Faces in the crowd

Had my first real workout with my trainer tonight and I've lived to blog about it. (Of course, that doesn't mean I'll be able to haul my ass out of bed tomorrow, but we'll see.)

During the last few minutes of our workout (read: after I'm good and sweaty), I notice a cute blond guy working on a machine not too far away. I'm sure I know him, but have no clue as to how. I'm careful not to make eye contact so I can avoid the embarrassing scene where he remembers me and I'm a babbling idiot.

I mention the mystery guy to my trainer and a few minutes later (I'm trying to concentrate on not killing myself by dropping weights on my chest), my trainer mentions that mystery guy spotted me when he walked by.

Okay, now my mind is reeling: there are so few cuties in my world! Who IS this guy? I systematically run through all the male acquaintences I've met in the past few years; Wrigley Field employees, security guards at my office, a one-time date from a few years ago...hey, he was blond! The more I think about it, it's not him. That guy lived about an hour from the city.

I finished my circuit, re-checked my next appointment with my trainer and left. No use making myself crazy trying to figure out who that guy was. It doesn't really matter. I'm trying to concentrate on improving myself anyway, not picking up some guy in gym shorts.

Sorting my mail as I walked in my door, I noticed nothing unusual: bank statements, ads, an invite to a December college graduation, and a postcard from my doctor reminding me of a check-up.

From the depths of my sweatsoaked mind, suddenly, Tab A folded nicely into Slot B and I remembered who the cute blond guy was...

my gynecologist!

A new year and a new me???

I've finished my first week back to work and sorry to say, it feels like I never left. Sydney seems farther away than its physical thousands of miles distance.

To keep my mind off my homesickness for Australia, I've decided to make some changes...in me (at least to start).

I don't want to use "turning 40" as an excuse to let my shape go to hell, so I've joined a gym. I know what you're thinking...another waste of money because I'll never go. I was thinking that too (I know how lazy I am), so I threw down even MORE $$$ and hired a personal trainer to kick my a*$# for six whole sessions.

I wasn't sure what to write about today, but when I crawled out of bed to butt cramps and stiff legs, I had my theme. Yes, I suffered through my first training session yesterday. I must be terribly out of shape because we only did ONE SET of each exercise and here I am, walking like a retired linebacker!

I have two appointments with my trainer this week and for motivation, I've tried to challenge Firecracker to a fitness competition. Since we will be going to the Cubs spring training in early March (and celebrating her birthday there), I thought it would be a good goal to be in shape to sit in the sun and watch baseball.

So far, she's refused my challenge. If any of you read her blog, guilt her into it. It will be good for both of us, I'm sure.

Wish me luck!!

Photos! I've got photos!!

First Perth...

The Writer and the Perth skyline- -

If you look closely, you'll see a V-neck
suntan which is the result of about 1 hour
in the sun in Sydney on my first day in
Australia. Nice city, Perth, about 1 million
people, but not more than 4 days' worth
of stuff to see and do, but nice.






Port Douglas- -

As you can see, I really love 4-Mile Beach. It's probably my favorite place in tropical north Queensland.
But maybe....









the view from my breakfast table at Port
Douglas' restaurant, Soul 'n' Pepper is my
favorite place. It might be a toss-up!







Sydney- -

And then, of course, there's my favorite
city on the planet. If I lived in Manly, one
of the Sydney suburbs, this would be my
view during the morning commute.
Not too bad, huh?

I'm home

I'm home with family and friends, some of whom missed me and others who didn't even know I was gone.

Home- - a place that you love to be, where people are excited to see you and all is right with the world when you are there. If this is home, why can't I sleep?

The last two nights, I've tossed and turned and finally got up at exactly 3:44 am (same time both nights, weird). It's not jet lag. I haven't had that in years.

When I got home from Sydney, I got an email from Leg Shaver Guy, saying that he'd definitely like to see me again and, in the meantime, get to know each other via email. Big news, huh?

Part of my recent insomniac activities included a sleep-deprived email (kinda like drunk-dialing except not as funny).

Take one part insomnia + two parts new relationship paranoia and that equals one email that asks too many direct and possibly accusatory questions.

We have a 9-5 Mon-Fri email relationship complicated by a 17-hour time difference.

Thing is, I don't know what I want the answers to be.

You know you're in Australia when...

