Today’s tidbit: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” ― Lao Tzu

Do you remember my reflection post and AU announcement from June? I had shared some things I’ve learned and come to terms with, and after my latest trip I couldn’t agree more with those thoughts. It comes down to the what if’s or the right now, and I’m choosing the right now. In the end we only regret the chances we didn’t take.

As I said in the announcement, Australia is a place I have dreamt about for as long as I can remember. I decided to turn that dream into a reality, following my heart, taking a risk and going on my longest and furthest international trip yet… and what an amazing adventure it was! I’m excited to start sharing my trip to Perth & Western Australia, starting with my flights and first full day in AU!

Sneak peek image: Los Angeles > Melbourne on the huge Airbus A380

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

With my South Africa posts I shared each day. Since I was in Australia for over one month, and I have enough pictures and stories to last till 2015, I am going to combine some days and share my adventures by location instead of by day.

{Baltimore (BWI) > Los Angeles (LAX) > Melbourne > Perth. Airport and flight details} My flight was late at BWI (not a good way to start) so I arrived at LAX late and had to practically run down three terminals, with all my baggage, to get to the international terminal and Qantas. Lucikly I had booked enough time in between all the connections so I made it. From LAX > Melbourne and Melbourne > Perth it was nothing but smooth + relaxing flights. This was really my second international trip, after SA, and I’m proud of myself for doing it alone.

Sunset as we descended into Los Angeles.

Making it a reality! Off to Australia.

When I left LAX it was dark out, I took the pictures of the plane once I landed in Melbourne.

I was in the row right after business class so there were no seats in front. Tons of leg room and no one sitting next to me. It was a wonderful flight and I can’t say enough good things about Qantas.

Gluten free breakfast and beautiful cotton candy clouds… almost to Melbourne.

Last flight, off to Perth.

 

{first night in Perth} After around 36 hours of traveling I made it to Perth! When I arrived it was down pouring. It is winter there so everyone likes the rain but they said it hadn’t rained that hard in years. While I was in SA my mom and I met a few Aussie tour group members. Chris, who was one of those we met in SA, lives in a town a few hours from Perth but also has a flat in the city. We kept in touch for months and when I decided to take the leap and come visit Perth, he took his holiday the same time so he could show me around.

He greeted me at the airport, at the gate as soon as I got off actually, holding these beautiful roses and cute koalas (on the back of the vest it says G’Day Mate). Once I got my baggage and we ran to the car in the pouring rain, he drove around the city to show me some of the area but it was raining so hard you really couldn’t see anything. It was confusing enough for me, given he was on the ‘wrong’ side of the car and road.

After getting settled into the flat, and a much needed shower after all those flights, enjoyed a delicious dinner Chris made… beetroot salad, mashed potatoes and chicken with a mushroom cream + wine sauce.

 

{The flat in Perth + surrounding area} As I said, when I arrived in the evening it was raining so I couldn’t see much. The following morning was breezy but beautiful. Below are some pictures from paths along the Swan River looking back at part of the city, and flat building. I didn’t take any inside the unit, which was very nice and modern, but you can get an idea of the complex.

Front of the flat building.

Entrance/lobby.

Pictures below: The 7th floor is where the gym, pool, terrace, grill area, lounge, game room etc are. Such a nice place!

Chris’ flat is on the floor right above this common level. The balcony is huge to begin with but his is even larger since it’s above the pool (first balcony you see).

Pictures below: Breakfast + flat balcony looking out

 

{First day exploring} Walked along the Swan River and over the bridge to Heirisson Island where I saw my first roos! Since it was raining the day before their fur wasn’t as nice, but they are so cute. It can be hard to spot them but we were lucky and found a few enjoying the sun.

After the roos I went back to the flat, got ready and met with James, Group Account Director at Carat. We had been in touch via email for a few months and I was thrilled to meet him in person. James has been incredibly helpful and I can’t thank him enough for all his time and help. From there Chris and I headed to Cottesloe beach and dinner.

{Cottesloe beach} It was getting cloudy and cooler by the time we got here but it really was beautiful, and the first beach in WA I saw.

As the website states, “Located in Perth’s western suburbs, is a one and a half kilometre stretch of golden sand which extends north from Mudurup Rocks to the southern rocks of Swanbourne Beach. It’s one of the city’s favourite beaches for swimming, snorkelling, surfing and watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean.” Read more.

Restaurant right next to the beach + delicious seafood dinner.

And that finishes my two days of traveling and first full day in Perth! Yes, I was already in love. The next 2+ weeks we road tripped up north and then returned back in Perth. Check back soon.

Have a great week!