It's People!

Love has our back!

Yes, we've seen so many amazing animals and places in almost five weeks in Australia.

But it's the connections to people that have been the richest.

We've become a family with Mark and his mother Gloria as we live under the same roof. Every morning I bring coffee to them downstairs. Then, while Dave and I do yoga or eat breakfast, Mark plays the piano.

Joy:  Living with a concert pianist.

The other morning a violinist joined him to practice for a recording session.  Dave and I were in heaven as they rehearsed Vivaldi's "Four Seasons."

Sharing meals and conversations, gazing at the fish tank together hoping the most exotic elusive fish will pop out, watching videos, taking day trips--we've been doing all the stuff that family does.

BFFs in new hats.

Last night, Dave and I gave Mark advice on what to wear for a date.  If that's not sibling behavior, I don't know what is!

Getting some dog love at an Airbnb host's house.

Adding to the family vibe has been this:  staying in others' homes (via Airbnb) for our trips to Noosa and Byron Bay.

Dinner with new friends:  Susan and Andy in Noosa.

Also, we've had a blast hanging out with new people we've met through our gracious friends who are following our travels.  With the internet, this is no longer a "Six Degrees of Separation" world; it's more like one or two degrees.

With a little help from our new friends, we've seen the wonders of Noosa, Brisbane, Byron Bay, and the wacky city of Nimbin.

With Beci and Natalie at Byron Bay Lighthouse,
the Eastern-most point of Australia.
 

It's inevitable that we will get close to people on this journey, and then part.  But as Maya Angelou said, "Why spend precious hours fearing the inevitable?  It would be wise to use that time adoring our families, cherishing our friends, and living our lives."