Brisbane is stunning, dominated by its river and new development/construction in these days.

Travelling towards Brisbane through Townsville, Airlie Beach and Noosa/Sunshine Coast.

A tropical excursion in the northeast coast of Queensland, Australia.

Exploring the tropical frontier in Darwin.

Tasmania is a part of Australia that feels like northern Europe.

A week in Melbourne reveals a sophisticated, cafe-society city with a rich lineage of architecture.

Australia almost immediately implemented policy to avoid mass shootings like the one in 1996 at Port Arthur. The U.S. epidemic of shootings, now over 25 years old, keeps growing.

Some downtime between road trips brought a better understanding of the Adelaide region.

The sea, the mountains, ravines, a volcanic crater, ghost towns, small towns fighting for survival, ruins where families gave up, prosperous new economy vineyards, aboriginal holy places - all in a week-long road trip to the Flinders Ranges.

South Australian markets, farming and love of nature as shared from one American to another.

A Japanese garden and a house exhibit of decorative arts bracket a trip to the Adelaide Central Market.

A first day in Adelaide brought important new lessons in relationships between western cultures and indigenous peoples.

Time with a friend brings reminders of what is important.

Explorations continue in Sydney as I’m halfway through my time here.

Newly arrived in Sydney for my months-long adventure.

I’m seventeen days away from leaving on a six-month journey, and that comes will mixed emotions and a long to-do list.

My renewed passport arrived, and I’m ready to travel to Australia and New Zealand.