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Sunday, March 6, 2011

I'm back from Sydney, Australia!


I could not believe my good fortune as I was able to travel to Sydney, Australia, last week when my husband was asked to assist in an internal audit for the Australian division of the company he works for.  We had a wonderful time in the land "down under," and found Sydney to be a beautiful and interesting city. I took the photos above from the Taronga Zoo which is across the bay from the Central Business District of Sydney.
The iconic Sydney Opera House and the Harbor Bridge are very recognizable, as well as the new and glittering skyline. Kangaroos and koala bears are a few of the indigenous animals found in the continent of Australia and I had a perfect view of them, among other animals, in the zoo. 

The video below is of a Australian didgeridoo musician playing on the Circular Quay and a little boy who was dancing along to the music.


Our trip to and from Australia was over 20 hours of combined flight, as we had to first fly to San Francisco, so I am still getting over a bit of jet lag, and catching up with life at home, but I will be showing many more photos from this wonderful city in the next few posts and I hope you return to view more sights and sounds of Sydney.

***Amended, Monday March 7th:  The winner of my Scentsy Give Away was picked by the Random.org number generator.


I had a total of 113 entries.  The number that was generated was number 8 .. Jenny of the blog Jenny Matlock!  Congratulations, Jenny!  I will be contacting you with my Scentsy representative's phone number and web site and you can order your warmer and waxes  directly from her and she will bill me.  I think you will love this product as much as I do! 

If anyone wishes to buy Scentsy products you can do so directly from my representative by clicking on her link which is on my blog sidebar.  Thanks to all who participated in my give away!  I hope to do this again sometime soon, so please keep checking back!



I'm linking with Mary of the Little Red House Mosaic Monday.  Thanks Mary for hosting this wonderful event every week.



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66 comments:

  1. MichelleMarch 6, 2011 at 8:42 PM

    That sounds like such a wonderful trip! Gorgeous photos, as always.

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  2. pamMarch 6, 2011 at 8:43 PM

    Oh my....look at that koala bear....my mom held one once while down under. I'm so excited that you got to go...I bet I"m going to learn some things. :o)

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  3. The Gathering PlaceMarch 6, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    What an amazing adventure! Lucky you!

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  4. LynnMarch 6, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    Sounds like you had an exciting trip Pat! I look forward to seeing more:@)

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  5. KatMarch 6, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    What an amazing trip! Your photos are beautiful, and I loved the video. Can't wait to see and hear more about your adventures! Kat

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  6. ClaudiaMarch 6, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    Goodness - I'd be sleeping through Tuesday. Lovely teaser, Pat - my plays have travelled to Australia and I have only in my dreams. Look forward to more postings.

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  7. DonnieMarch 6, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    That sounds like a real thrill. Looking forward to the pictures.

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  8. A Bit of the BlarneyMarch 6, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    WOW!!! Lucky you!!! You always take such wonderful pictures! It's like being there! Well done! Cathy

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  9. CarolMarch 6, 2011 at 9:05 PM

    WOW, lucky you, Pat! What a fantastic trip, your pictures are amazing! you've been missed, looking forward to seeing more shots of your trip! You didn't miss much here, no snow :)

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  10. SnapMarch 6, 2011 at 9:12 PM

    Oh, boy. traveling to australia with Pat. what fun we are going to have! wonderful mosaic to wet our appetite! welcome home, too!

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  11. LynnMarch 6, 2011 at 9:12 PM

    I can not wait to see all of your pictures! I went before I blogged so I didn't take pics with that in mind. It makes a difference!
    Did you see the people up on the bridge?

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  12. Ginny HartzlerMarch 6, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    Welcome back, I missed you! You took all those pictures? Wow, they look like out of a magazine. That little boy seems to be really digging the didgeridoo

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  13. AnonymousMarch 6, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    What a very special perk you got!! I am excited to see your pictures...love seeing the city through your camera lens, especially a city on the other side of the globe!
    ♥, Susan

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  14. From Beyond My Kitchen WindowMarch 6, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    I've always heard the long flight is worth the trip. The Australian blogs are some of my favorites. Looking forward to seeing more.

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  15. ~Lavender Dreamer~March 6, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    What an amazing trip...and beautiful mosaic! I hope you'll share more of your trip and photos this coming week! Get some rest! Hugs! ♥♥♥

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  16. PondsideMarch 6, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    You lucky gal! Australia is one of my dreams. I look forward to lots of 'trips' around Sydney.

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  17. Lovella ♥March 6, 2011 at 9:58 PM

    How absolutely fantastic that you were able to tag along. I am sure your husband was grateful for the company on that long flight.
    I so enjoy travelling along with bloggy friends.

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  18. steviewrenMarch 6, 2011 at 10:01 PM

    Wow! What a fun thing to be able to do. I'm looking forward to all your Australian posts.

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  19. PatMarch 6, 2011 at 10:04 PM

    How exciting for you. I look forward to hearing more. Love the didgeridoo!

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  20. VeeMarch 6, 2011 at 10:08 PM

    What a mysterious sound that instrument makes. The little fellow was so cute dancing...the tiptoe dancesteps were great.

