One last look back

I'm back and I'm adjusted to being back in snow country, more or less. I still have some unpacking to do but am procrastinating as usual. I'm trying to catch up on all the Obama inauguration stuff that I missed, like the parade and the balls and all that. And of course I'm back to school. This will be the last entry in the MissHTravels blog until another trip comes along. Now that I'm into the habit though I'm going to try to keep posting on my other blog, MissHavisham's Attic - and I welcome all of you who have enjoyed the trip to check in there when you have a chance. As I try to get everything lined up for the new semester I'm making lots of lists. I thought I'd just take a minute to list some of the very finest moments from the trip - here goes:
1. My first glimpse of the Sydney Opera House. Seeing it live and sparkling there in the sun is just magic.

2. Having a Kangaroo in my lap, well almost and patting the koala.

3. Lunch at Doyles' on Watson's Bay

4. The Manley ferry - actually I love Sydney harbor from almost any angle, including the view from our hotel.
5. The weather - every day - and the air smelled so clean.
6. Riding around in buses in Melbourne and Hobart.
7. My 6th, 17th, and 100th view of the Sydney Opera House! I just couldn't get enough of it.
8. The Hobart Bookstore
9. Getting up early and going up to the top deck as we sailed into Milford Sound
10. Having breakfast brought to us every morning!
11. Our whole day in Dunedin - including the dreaded ascent to see the not very interesting albatross colony - I mean it's not like they were doing anything. Especially the penguins and the sea lions!










12. Driving around the Art Deco capital of the world in a vintage red Buick.
13. The Taraunga Public Library - I was obviously having professional withdrawal so went in to their lovely library to touch hands with some fellow librarians. They were awfully nice. We talked about Obama as it was inauguration day.
14. Getting up at 4:30 am to watch the inauguration while we were still on the ship - with a small handful of others.
15. The Enchanted Flower Garden exhibit at the Auckland Art Gallery
16. And the best fish and chips EVER at Bobby's Fish Market in Taraunga...

There were so many highlights that it seems silly to try to list them but it helps to remember some of the most favorites