SYDNEY --

• your dinner menu very well might include Morton Bay Bugs, yabbies, John Dory and roasted swede! (the first three are seafood and the last is a member of the potato family).
• a burger at McDonalds might come with beetroot (beet)
• movie theatres give you the exact seat row and number
• cars drive, pedestrians pass and revolving doors all go LEFT
• tall black and flat white aren't racile profiling, they're coffee
• $1 and $2 denominations are coins and the $1 is bigger!
• baked beans, grilled tomatoes and sauteed mushrooms are normally found on a breakfast buffet

Yep, it's strange, but I'll miss it!

Aussie vocabulary words/phrases

In order to truly get a taste of my time here Down Under, I've compiled a few words and/or phrases that have actually been spoken to me in the last three weeks. Yes, they DO speak English down here (sort of):

How ya going? = How are you?
Fair dinkum = honestly
No worries = no problem
mozzies = mosquitos
cossie = swim costume
sunnies = sunglasses
my shout = my treat

Food words:
capsicum = bell pepper
rocket = salad
serviette = napkin
brekky = breakfast
biscuit (or bikky) = cookie
crisps = potato chips
chips = french fries
fillet= pronounced "fill it"

I wonder what my usual pizza place will say if I order a "funghi" pizza?

Homesick? Never heard of the word

SYDNEY- - It is with a heavy heart that I report that today is my last day in Australia. My birthday trip is about to end and no, I'm not "ready to go home" yet. Tomorrow I jump on a plane to Los Angeles and then on to Chicago where it's bitterly cold and crappy.

Fortunately, Mother Nature granted me one last day of sun (or at least SOME sun) and I took advantage and jumped on the ferry over to Manly for a bit of sunbathing. To "top off my tan," as one local put it.

The water was FRIGID, not like the bathwater I dove into in Port Douglas. Needless to say, most of my time was spent on the sand, not in the water.

As I listened to the seagulls cry, the surfers laugh and shout and the waves rush up on shore, I tried to forget that after tomorrow, I'll have to be satisfied to just IMAGINE the warm breezes as I listen to the imitation surf sounds coming from my alarm clock.

Like a child in a toy store, I don't wanna go home yet. I WANNA STAY!!!

This is only a test

SYDNEY- - Sydney is testing me, I think. Trying to find out if I would really love this city so much if it was my permanent home, instead of just my fantasy getaway. It's easy to love a city when the sky is blue, the sun is shining and every aspect of everyday life is uncomplicated.

BUT...

The weather in Sydney has been pretty crappy except for the last day or two. Of course, it's not bad compared to Chicago, but just the same.

Surprisingly enough, I've found that when I've been faced with a disappointment, some other positive jumps up to take its place. A few examples:

• rainy, windy, chilly weather forced me indoors and into the Sydney Aquarium (which is amazing!!!) I saw a manta ray that's about the size of my dining room!
• feeling a bit down about my career and not really hungry, (but it was dinner time) so I stopped in to Sailors Thai. It's an inexpensive restaurant that has one long communal dinner table. It was here that I met Judy, a Melbournian woman who was in town on business (advertising). We hit it off so well, that we had dessert and coffee at another restaurant and traded business cards. She mentioned that it probably wouldn't be hard for me to make a career and life change to Australia. Hmmn??
• got dressed up on Friday night to go to dinner at Wildfire, a very nice restaurant that faces the Opera House. Last year, they treated me like royalty (or maybe a restaurant critic??) I walked up and asked about a table for one. I was told that I could sit at the counter (but they gave it some cute name, so it didn't sound so much like a diner). Basically, I could sit shoulder-to-shoulder with some strangers (keep in mind, this is a MUCH nicer and pricier restaurant than Sailors Thai), or I could come back in a few hours, when they weren't busy. Needless to say, I left angry. I went to the Horizon Lounge, a swanky bar on the 36th floor of the Shangri La Hotel. It was there I met Susan and Victor, a couple of Chicago vacationers. They suggested we try to get a table at Rockpool. If you haven't heard of Rockpool, maybe you've heard of Neal Perry, the celebrity chef who owns it. It's one of, if not THE best restaurant in Australia. We sat for five courses with wine at each course. FABULOUS!!!!!
• got to sleep at 2:30 AM after dinner at Rockpool. Was awakened at 8:30 this morning by some screaming children who were splashing around in the pool two floors below my balcony. I wonder what the "positive" of today will be???

The Rocks

SYDNEY- - I woke up this morning in the middle of a dream about work! Yuck!! I'm still on vacation, I'm not supposed to think about my job!! And then I realized why.