    Wonderful to see all the sights...I'm going back for a closer look.

    Just sent you a quick email saying that you should take it easy, but I see that you're off and running. Even jet lag can't keep a good gal down.

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  21. Barbara F.March 6, 2011 at 10:08 PM

    Welcome back, Pat! That sounds like a dream vacation. Can't wait to "travel" down under through your wonderful blog and camera's eye. I love the shot of the koala bear-so cute. xo, Barbara F.

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  22. Barbara F.March 6, 2011 at 10:12 PM

    Oh btw did you get to climb to the top of that bridge? You and your husband love a good challenge, I bet you did :-) xo, Barbara F.

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  23. podsoMarch 6, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    Ah a place I would love to visit! I look forward to more photos and glad you had such a wonderful opportunity and time there.

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  24. Betsy Banks AdamsMarch 6, 2011 at 10:20 PM

    Wow Pat, You are SO lucky to have gotten to take that trip.. How did you do on the long flight? I'm not sure my legs could do that....

    Gorgeous pictures. I have several really special blog friends who live in Australia. I'd love to go there sometime...

    Thanks for sharing such beauty.

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  25. KrisMarch 6, 2011 at 10:52 PM

    Oh my goodness...how lucky are you!!!! I would love to go visit Australia!!

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  26. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsMarch 6, 2011 at 11:02 PM

    WOW! How fun! I can't wait to see your pictures....
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  27. SarahMarch 6, 2011 at 11:16 PM

    Pat, glad to hear you are safely back home and that the trip was wonderful. I look forward to seeing more photos. ~ Sarah

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  28. Scrappy GramsMarch 6, 2011 at 11:42 PM

    What an amazing place to get to visit! I have a friend whose husband in teaching in Australia this term. The floods have taken on a more personal concern with their living there. I keep them in my daily prayers along with New Zealand.

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  29. UnknownMarch 7, 2011 at 12:02 AM

    Goodness Pat, I am off blogland for a short time and saw this wonderful post. I am sure you had a blast there :)

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  30. Infatuated with Homes and GardensMarch 7, 2011 at 12:14 AM

    Great photos Pat, I can't wait to hear more about your trip, as you know I love my city of Sydney but I am looking forward to seeing it through your eyes:)I hope it wasn't too hot for you!
    Sharon x

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  31. Tales From My Empty NestMarch 7, 2011 at 12:51 AM

    I have always wanted to go to Australia! Can't wait to see more of your pictures. You always take the most amazing pictures and I feel like I am right there with you. Thanks for sharing your wonderful photography talent with all of us. Love & blessings from NC!

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  32. GracieMarch 7, 2011 at 3:46 AM

    WOW how lucky you are! It's one of my dreams to visit Australia, maybe one day, who knows?

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  33. annieMarch 7, 2011 at 5:02 AM

    What a great trip.
    The jet lag must be killer.
    Hope you are back in the swing of things very quickly.
    Thanks for sharing the trip. :)

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  34. Old KittyMarch 7, 2011 at 5:16 AM

    Awwwwww WOW!!!! Pat!!!!! Awwww how BRILLIANT!!! My goodness!!!! Oooh I can't wait to read all about your trip - my goodness!!!! You must be super jetlagged!!

    Yay for the little boy dancing to the didgeridoo!! The musician was awesome too!!!

    Welcome back!!!! Take care
    x

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  35. OlaMarch 7, 2011 at 5:32 AM

    Sounds like you had an excellent opportunity to see Australia!

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  36. diane bMarch 7, 2011 at 6:21 AM

    Glad you are home safe and sound. I'm happy that you liked Sydney...its hard not too. I'm looking forward to seeing it through your eyes. The mosaic is tops. I went to teacher's college on the next headland east from Taronga Park Zoo. We had great views from the the lunch room and gardens.

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  37. TannaMarch 7, 2011 at 6:40 AM

    Glad to have you back, Pat!! Visiting Australia must have been a wonderful experience! The kangaroos are such cute little animals and I love the sound of the didgerdoo! Blessings ~ Tanna

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  38. JojoMarch 7, 2011 at 7:07 AM

    How did I miss this news!!!! I've been a bit behind on my blog reading...I need to back up to catch up!!!

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  39. TracyMarch 7, 2011 at 7:13 AM

    WOW, Pat... so that's where you've been--AUSTRALIA!! So thrilled for you! Can't wait to see/hear more. Welcome home... :o) ((HUGS))

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  40. Sam Hoffer / My Carolina KitchenMarch 7, 2011 at 7:13 AM

    Glad you're back. Jet lag is a bummer. Sounds like a wonderful trip Pat. What a cute koala bear.
    Sam

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  41. Ciao Chow LindaMarch 7, 2011 at 7:20 AM

    Can't wait to hear more and see more photos of your trip. Welcome home.

