Outings

While in Sydney we ventured both north along the coast and west, inland. It was so easy. We never ran into traffic despite traveling on weekends and during rush hour. There are amazing tunnels that propel traffic across the city (even across the harbor). It’s so lovely to let cars move fast and out of sight. There was some seriously good urban planning in Perth too. As we travel I think a lot about urban planning. It has such an impact on how you experience a place, even a remote place. Perhaps especially remote places? Because urban planning, or just planning, dictates whether or not those places remain remote. The fact that roads have never been paved into deep northern Kenya means that tribal life remains intact, almost unchanged, and few tourists make the journey. Of many things this trip has brought into focus is the reality that North America is designed with the car at the center, everywhere. Such a shame. Especially for a person that loves to walk.

This was less than a 90 minute drive from our Airbnb:

Amazing to slow down and really be with Will as he grows up. So wise beyond his years. It’s just pure joy spending time together. Will is such a great world traveler and force for good in the family. Fifteen is an interesting age to say the least. I feel super lucky that Will is such an eager leader and participant in our worldwide adventures, and occasionally a solo artist too!!! I remain blown away by his solo cape-to-cape six day hike.

We zipped out to the Blue Mountains. Occasionally I make comparisons to home that either land like a lead balloon or soar with angels. The kids teased me relentlessly when flying over Morocco and I said it reminded me of southern Utah. They expected more from me the first time I put eyes on Africa :) However when I said the Blue Mountains basically looked like southern Utah if it were covered in trees I got laughs and thumbs up all around.

We also rode the steepest railway in the world. We don’t run into many “-est” in our travels because we don’t do much tourist stuff and because I think the US tends to be a bit more into “-est” than the rest of the world. It was short and cool!!