It's my first morning in Sydney and as I was slowly awakening, my subconscious heard the sounds of a city coming alive. People going to work, traffic on the roadways, ferry horns signaling departures - - sounds I certainly didn't hear last week in Port Douglas. Hell! in PD, a traffic jam is when more than 3 cars are on Macrossan Street at the same time!

But, as a self-proclaimed "city girl" I am adjusting and my new hotel certainly helps. I booked it a while ago and forgot the details. I've got a studio apartment with a kitchen, sofa, desk and a balcony!! I've got coupons for brekky plus there's a small health club and a pool. Not too shabby, but I still miss the heat of PD!

I took the elevator to the second floor and walked down the hall to my room, stopping to look out the window at a man walking by. No, he wasn't a window-washer on scaffolding, but a man walking down the street on his way (presumably) home.

I'm staying in The Rocks, an area of Sydney that is VERY hilly! So much so that I wasn't surprised to find myself at "ground" level in the lobby, again at "ground" level on the second floor elevator lobby. Once inside my apartment, I walked outside to my balcony, which overlooks several rooftops in The Rocks. It's weird, but it's one of the things that makes The Rocks such a fascinating neighborhood.

There is one place I plan to go while here (okay, several places). It's the 30th floor bar at the Shangri-La Hotel (formerly the ANA Hotel). The bar is surrounded by windows and gives amazing views of the Harbor Bridge and the Opera House. Oh, and to get there from my hotel, I have to climb a flight of stairs built out of rock in the middle of a wall near my hotel. Like I said, fascinating place.

Bye PD!

PORT DOUGLAS- - Today is my last full day in Port Douglas and it's hard to push aside the feelings of melancholy. I don't want to leave.

It's not just the weather, which is perfect for me: mid to upper 80s F with bright blue sunny skies and a light ocean breeze.

It's not just the atmosphere: relaxed and friendly; five minutes' conversation at a craft fare turns easily into exchanged emails and recipes from moms.

It's not just my hosts: Christel and Wolfgang have included me in their circle of friends, sharing birthday champagne and balloons plus dinner with a small, but fun group of Germans and Aussies.

I'm not sure what it is, but I'll miss it.

Birthday day

For those romantics out there that are wondering about Leg Shaver Guy, he was one of the first messages I received on my birthday. (Okay, my sister-in-law's cell phone call at 2:20 AM was technically the first!)

Normally, I would grant myself the luxury of sleep on my b-day, but on that day, I had a date with tropical fish and gorgeous ocean water. I was going to the Great Barrier Reef!

Quicksilver is a company that's been offering trips to the Low Isles for 18 years and it's my third time with them. We took off on a boat called Wavedancer. Okay, "boat" isn't the proper word. How about this: a huge blindingly white catamaran with a gigantic blue sail and room for about 150 people (we only had about 80).

Halfway to the Low Isles (inner reef), my cell phone rang! It was my mom, wishing me "happy birthday," so that was nice.

The difference in this Wavedancer snorkeling trip from past years was this year, we were strongly encouraged to wear "stinger suits" aka blue lycra bodysuits. The suit would keep us safe from "stingers," commonly known in the US as Portugese manowar or jellyfish. It also protects against sunburn. Honestly, the outfit included a hood and mitten-type things, so I was pretty much blue top to bottom.

Think Blue Man Group goes swimming!

I didn't care if they put me in armor, I was going out to visit the fishies! And, boy did I see a TON! of them including a sea turtle that swam right up to me! When I came across about a dozen medium-sized (half meter?) fish all chomping down on coral in the same spot like an aquatic McDonalds, I decided it was time for lunch.

The buffet on the Wavedancer was pretty cool with prawns, chicken, three kinds of salads plus a mango-orange drink to wash it all down. Of course, after finishing the full day of snorkeling, I switched to rum and coke (more on that later).

The second round of snorkeling didn't come as easily to me and I kept getting water in my mask. Finally, I got somewhat comfy. Keep in mind that all but approximately two inches of my entire body is encased in blue spandex.

I felt a tiny pinch on the right side of my upper lip, but I didn't see the offending fish (or coral or whatever), but decided the prudent thing would be to call it a day and find out if I was going to die or not (just kidding).

The divemaster told me that I probably got stung by sea lice. How glamorous is that?? A bit of ice on the spot and I should be fine. I decided that a bit of rum and coke would be much better. (The bartender - -a woman- - bought me my first rum and coke for a bday gift.)

