poaching ship dedicated to whale conservation, which can be found in action on the Animal Planet show "Whale Wars." This particular vessel had been converted into a museum of anti-poaching and sealife conservation. I hope to comeback one day and see that as well, but it was getting late and we needed to head back to Newcastle before it got too dark.

While it was only a taste of what Sydney had to offer, it certainly whetted my appetite to come back for much more. I enjoyed Sydney immensely and am in love. I'm going to start looking for jobs here and hope to have something fabulous by the time this PhD is done! I can easily imagine working, dining, drinking, and living in this beautiful, artistic and friendly metropolis surrounded by exotic quays. Hopefully, one day, I will.

Well all, I'm off to make an old dream come true tomorrow. I'm headed to Brisbane, to the Australia Zoo, to finally see where my idol, Steve Irwin, worked and played with many a wild animal. I will catch up with you all then! Crickey!!

Cheers mates!

Touch Down!: And Now For Something Completely Different

G'day mates! I'm here!!

After a grueling 15 hour flight from LAX to Sydney, I arrived in Newcastle on May 29th. I missed May 28th altogether so I hope it was a good one for those of you who got to enjoy it. I probably would've enjoyed my flight more if I had all those hunky, young Aussies on the other side of the plane sitting next to me rather than Michael Moore's doppleganger...who watched Her all the way there...on repeat. Thank God for sleep meds and travel pillows.

When I finally landed in Sydney, I was greeted at customs by an old, long-haired, tattooed rock n rolla from Newcastle. He was hilarious and definitely made the customs procedure a lot more fun.

It was a crystal clear blue sky day with temps in the 60s and 70s ( 14-20 ish Celsius...yup going to have to get used to that as well as the metric system...that was fun to remember when driving in km instead of miles). The drive from Sydney was gloriously beautiful, especially once out of the city. The only downside was seeing my first kangaroo...dead on the side of the road. I decided to pretend that I hadn't seen that and that I will see my first kangaroo once in the Outback.

Finally, we reached MY Newcastle!!!

Newcastle was...not what I expected. I am staying in Jesmond which is near the University. The first thing you will notice is the unbelievably prolific amount of American fast food joints; like Pizza Hut, KFC, McDonald's and a joint called Hungry Jack's which looks and smells exactly like a Burger King. They can't fool me! Luckily, there are also several cafes, coffee houses and food courts, but I have yet to find a really great sit down restaurant, which makes me a little wary about the situation. I do not want to spend 3 years eating mall food. At least there will always be fish and chips by the sea...

After looking at several apartments within this area near the Uni, I decided to branch out towards Newcastle town and the beach more. I surprised to find that the real estate listings had some cheap options in the area so I decided to investigate something that seemed too good to be true. Lo and behold, it wasn't! I looked at an apartment on Scott street located across from a charming sit down local cafe/restaurant that makes a superb breakfast and is rumored  have some the best, most creative burgers in town.

The cafe also has a charming outdoor seating area where the sea breeze blows in just right under some palm trees and colorful twinkle lights. It reminded me of some of the quaint french cafes you might find in Provence or along the Riviera. My breakfast at this place, plus the abundance of great stores, architecture, promenades and beach accesses sold me on the apartment before I had even seen it! Then I saw it. The studio is newly renovated and comes furnished with brand new furniture as well as great lighting on the top floor and my own washer/dryer. I move in June 4th and cannot wait to decorate it and show you all how cute it is.

After some long, painful, stressful Catch 22 situations involving enrollment, apartment hunting, communication via an aussie phone, and setting up my bank account; everything is starting to come together. I was enrolled today and meet some lovely, lovely, LOVELY people at the university who helped me get settled in and showed me around the campus and where I would be working. I have the option of being in three different buildings sinceI am a special case of being an interdisciplinary project involving the tourism/business/law department, the education/arts/sociology department and the linguistics department. All of the spaces are lovely, but having the option of working from my laptop at home or from the library, I will most likely take the latter for now. This will allow me to explore a little bit more and meet more people. Happily, I am now a member of the Linguistics club, who like to meet up for drinks and chatting....which I'm sure after a while develops some VERY interesting linguistic adventures for sure.

Well mates, I'm off to Sydney tomorrow and will be sure to fill you in on all the fun, sun and adventures down there and plenty of pics to prove it. I will also post pics of the apartment once I'm moved in.

It is Fall here right now so I will try to get in as many outdoor picturesque opportunities for you before Winter sets in. And by winter I mean 50 degrees and cloudy with chances of rain. Definitely beats those polar vortexes in the city.

Lots of love and until next time!