Sunday, September 2, 2007

Tribute to the Wright Brothers






We would like to begin this blog with a tribute to Orville and Wilbur, the Wright Brothers. Without their invention of the plane, we would not now, at this very moment be posting to you from the Land Down Under.

At 3pm, our trip began from the Philadelphia Airport. We took off to San Fransisco which was about a 6 hour flight, no promblems except for a terrible movie which we recommend to no one. Flying into San Fran at night was awesome because we had a great view of the lights on the Golden Gate Bridge. We then had about an hour break at the airport where we stretched and walked around to prepare for the longest flight ever to the other side of the world. Yikes! When we got on the huge plane it was 2am our time so we were super tired. But luckily we had tons of No-Jet-Lag, a homeophathic remedy to prevent grogginess, from Sarah's mom :). The flight through the night seemed a bit endless while we tried to get comfortable in our seats and sleep. But we managed okay. Finally, we flew into Sydney at 6am getting a good view of the water at the same time. Customs were easy and once we were through, we were met by our hosts, Margaret, Jeffrey, and Lori Heldon. They gave us big hugs and welcomed us into their country. A nicer group of people could not be found. On our drive back to the church we noticed that Australians drive on the other side of the road and have great accents. We have been practicing ours...

Once we arrived at the church, Margaret gave us a grand tour around the church property. It is quite lovely. There are beautiful gardens and birds and a great tennis court. We are staying in the manse which is very luxurious for two people. Saturday was a very, very long day. Fighting jet lag is a beast. We managed to stay awake for the day, but just barely. Getting into bed at 8:30pm has never felt so good. This morning we attended church and met some more of the Hurstville Society. Everyone was extremely welcoming and seemed excited to see some new faces. Today was Father's Day, so after church, we had a nice lunch with the Heldon Family to celebrate and played lots and lots of tennis.

Now we are making our first dinner in Australia! Pasta! It is very exciting. It is strange to be so far away from the US, but a great experience. There is loads to do here and many ways in which we can be useful to the society, and have fun at the same time.

Lots of love to everyone back home,

Carling and Sarah

13 comments:

Bob Beiswenger said...

Well, it sounds like you two are the "Wright" Stuff for this adventure! Glad you're enjoying yourselves; watch out for the crocodiles.

Mr. Beiswenger

Erica said...

Hey Carling!
Sounds like you are having a great time so far - who knew college could be so much fun?!
Aunt Erica

Mark Wyncoll said...

Girls! Safety first! Great to read about your adventures. We are reading the blog every day! Tree fort siding done, and beautiful weather here. Stay well and enjoy the down under! Papa

filiwink said...

Welcome to pacific south east asia! Great to read your blog and that you have arrived safely- feels like you're just around the corner from us! Have a grand time! Jax

Abigail J Synnestvedt said...

sounds like your trip is off to a great start girls! i can't wait for more updates!!! xox abs

Brooke said...

Oh I miss you already!!!!! Im SO excited to hear ALL about your adventures but like papa mark said...SAFETY ok? (= Just being a good momma, right sarah? (= love you both. MUAH
Brooke

Unknown said...

Yah, it's always good to notice which side of the road the cars are driving on...and you've got me hanging! Which movie is it that we should stridently avoid? And how cool is it, right when all we folks are getting nastalgic about summer ending, you've got it to look forward to! Shine on, Love, Aunt Karen

Alan said...

Glad you arrived safely. Learn and do all that you can each day to the fullest -- time will fly by faster than you can imagine. Uncle Alan

Anonymous said...

Hi Carling--I didn't know that you were going downunder till your dad forwarded your blog... and Sarah,

Sounds like you'll two have a blast, meet lots of neat people and learn alot about a different continent with so many new animals and plants!

My nephew said that you "have to" dive the GB reef -- its "awsome". I'm sure that you'll find all kinds of "awsome things"!!!

Have fun, mate!

John Walker

Mark Wyncoll said...

Dear Carling and Sarah,
i just saw your pics and blog...called Nat and she already saw them too. Jet lag is a drag!
I hope you have a great time and don't forget to make a list of all the things you want to do before you leave because the time will be up sooner than you think. Sarah, don't foget to come to our house for a seafood supper when you are back....you too Carling.
Hope all stays well and watch out for those Australian 'bloaks."
Love,
Mrs. Karas
ps. if you get invited to hear an opera at the Sidney Opera House say yes!

Sue said...

G'Day Mates!
Nice job on the site, love the pictures and updates of your adventures. Sounds like your having an amazing time! Dad and I had a good labor day wkend at the cottage. Looking forward to more news! Love Ya, Mom xox

Anonymous said...

Hi Carling
Can you add me to your list? I keep asking how you are doing. Hope you have a wonderful time!
Has anyone offered you a vegamite sandwhich yet? What is that anyway?
Love
Aunt Crystal

Sue said...

Hey Girls,
At first I didn't realize the 2 pictures were actually movies! Then I had a good chuckle at you two funnies! Love reading about your days. Sarah has anyone called you a blue, I heard that's what aussies call redheads!! Love you, Mom xox