Back on the boat, the Wavedancer crew had set up shop with various photos of each of us taken at the Low Isles. Yes, I'm a sucker, so I bought one of me in my famous blue bodysuit. If you bought two photos, you got a CD with fish and other scenes from the reef and our boat. I only wanted one photo, so no go. (But the photographer and I talked for a bit and he found out it was my birthday, so after I paid for my photo, I found he also included the CD as a gift! How cool is that?!)

Back to my apartment/hotel, I was all set to have champagne with Christel and Wolfgang, the German couple who own the complex. When I checked in earlier this week, Christel mentioned that she bought some champagne for my birthday. Is she great or what??

Several toasts later, the five of us (another German couple joined us) had killed only two bottles of bubbly, but it was time for me to go to dinner.

Another wonderful evening in Port Douglas included kangaroo loin in some fabulous au jus plus a passionfruit custard, mango and strawberry dessert. Watergate (the restaurant) is tucked in off the main street with huge palm trees and ferns shrouding it from the noise of the road. The staff was great, even showing me their resident green tree frog. They said I could name it, so I suggested "Cubby." We'll see if that sticks.

On the return trip from the Low Isles, the gang on the Wavedancer had been treated to a solo guitar player and singer. It was magical and I wasn't keen on this evening ending yet, so I found out that the singer was performing a few blocks from Watergate.

I caught the last set and the singer waved to me from behind the mic and said "Happy Birthday MJ!"

Up at 7 am and in bed soon after midnight, a bit more tanned and a tiny bit buzzed. All in all, a pretty fabulous 40th!

Haven't emigrated...yet

PORT DOUGLAS- - Okay, I've been pretty slack on my posting the last fews days, but if you had a choice between floating in impossibly blue ocean waves with bright sunlight on your face or sitting at a computer, which would you choose?

Okay, the past few days have been fabulously busy..no, that's not the right word. Occupied? (no, that sounds like WW II France). Exciting and fun, would be more like it.

A few days ago, I joined a group touring the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation (where Captain Cook crashed one of his ships "the place where my troubles began," he said, hence the name). While in the rainforest, we barbequed lunch at a privately owned spot in the middle of HUGE ferns and even bigger palm trees. After lunch, we swam in what can only be described as an idyllic freshwater pond. Think "Blue Lagoon" except with (some) clothes on.

I have some photos (that you'll, unfortunately, have to wait to see), but it was unlike anything I've ever done. I was splashing around in cool, clear water, surrounded by historic King ferns (pre-date dinosaurs!!!), Alexander palms, Madagascar palms, silky oaks, bismarkia palms, tree ferns, plus some very curious and friendly fish and a few tortoises. The slivers of sunlight broke through the rainforest canopy just enough to keep things from getting chilly.

Think "Beverly Hillbillies" and their "cement pond", but in reverse!

If you ever get up this way, the swimming hole was called Cassowary Creek.

Sun-induced amnesia

PORT DOUGLAS - -Well, I've done it. I've lost track of what day it is. That always happens to me when I'm in Australia. Not sure why. Could be because IT.JUST.DOESN'T.MATTER!!!

Okay, I guess it matters a little when I've booked a tour like tomorrow (Cape Tribulation...look it up!) and the Great Barrier Reef on Thursday for my birthday trip.

I've been in Port Douglas for two days now and it already feels like home. The heat and humidity is just what my psyche needed. Christel (the manager/owner of the apartments where I'm staying) bought me a bottle of "bubbly" for my birthday. Isn't that fabulous!!

I spent the better part of my first afternoon here just sitting on a promontory under some palm trees, watching the ocean (or to be more exact, the Coral Sea). It's amazing how hypnotic the incoming tide can be. With each wave, I could feel my shoulders relax and my mind open up to the sights and sounds of nature. It was so unbelievably beautiful and calming.

Sorry I don't have photos yet, but maybe some imagery will do.

A huge flock of parrots exploded from a nearby palm tree and as the cloud of green feathers turned en masse toward its destination, amid cries and squawks, the afternoon sun ignited their bright red breasts.

Geez, I could really get used to this.

Oh, before I forget. Leg Shaver Guy text messaged me today (yesterday too) and said he tried to send me the photo of him as a girl, but my email wouldn't let it through. Any ideas why?? I suggested he try my other email address, so we'll see.

Bye bye Perth

PERTH - - Well, I've checked out of my hotel and am officially homeless for about 8 hours until I go to the airport to fly to Cairns (and shuttle up to Port Douglas).

