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12Apr 10

So Close to Brisbane

G’day mates! Howzit going?

The past few articles have been about our journey to Brisbane and now that we are here, I have been able to write these up. It won’t be much longer until you are all caught up with more about how it is actually being in Brisbane.

Here are a few photos of us nearly in Brisbane. Jason and I were filled with anxious anticipation.


Our first Australian sunrise.


My contemplative darling watching over the rising sun, the beginning of a new and wonderful adventure. Yes, yes, insert more cheese! I love you hunny bunny.


Err, I told Jason that if you were going to angle the horizon to be artsy it should be more exaggerated and boy, did he ever angle that baby.

OK, well since you can’t wait or I’m just as impatient as you, I’ll catch you up. Jason’s eagerly started working and I’m clearly on my path to becoming Betty Draper. More on that later, see I can be a tease too!

Until next time, sprinkle hearts!

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11Apr 10

Research Before Making the Trip

G’day mates! Howzit going?

Going to Australia is one of the biggest steps Jason and I have ever taken in our lives. But before taking on anything major the both of us usually like to be prepared, in this case researching comprehensively about what it will take to make this trip possible. Besides a lot of money?

Close up of a topical map of Australia, centered on Brisbane.

As Canadians travelling to Australia – a fellow member of the Commonwealth, we hope to avoid a lot of the hassles that horror travel stories are made of. And that is why, it was very important to us to be as informed as possible to cover all our bases. The following links have helped us immensely in preparing ourselves to what’s to come and will hopefully help you as well.

Preparations while in Canada:

After all that research, it was time for some action:

  1. Make sure our passports are valid for a minimum of 6 months of our return date to Canada
  2. Obtain the proper Visas – the Working Holiday Visa allows me  to work in Australia
  3. Buy plane tickets
  4. Continue saving money
  5. Get super anxious until departure!

By researching and planning this trip as thoroughly as possible, it has given the both of us a peace of mind.  Especially when either of us have one of those moments of panic where you feel like you don’t know what the heck you’re doing. It’s good to refer back to these plans and move forward with the attitude that whatever may come, we are ready to take on this challenge together.

Until next time, sprinkle hearts!

Ooh, our first comment!
10Apr 10

Silly Treats and Conversion Rates

G’day mates! Howzit going?

There were plenty of shops at the airport so we spent plenty of time just window shopping and finding various yet strange treats and familiar toys.


Jason is absolutely shocked at the cheeky humping USB puppies!


I found my Super Mare-io family!


I really hope that Pocari Sweat is an energy, sports drink of some sort.


Diet drinks… interesting…

There was also a bit of confusion with the conversion rate when Jason took some money out of the ATM. At first we were pretty amazed at how cheap the prices were but still, we didn’t go buck wild with our spending. It was nearly our boarding time when we decided to spend the rest of Jason’s yen. He couldn’t help but buy a few souvenirs for him and his friends.

Of course, what girl doesn’t jump at the chance to spend her man’s money! Apparently, not me. I really couldn’t decide on what to buy for myself or trinkets to bring back home to friends and family! Don’t get me wrong, everything was cute and shiny and cheap – at least we thought so at the time! I figured I will probably just get something for the flight back to Toronto, instead of holding onto them for our entire stay in Brisbane. I don’t like being rushed when I shop anyway, so I suggested we hold on to the rest of the yen, use it later.

On our way to our gate – making it just in time for boarding – I glanced over at the conversion table at a closed booth and saw that $1 US was approximately 99 yen. And with that came with the realization that things weren’t exactly cheap and more likely expensive than usual!

It didn’t even shock Jason as much as he accepted it – it really did make more sense considering we were in Tokyo after all. We chalked it up to a learning experience and got on with our journey.

Have you ever had your own conversion rate blunders during your own travels? How long does it take you to get used to foreign currency?

Until next time my dears, sprinkle hearts!

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