Back home again

I can't believe it's been a month since we wrote "Our last week in Australia." It's been great to be home again, although the jet lag lasted a little longer than usual. My brain was fuzz for about 2 weeks.

The one question we've heard the most is, "What was the best part of your trip?" Here's our top 5.

#1--being with family. I know it sounds like a cliche, but it's our #1 reason for going and our #1 pleasure when we're there. It's wonderful to stay close to everyone, to see how the kids are growing and developing, and to connect with extended family.
#2--the whole "soft adventure" bus tour: being with a group of fun-loving 20-somethings, camping, hiking, a spontaneous tour leader who went "off-plan" to make sure we all had a good time, experiencing the Outback. It was all good (tho' sometimes a little noisy).
#3--Uluru--the Rock. Not just an icon, it's strikingly beautiful.
#4--the Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles--fabulous coastline.
#5--Tasmania--relatively undeveloped, even wilderness in some areas, but most of it is fairly accessible. We drove all around the island and experienced lots of beautiful scenery--mountains, forests, ocean, wildlife, birds. Great hiking trails.