My first impressions of Perth are mixed. Of course, I'm sad to be leaving here. That's a familiar feeling whenever I travel, no matter how much fun I've had.

During past trips, I've visited Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, the Gold Coast and Port Douglas, so I already know a lot about Australia. So many aspects of Australian life are so familiar to me, but Perth is new territory, at least to me.

I'd have to compare my first visit to Perth to spending a vacation with distant family members. There are moments of uncomfortable silence (not knowing what to do first), the getting-to-know-you phase (making sense of the city map and learning which street your hotel is on), and of course, the familiar stuff that convinces you that you really are family (beets on the burgers at McDonalds, "thank you" replaced by "no worries.")

On the whole, Perth is pretty cool. I mean that literally. It's been strange weather, hot sun-burning weather in the sun and sweatshirt weather in the shade. And windy! I've been told that Perth is the fourth windiest city on the planet. Yep, Chicago is No. 1. I think San Francisco is in there somewhere too.

If you ever come to Perth, there are some things you should definitely do (maybe 4 days worth, MAX!):

- wine tasting in Swan Valley (most of the Elizabeth River wines are processed here)
- day trip to Fremantle (see Fremantle prison - - built in 1850s, in use until 1991!!!!; visit Fremantle Maritime Museum - - much more interactive that I would have expected; hit the Fremantle Markets on the weekend, souvenirs plus fabulous fresh produce!)
- walk, picnic and hike in Kings Park and botanic gardens. I mention the hike part because a large chunk of Kings Park is recovering bushland and they let you picnic on the grass!

Of course, I'd have to say the highlight of my Perth visit was meeting Leg Shaver Guy. He flew home to Adelaide this morning. Even if I don't hear from him again, it was good practice.

Sounds of Oz

Say the word "ground," but open your mouth as wide as possible with the "ou" sound.

Give it a try.

You've just reproduced the announcement made by my Perth hotel elevator when I reach the floor where the reception desk is located.

Love it!

Date with Leg Shaver Guy

PERTH - -Returning from a day trip to Fremantle (suburb of Perth with better nightlife, restaurants and museums), my phone did that annoying chime thing that always makes me smile. I've got mail!?!?!

It was Chris the Leg Shaver, the Aussie with whom I had drinks last night. (He had brought me a bottle of wine from South Australia - - his home state, of which he is very proud. Too sweet!)

We traded texts with the end result being he's leaving tomorrow on a 9:30 am flight back to Adelaide, so no chance for a breakfast together. He DID say that if the party tonight is a dud, he'll call me.

Oh, before I forget, the date:

We met in the hotel lobby bar and here I am with this Aussie guy who loves the NBA (although he's never been to the US much less an NBA game). He's tall with sandy blond hair. He likes to camp and bike ride. Complained a bit that he's out of shape (um, NO!)

Anyway, we belly up to the bar and he orders...a SINGAPORE SLING! a girlie drink!?!?! I suppress a smile when the bartender says they don't make those. I suggest a tequila sunrise (and secretly pat myself on the back for my bartending background and quick thinking). We have two, actually two each in the next hour or two.

Conversation was good and not nearly as strange as our first poolside encounter. I was a bit nervous, so of course, I talked too much! We talked about health care and how it's sooo different in the US. We spoke of travel and the wonderful locations that Mother Nature annihilated this year.

He invited me to come to South Australia for my next visit. Said he'd take me camping to the Flinders Ranges. Okay, my friends just dropped their collective jaws when they read that last line. YES! I HAVE BEEN CAMPING!

Contrary to many first dates that take place in a bar, there was no smooching, groping or any type of PDA.

Anyway, last call arrived (damned hotel bars and their early closing times!) and we walked toward the elevators. We arrived at my floor too quickly and when the doors opened, I thanked him for the drinks and the wine. He went for a hug and I went for a kiss (gimme a break!!! it's been a while, okay?!?) We managed both, but I think I surprised him with a kiss because he tried to hold the elevator doors open to continue our evening.

"Thanks again!" I said as he finally let the doors close.

Back to his text message today:

"Hi MJ. Hope you r having a great time in freo. I dont think i will see you b4 the dinner as i am off to pre dinner drinks. Will send you a picture! Will email you when i get home. Really would love to see you again X"

(Yes, he did end it with X.)

All together now....."Awww!"