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  42. Gardening in a SandboxMarch 7, 2011 at 7:42 AM

    How wonderful to be able to go to Australia. I have heard the flights are long and exhausting but worth the time. I look forward to your photos. The little boy was having a great time. V

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  43. RoeHMarch 7, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    You lucky! I never get to go anywhere like that. But.,...not sure if I could stand that long flight either. I get antsy after two hours and want the plane to land RIGHT NOW.

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  44. From the KitchenMarch 7, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    Lucky you! I'm looking forward to "seeing" and hearing about the rest of the trip. I can only imagine your jet lag. I have a hard enough adjustment with daylight savings time!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  45. AnonymousMarch 7, 2011 at 9:14 AM

    Hi Pat, very exciting trip and photos! The video is excellent...the musician and the little boy dancing!

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  46. Carol at SerendipityMarch 7, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    Pat,

    What an exciting trip you had. I can imagine the jet lag after all that traveling. Your pictures are gorgeous and video was wonderful.

    Carol

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  47. nannyMarch 7, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    What a wonderful trip! I have wanted to go to Australia so bad, but the flight discourages me. Oprah's trip brought my desire back full force...and now I can't wait to see more of your pictures.
    I am so happy that you got to go!

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  48. Proud Italian CookMarch 7, 2011 at 11:21 AM

    Welcome home Pat! Can't wait to see and hear about all your adventures from down under!! Get some rest!

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  49. HouseelfMarch 7, 2011 at 12:00 PM

    Welcome home Pat! What a fantastic opportunity. Sorry I am slow catching up with you. Everything went to pot a bit here with Angel's death. Nearly caught up now. :-)

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  50. Judy March 7, 2011 at 12:26 PM

    Well how wonderful that you could join your husband on a quick trip to Australia! I have a niece living there...and would love to visit one day. I'm looking forward to hearing all about your time there.

    Hope the jet lag disappears soon!

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  51. GraceMarch 7, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    Oh how lucky! What beautiful pictures I can not wait till you rest up and put more up! I am waiting to see and read about food history shopping and all that good stuff. Rest up! Hugs Grace

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  52. TrotterMarch 7, 2011 at 2:47 PM

    Hi Pat! Sydney is fabulous!! But
    Nice is also nice, don’t you agree? ;))
    Check it at Blogtrotter Two... Enjoy and have a great week!!

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  53. Laura @ the shorehouse.March 7, 2011 at 5:19 PM

    G'day mate! :-) Your photos look great, and what a WONDERFUL opportunity for you!! I'm "dragging" Mike to London with me (work) next month, lol -- just in time to pick up Royal Wedding tchotchke. :-) I would lovvvveeee to go there some day. My love for the Koala Bear is a pretty intense one.

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  54. SavoringTime in the KitchenMarch 7, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    What a great trip and welcome back! Can't wait to see more of your photos.

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  55. BethMarch 7, 2011 at 7:49 PM

    Hi Pat, What a blessing for you to get to go - quite an adventure! I look forward to hearing more about your trip soon!
    Blessings, Beth

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  56. UnknownMarch 7, 2011 at 8:13 PM

    Wow gal you are our tour guide for all kinds of trips. Love it. Your photos are great as usual. Will be keeping my eye out for more.
    QMM

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  57. Just a little something from JudyMarch 7, 2011 at 8:38 PM

    Welcome back! So excited to have an opportunity to visit Australia today, with you. What beautiful photography and so interesting to hear about your trip. It is a location I always hoped to visit. Thank you for sharing.

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  58. LaMarch 8, 2011 at 7:29 AM

    You lucky girl! Sydney's skyline is absolutely gorgeous. I can't wait to see the sights through your lens.

    Congratulations, Jenny!

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  59. SheilaMarch 8, 2011 at 9:13 AM

    I'll look forward to hearing more about your trip. It must have been so exciting to have traveled to such a beautiful city on the other side of the world!

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  60. KathleenMarch 8, 2011 at 9:42 AM

    Lucky you! That is a long flight! I hope you got up and walked around!

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  61. DeannaMarch 8, 2011 at 10:39 AM

    What fun and I couldn't stop watching the video of the dancing boy. He really liked that didn't he?

    Can't wait to see more of your photos!

    Deanna :D

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  62. Shanae BranhamMarch 8, 2011 at 7:30 PM

    Thanks for sharing your trip. It looks like you had a great time! I am glad I stopped by today.

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  63. Lisa@GrandmasBriefsMarch 8, 2011 at 11:59 PM

    A splendid surprise for someone surely deserving. I look forward to the gorgeous photos and such to come!

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  64. GailOMarch 9, 2011 at 6:09 PM

    I knew you were away but would not have guessed Australia! What fun! Can't wait to see all the wonderful photos you took!

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  65. JimMarch 9, 2011 at 11:15 PM

    Great to see your Australia posts.
    Sydney - City and Suburbs

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  66. JeanneMarch 10, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    Pat, you are a world traveler. I have wanted to go to Australia for a long time. One day!!! Your post only urges me to plan a trip soon. You are the best when describing history and things to see and know about where ever you are. I love reading your posts.

    Have a wonderful time on your awesome trip.

    Hugs, Jeanne

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