I can now proudly say I have my suitcase and have done a (basic) pack to check the weight. At this stage it weighs less than 10 kilograms but I’m sure that once I pack properly it will be well over that amount.

I have gone into the city a lot in the last week to try and find some good souvenirs to take with me. I’ve checked out some of the tourist shops as well as the Rocks Markets. I am finding that a lot of the stores are selling exactly the same souvenirs such as key rings and painted boomerangs. It is quite helpful, though, that Australia Day is drawing closer as it means there are even more Australian-themed products in stores. I have decided that Tim Tams, Caramello Koalas and Vegemite are the best and most common examples of very Australian food.

Next week I am going to do the Bridge Climb with my sister and Saara (the exchange student currently staying with us). I am very excited and hopefully I will be able to get some good photos to use in my presentation about Australia.

I’m pretty sure that it is currently snowing in Norway (or has been at least) which is really exciting but it also means I am having to put a fair bit of thought into what I pack in my carry-on luggage as I could be leaving Australia in 30 degree heat and arriving in Norway in -3 degrees. I’m certainly going to have to pack thermals and some very warm socks.

I now have everything I need (hopefully) and now I just have to make sure I remember to pack it all!

In about a week I have my last Rotary Briefing Meeting before I leave!

Less than two weeks to go now,

Alicia