Travel Guides and Stories

Sunset over Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. My first time writing a travelogue... not sure how to start (so here comes a simple diary-style summary). In August 2011, my wife and I started discussing where to spend the October holiday and together decided on Australia. After about a month of visa paperwork, we finally set off on September 25 for a 13-day journey. No poetic reflections, just a relaxed, “been there, done that” attitude — traveling, watching, enjoying.    
   Pudong Airport – check-in – customs – boarded Qantas flight (good thing we booked early, otherwise the Qantas strike would have ruined it!) – overnight flight – arrived at Sydney Airport. Once out of the airport, the real Australia adventure began. If it’s a diary, let’s make it proper. Look at the kids here, practicing surfing even in late winter, early spring.

Checking out local prices — a little surprised!

Parking fees

Birds here aren't afraid of people at all

TAXI — on the water!

This guy's car was loud, with a subwoofer — definitely making a statement!

Our Sydney hotel was great — a two-story townhouse with everything you need to feel at home.

The little one wanted to use a candied apple as a weapon!

Besides snapping the usual Opera House photos, Sydney felt much like any other international city: open parks, churches... a laid-back, sightseeing stroll. Next stop: Cairns. Up before 4 AM to catch a hot air balloon ride — watching the sunrise was such a highlight. My favorite photo from the trip!

Enjoyed the public pool in town — bought new sky-blue swim trunks and joined the locals for a dip, soaking up the Aussie lifestyle. Not bad at all... and, of course, people-watching!

That plane up there... is it a stunt show?

Babies in swim diapers still go in the water!

Aussies really know how to enjoy life

Stylish little girl on the boat — so much personality!

Spotted a turtle out of the blue (Great Barrier Reef)

Spent an afternoon relaxing on the beach... so comfortable, so chill.

Aussie kids are absolute naturals at water sports.

On to the Gold Coast... so much ocean, I was starting to get numb! Maybe it’s just my travel mood? The beach here has big waves and fine sand... not much else to say.

Honestly, after a good dinner, joining the locals for a run along the beach or a barefoot walk in the surf is pretty relaxing.

Glimpses of Brisbane... Aussie cities just don’t have the same vibe as Europe.

Melbourne city — personally, I quite liked it. Grab a coffee, sit on the steps at the main square, watch the people, birds, and the Rugby World Cup on the big screen. Sunbathing while my wife and son went shopping.

The tram driver — probably Chinese?

Trams everywhere

That’s the end of my Australia travel diary — haha. Still had time, so we headed to New Zealand’s North Island for a few days. There are plenty of amazing travelogues and photos for Australia and New Zealand out there; I don’t have that level of skill, so won’t go into detail. Fellow readers, this is a newbie’s work — just relax and enjoy! Kids’ Corner ~~~~~~~~~ Blue ~~~

Tiny blue briefs

Watching intently

Pointing one way, looking another

The waves are coming — mom and child too busy to care about getting wet!

~~~Green~~~ Found a meadow... running wild, so happy — no one here to give tickets!

~~~A mix of colors~~~ Been watching too much Ultraman lately!

Blossoms from China blooming in a foreign land

Even Ultraman needs a hand change sometimes!

Challenging pose!

What a pose — where did this kid come from?

Happy kids... and even happier birds — they know when it’s snack time!

Watch out — it might spit at you!

Performance art? Or zombies?!

Even the little ones join in for the Rugby World Cup festivities!

An owl sat next to me... just staring — speechless!

Australia wouldn’t be complete without a koala

Heading home... But here are a few more shots of New Zealand’s pastoral scenery.

See all those cows packed together? Spectacular!

The mighty, proud alpaca!

Pastoral landscapes