I'm back

I'm back.

the trip was great. Sydney is beautiful.

It was great to see Jenn again and I have to admit even though I went over there entirely determined to dislike this person who has removed her from the wonderful world of TN, I actually liked him.

He has some issues, but don't we all.

They have a very nice apartment and live dangerously close to the ocean...within a 20 minute walk. I would never get to work if I lived that close to the water.

Clif and I did lots of touristy things and then hung out with them at night. We also went to the Blue Mountians...Katoomba (?) Don't know if I spelled that right.

Wonderful hiking...we walked right out into a flock of wild cockatoos. Very loud, very aggressive.

I also met a nice, Irish zoologist. (Under other circumstances, that man would not have gone back to Dublin alone. Let me tell you.)

We also stopped in Auckland, New Zealand for two nights. Very pretty hiking again...bad food poisoning. Be suspicious of salmon in Russian restaurants. My Russian obsession once again got the better of me.

And I saw my friend in San Francisco and had to force myself to leave. I wanted to stay. The ocean is so beautiful there and everyone is much more open. Women with tattoos do not draw stares except from tourists. (Okay the real test is the guy in the hot pink short shorts...but he wasn't stared at either so its all good). Although I did smile internally. Really...hot pink short shorts.

I can't think what made me leave before. Okay, well I was young and too scared and niave to really give it a chance. I was away from home and just married with no money and a husband that worked 12-14 hour days. It was too much for the person I was then.

Now I wish I could go back. But someone has his heart set on staying put.

but I have to say that the trip for SF to TN was not as good. I'm now sick because someone on the plane had a cold and Clif caught it this I now have it.

I also further understand the verbal slapdown after having to run to catch the plane in Atlanta. People, if you see me hurdling toward you at high speed on a down escalator...move the f*^% out of the way. I will cuss you and I will push past you if you do not move.

More news of my adventure and Hera's return later.