The Land Down Under

Never in a million years, did I think I would ever visit Australia. So far away from home, family, and friends. But I did it! I applied for a visa and received it electronically, while I was on vacation in Italy..Good thing I  had packed before I left on my first trip that summer. Arriving in Sydney, I was  detained in customs for two plus hours. I was grilled like I was a criminal, an illegal alien or something. They took all my belongings out of my bags, swabbed them for drugs, explosives, or firearms, and questioned me like I had stolen their country/continent. I took offense, but what could a sistah do when two guards stood by with rifles and guns? I was the only AA in the darn airport. They even took my phone. But after that, I had a good time with people I met online who lived there and some new people I met on my many tours. I visited the Sydney Opera House and did a backstage tour and got a special treat when the cast members were there practicing. the singing was beautiful.
It was cold but sunny while I was there. I visited Bondi Beach, took several bus tours, went to the zoo, whale watching, shopping, ate lots of fish and chips, was invited to lunch and even went to a birthday dinner.

Italy is Awesome!

I spent about ten days in Italy touring around several cities. I wished I had had more time, but I will return one day and stay awhile. Rome, Milan, Pisa, Florence, Nice, the Vatican City, and Venice. The cities are historical and have great architectural designed buildings. So much history that I had read about for years. I ate a lot of pizza, pasta, and gelato! And I gained a few pounds to prove it. My favorite times were riding in a gondola in Venice, seeing the Colosseum and making a wish at the Trevi Fountain.in Rome, the cathedral in Florence, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.