The Last Hurrah

The past week has come and gone with incredible speed - as it always seems to do when you find yourself in the midst of good company. Andrea is boarding her plane back to LA and eventually Denver tomorrow morning, so this is sadly the last blog that includes my dear friend, Andrea - for now at least.

The last two days, again, have been full. After our plans to visit Fraser Island didn't end up working out for the weekend, we moved on to "Plan B", and it didn't turn out too shabby despite the last-minute shifting of gears. Andrea had been dying to pet a koala, so on Saturday morning we found ourselves heading down to Brisbane to the Lone Tree Koala Sanctuary, the largest koala sanctuary in the world (I guess it would only make sense that this place is located on the continent of Australia). We spent the earlier hours of the day petting koalas & kangaroos and learning about various Australian animals. For the amazing pics of Dre & I with our koalas, click here (Amy + Koala): http://www.koala.net/photo/2903019009.htm or (Dre + Koala) http://www.koala.net/photo/2903018910.htm

I know I've said this before, but who wouldn't want a pet koala? They are low maintenance: all you'd need would be a little perch to place him/her and an endless supply of eucalyptus leaves (not that difficult). Your little furry friend would continuously sit there and look cute and/or sleep at the same time, without demanding your attention in the least bit. Okay, so there are probably pets out there that are more interactive - still...a koala would make a great "introduction pet", maybe a pre-dog for those who are two steps away from children. They are just so stinkin' cute!

Here are a few additional pics from the sanctuary...

A kookaburra up-close!Andrea moving in cautiously...

Victory!

After spending the morning with Aussie animals, we made our way (bravely, I should add - driving in the heart of the city on the wrong side of the road, round-abouts and all!) to the south bank of Brisbane. There we enjoyed lunch at a little cafe before walking along the river and eventually spending the afternoon at the art & history museums. This is one of the only ones we took in downtown Brisbane, following the winding path near the cultural centre.

Today, Andrea's last day here, was an all-out beach day. She & Jonathan awoke in the early dark hours to make it to the beach for a final sunrise. "Beach" was our theme today as she had to soak in as much sun as before heading back to the winter/spring/summer/winter weather of Colorado.

The Hooks (Jonathan's parents John & Kathy) arrived this morning early and spent their first day with us on the beach as well!!! We all went to the wharf for fish & chips this evening and experienced the most AMAZING sunset on our way home. In fact, stopping to take pictures on the way home led to the world-record-breaking 8 minute shower & turn-around before heading to church tonight. It was most definitely a day well-spent - and both a sad & happy one, as it marked the last Aussie day with Dre, yet the beginning of our time with the Hooks (who will be here until next weekend).