Just a bit of stubble

PERTH - - When he told me that his legs were shaved because he was dressing as a woman this Saturday, I knew more information was required.

His name is Chris and he's from Adelaide. We met at the rooftop pool at our hotel. He's attending a conference (or trying to get out of it, I'm not sure which) and the final day's event is some kind of costume party...at least that's what he said.

I advised him to exfoliate before he uses the fake tan to complete his "Survivor" character. Somehow I felt I should offer to do his makeup (?!?!) Yes, it was THAT kind of conversation.

For as weird as this was, it was about to step up a notch. Apparently, he's already got the bikini and chicken fillets to put in it?? (okay, I really wouldn't have thought of that, but it's Australia and they do things differently here).

We talked for the better part of an hour as he moved his chair closer to mine. (No, I didn't jump off the roof.) We seemed to be able to chat very easily. But, hey, how intimidating can a guy be that opens a conversation by explaining why his legs have less hair on them than mine?

The stats: 44 years old, two kids (older, out of school), works in the medical field but not a doctor (I don't think). Something about working with people to arrange all of their medical needs (peculiar situation in Australia, not like our health care...probably much better.)

Oh, he's divorced - - twice! Said he met and married a woman 11 years younger and, at some point, she decided she wanted to have kids and he didn't want them since he already had his. He said they'd already had that conversation, but she changed her mind. Says they're still friends.

He already had dinner plans for tonight, but wants to meet in the bar for a drink later. We'll see.

Bloody aussie flys

PERTH - - Walking through King's Park and the Botanic Gardens, I became lunch for one of Australia's least talked-about, but most hated animals!

Flys (I'm going to spell it like the Aussies do).

It's not that there are more of them, but they are without doubt the most aggressive, persistent and annoying of all creatures. And there's a desire to be intimate that I really don't share. Let me explain as I swat away yet another beast.

Oh, by the way, you can't just wave your hand in the general direction of the fly (they just laugh). You have to make actual physical contact with the critter and even then, after you've dropped your hand, the bastard returns to the SAME SPOT as if his work there isn't done yet!

I put my sunglasses on to try to deter one beast from landing on my eyelashes. (Honestly, they love ANY orafice; eyes, ears, mouth. I'd hate the think what would happen on one of Australia's nude beaches.) Even though it's pretty hot outside, I'm afraid to lick my dry lips for fear that one of these insects will fly in and land on a molar!

I've had boyfriends who've tried to close to me like these flys, but the boyfriends gave up sooner! Attitude?!?! I've known Marines will less attitude!

Paint job

PERTH- - Take a large paint brush, dip it in fuscia paint and do the following: paint a wide downward-pointing triangle on your chest, then stripe down the left arm beginning at a point even with your armpit, including your left hand, add to that a skinny stripe beginning four inches below your right knee and ending just above your toes; lastly, take a bit deeper-colored paint and touch just the tip of your nose.

Now you have my "tan" after my lengthy chat with Carlos in the park.

Chat in the park

PERTH - - I've just had the best conversation I've had all day. I'm sitting in a park in Northbridge, a northern suburb of Perth that's supposed to contain all the "happening" restaurants and clubs. So far, I've only come across one street with about four restaurants and as many clubs. Oh well.

A man approached me and (still in "big-city girl" mode) I was on guard. He said Hello and I said Hi. I couldn't place his thick accent but knew it was neither Australian or American.

He spoke slowly and I couldn't decide if he was mentally slow or possibly deranged (I think I've seen some of the latter here). Turns out, he's neither of those things. He's from Chile!

Carlos has lived in Australia for about 15 years, most of them in Perth. He named about 5 other Australian cities that he's called home. (I admit to being a bit jealous of that.)

"Why Perth?" I asked.

"Because it's the best place," he said. He then went on to explain that Perth has its own mafia (who knew?). Yep, I was thinking, "this is why it's the best??"

Perth is, however, very clean. As if to prove the point, a man cleaned the area under a huge tree in the park. Carlos and I watched him rake up every dead branch and dropped leaf. He worked for over an hour.

We sat quietly for a bit, admiring a sky that was so blue and bright it almost hurt our eyes. Carlos offered me a cigarette, but I declined. He said he loved my accent.

We spoke of life's general topics: money and the happiness that doesn't usually come with it; families and how to live with them; politics and how the "average Joe" doesn't usually agree with how his government behaves.

We agreed that its best to not judge a country by its government's actions, but rather by its people...the ones you meet in parks on sunny days.