Friday, March 5, 2010

Australia...

So here I am, on a plane, flying to the other side of the world. I'm on my way to visit my one and only brother who has lived in Sydney for the past 5 years. Everyone always asks me why he moved there. He spent a semester in Australia when he was in college and, I guess, fell in love with the country. He always knew he wanted to go back, so he did.

I have never been down under to visit him. He moved there right after Kate's 3rd birthday so, unfortunately, didn't get to spend a whole lot of time with my kids over the last few years. He was, however, a wonderful uncle. We spent lots of time talking with him via skype and he never missed a birthday or holiday. He always sent balloons or cookies or presents. And when he did visit Pittsburgh we had a blast. Kate and Peter loved him very much.

The night of the accident, when I couldn't sleep, I found his cell phone number and called him while he was at work to tell him what happened. He dropped everything and was on a plane the next morning. He stayed in the States for almost a month. (fortunately his employer was understanding and encouraged him to take as much time as he needed) He helped me and my parents immensely during that time. I can't thank him enough. He's a great guy and I'm very lucky to have him as my brother!

I have no idea what to expect from this trip, which for me is often the best way to approach something new - no expectations. I don't think I've ever heard someone say they had a bad time in Australia so I'm sure it will be a fabulous and exciting adventure. Maybe I'll want to move there too! Except I love Pittsburgh too much.

Here are some random things about my traveling experience so far:

I've never been on a plane with stairs before, it's so cool...and my seat is upstairs :)

My seat is, more or less, a Craft-matic adjustable bed with a built-in back massager so I have no business complaining about being on a plane for 23 hours.

There's a nifty little flight path computer thingy built into the back of the seat in front of me. At any time I can find out exactly where I am (which currently is somewhere over Arizona), how long before I arrive at my destination and what the outside temperature is. At the moment it's -59 degrees F. Damn, that's cold!!

And yes, I realize I'm a big dork to be so amused by such things, but I am amused and I'm not ashamed to admit it.

18 comments:

  1. I hope you have a wonderful time Down Under, Amy
    <3

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  2. Enjoy your time with your brother!

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  3. Mmm, sounds like a lovely trip so far. Remember lots of pictures for those of us stuck stateside!

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  4. What an amazing brother you have. Have a wonderful trip!

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  5. If your a dork, then I am a dork to because I was thinking that all sounded pretty cool. I am glad you get to go spend time with your brother I am sure it will be a great trip

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  6. Your brother is a jewel. Enjoy your time together.

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  7. Kiss a kangaroo for us!

    -Ashley

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  8. Aha! You DID exist on March 5, 2010. Looks like you are having a great time so far. Beautiful pictures. You must buy the Kangaroo scrotum, if nothing else for good laughs with your friends! Have a great time.

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  9. I hope you are having a good time in Sydney..
    I know it's hot!! If I knew you were leaving for Sydney I might have planned my trip home with you ..eheh.Yes, I'm an Aussie from Sydney who now lives in America.. I hope you enjoyed your trip..I love it whenever I fly home..Somehow I'm blessed with not suffering jet lag ever!! I hope you are too...Have fun with your brother, such a wonderful soul..

    Hugs.. xx
    ~Adriana

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  10. I hope you have a wonderful time in Australia. Don't feel silly about being amused at those neat gadgets on the plane. As the first person in my Burger family to leave the country (and now I frequently do), I still think its cool to find out EXACTLY where I am over eastkabum... European countryside. =) Also, I hope its much warm in the land down under.

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  11. AMY, Hope your having a wonderful time. When you don't post new blogs I get worried about you. Hope you are ok. I look forward to hearing more from your fasinating site. I wish you would post things more often.In the meantime enjoy your time with your brother.Post something so we all know your ok.Thanks.

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  12. amy-your brother has been a friend of mine since high school(which i how i became a follower of your blog). he is such a wonderful person...i'm not surprised he is such a loving uncle! i hope you have an awesome time together!! enjoy the warm weather!!

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  13. Are you back from Australia or still enjoying your stay down under? We miss you and your blog posts!!!!

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  14. Hope you had or are having a wonderful time!

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