Australia! =)

Well, I'm in Australia! I can't believe it! A little stress at the beginning of my journey, but none of it of my own creation! :o My first flight had a little bit of a mechanical problem which resulted in a chemical smell and the teensiest bit of smoke in the cabin, an immediate landing, and the fire department coming to the rescue. This left me with a pretty hairy connection in San Fran! Luckily I am quite experienced in the ancient art of High-Heeled Airport Running, as well as being adept at the lightening-quick removal of shoes, belts, laptops, jewelry, coins, and toiletries at security, and I got to the gate just in time! I even had time to buy a book, but it's probably going to put my carry-on luggage over the 7-kilo limit! :o (AND I paid full price for it! What?!?!) Oh well... I got to see the Sydney harbour and Opera House on the way in- worth every second of airport turmoil! I have a 7+ hour layover here and have just spent $18 on noodles and a Coke. My observations so far are few, as I am not allowed to leave the departure lounge, but I have noticed a few very Aussie things. =) First, Coke tastes funny here and everyone sounds just like Kath & Kim. Also, there are LOTS of things you can buy with koalas and boomerangs on them... Also, there are Jumpy's (crisps shaped like kangaroos), Vegemite, various unusual animal jerky snacks (ick!), and every other song that comes on is by Kylie. =) I like it here in the land down under, though I feel like the wombat gets a bum deal- just as cute as a koala (see photo), but you just don't see them on as many tins and tea towels... Anyhow, no souvenirs for met yet, especially considering the trouble I may already be in with this hefty hand baggage- I plan to make it back here for a proper look around sometime during the year and hope to fulfill my lifelong dream of hugging a koala (and a wombat). More as it happens...