Go, Rolla, go!

What does one do, when you feel like you've had the toughest emotional and economical week of your life? You drive....all the way to Sydney! Brian and I could only laugh and cry with each other this week as things back home in the States became tumultuous for many reasons. The loss of his mom, the major loss of US money due to the stocks crumbling (therefore affecting the Aussie economy unfavorably)...it all proved to be a stressful time for us two lonely Americans far from home.
In honor of his beautiful mother, the "spontaneous" gene (as I call it) that runs in the Kozan family, and the US dollar suddenly being in our favor....we drove our dodgy, yet vivacious little Corolla all the way down the coast to Sydney.

This is how the conversation went on Friday afternoon:

Brian: I want to get out of town, let's go to Byron Bay for dinner tonight. Me: ok, sure. Let me just grab my purse and sweatshirt- fast forward to eating dinner- Brian: so, uh, do you want to hear the good news now, or after dessert? Me: ....what? Brian: We're driving to Sydney tonight. Me: WHAT? *looking at him like he is a crazy person* Brian: Yup, I tricked you. So let's get going! Me: Uh...I need contact lens solution!!! arghh!!!....

Thus began our journey. Every so many kilometers on the highway, there is a big sign that says "Stop, revive, survive!". This indicates a rest stop where there is free coffee and tea to keep truck drivers and road trippers awake and refreshed :)

1 motel room in Kempsey, 4 stops for lollies at petrol stations, and 12 hours later....we are just about arriving in Sydney, New South Wales!! (Which, by the way, isn't the capital of Australia. Canberra is. Weird, hey?) Learn more about Sydney here.

Exhausted but happy to see this sign :)

Driving across the Sydney Harbour Bridge!

Hopped onto one of those double decker tourist buses to see the sights around the city. (Typical photo of me trying to get both of our faces in the shot)

Checking out this HUGE city!

Blue water, and sailboats galore in this famous harbour. (Also trying to spot Nemo and Dory)

We were so tired but we made it!!!!

B wearing the Opera House like a hat.

Amazing to see in person!!!! :0)

View during the day...

Then again at night. (My camera died right after this shot)


Well folks, there you have it! We drove...we conquered...we stayed in a hostel...we bought cheesy souvenirs....saw Bondi Beach....took photos....we drove home the next day. Luckily for us, the US dollar this week has been at $1 USD to $1.5 Aussie dollars, so we swiped American credit cards the whole weekend. WOOHOO!! (Yet another reason why YOU should come visit)

Total stats:

Distance driven: 1,988 kilometres
Number of cruise control capabilities in the Corolla: ZERO
Number of coffees drank: 5
Number of photo radar tickets issued: 1
Number of parking tickets issued: 1
Number of stops at McDonald's: 4
Number of times we listened to one same cd play in rotation: about 7
Number of kangaroos spotted: 7 dead roos, 30+ alive roos!
Amount of toll paid to cross Harbour Bridge: $3.00
Basic toiletries and hostel costs: $55 USD
Amount of international and mostly Asian tourists crowding the city streets: felt like 10 million
Number of slightly stinky, yet tired and happy Americans in the car upon arrival: 2
Total hours of sleep: about 12

Overall price of the entire experience: Priceless.