Bondi Beach, Sydney
Australia was fantastic. Its like a different planet down there including...wild fires, cyclones, and massive floods along with sharks, deadly jellyfish, crocodiles, kangaroos, koalas, emus, snakes, spiders, bird-like mosquitoes and leeches.
As far as I was concerned, humans were far, far from the top of the food chain.
Aside from all of the obvious drawbacks that come from all of those scary animals, the beaches and landscapes were amazing. Also, the general attitude of the people I would describes as relaxed, happy, and adventurous.
Ok let's do a quick German vs. Australian comparison.
German: feels most comfortable in a durable high tech hiking boot regardless of the weather or how much time they plan to spend outside in the elements. The most important thing is to be prepared. There is always a chance you will be forced to walk through a smoldering bed of coals or climb a icy wall at some point during your day.
Australian: feels most comfortable barefoot. And not just on the beach, everywhere...blacktop, gas stations, even the airport. What are shoes?!
aaaah! I just love walking barefoot. Sometime about it is so liberating. I still remember the looks of shock the Germans give me when I wear my flip flops in the rain....
Cape Tribulation at dawn
