Australia Part 1

It's pretty obvious that I have been home for a couple weeks since my trip to Australia.  The fact that it has taken me this long to blog about just part of my trip will tell you how crazy busy I have been since getting home.

Clint and I flew out from Las Vegas the end of September.  The skies were beautiful as we flew out, but I cried throughout the plane ride to our first layover in Honolulu. We would be gone for two weeks and it was killing me to leave the kids for that long.  We left them in good hands though, my sisters are lifesavers and I am so thankful that they took care of the kids while we were away.
 

Clint and I were able to stay in a hotel in Honolulu and spend a good time of the next morning waiting for our next flight out to New Zealand.  We spent time listening to the waves crashing and enjoyed the beauty of Hawaii.  I love that place!

We stopped in a Mauna Quilt store and I had fun looking at all the quilty eye candy.  I convinced Clint that I needed a quilted bag and we bought a yellow one.

Before we flew into Australia we flew through New Zealand and had to spend the night in the airport.  It was a long trip over there and I was tired, but I was able to adjust to the time difference fairly quickly.  I had 4 days of teaching 10 different classes.  I had the most amazing time and I have to tell you that the ladies in Australia are so sweet! They made me feel so welcome and I had a wonderful time.

So the view along the bridge in Adelaide is so beautiful, especially at night.  This area is just outside the convention center and Clint and I enjoyed walking here almost every night.

I thought it was pretty cool to see a Black Swan, since I have never seen one in real life.

As you know I love sunsets and this particular one was so beautiful.  It is amazing to think that every where I go, I can witness the beauty of God's creations.  I am so thankful for this beautiful world we live in.

Clint was adventurous and tried Kangaroo and Crocodile meat.  What we didn't realize when we went to the Stonegrill in Adelaide is that they let you cook the meat yourself on a hot stone.  Interesting experience, but I have to say - I like to go to a restaurant to have my food cooked for me. ;-)

So I taught Thursday, Friday and Saturday and had Sunday off.  Sunday is important to me and I do not work that day. I am grateful that every quilt show that I have taught at has worked with me and my scheduling so that I don't have to work Sundays.
 

So, we had the day to walk around Adelaide and Clint and I had a wonderful time. 
It is a beautiful city.

I found a lot of fun textures.  I love brick and stone work.  I imagine taking quilts and being able to photograph them in places like this.

 

I really loved this small door.  Clean straight lines are always inspiring when I think of quilting this type of design in my quilts. 

 

I think my favorite part of going to Australia (besides the awesome beauty of the city) was the people.  They were so kind and with all the traveling I have done, I have never had so many people ask where I am from.  It was so great.  Even the customs people at the airports were so nice.  I guess they like our crazy American accent!

 

 I love everything about this picture. The beautiful iron fence, the tree and the beautiful building.  

 

Quilting inspirations are everywhere, you just need to look.

We were able to enjoy this beautiful church at sunset. 

It was a trip of a lifetime and I am thankful to Tracey Browning for inviting me.  She hosted a beautiful show and I recommend it to anyone planning a trip to Adelaide!