A Wee Bit Longer

Jeff's client has asked him to extend. We've talked about it and decided to say "yes". We can't stay more than 364 days (or someone's head in HR explodes I think) so the latest we can be here is late July 2011. The various parties are negotiating but we expect it to go through; the only vital detail is what our leave date will actually be.

A year feels like a good time for me. Writing is going very well but it makes me appreciate how much longer it's going to take to do what I want to do. I'm really happy for the chance to make major progress on my projects.

We're starting to look for a 2-bedroom apartment in a residential neighborhood. Jeff's cousin is making serious noises about coming to visit in February. A sailing buddy is talking about coming some time between February and May. A friend from church is now also contemplating a visit. So we're going to need another bedroom!

We invite you all to at least fantasize about visiting us while we're here. Here's some information to help you populate your fantasies. :)

December/January is the height of airfares between LA (the normal jumping-off point) and Brisbane. Airfares go down from there through to August, the traditional low-price point.

Prices on SideStep.com (my favorite cheap-fare-finder) lists round-trip prices from LA to Brisbane as:

* $1,041 (March)
* $1,030 (April)
* $1,029 (May)
* $1,029 (June)

Add your to/from LA airfare. Keep an eye on things and you'll find deals. Check V Australia, for example.

We know you don't want to spend your whole vacation in Brisbane but we'd like to see you at least a little bit. ;)

The current exchange rate is, in effect, 1:1. The Aussie dollar is at an all-time high but there's no way to know how long it will hold.

If you want to visit Uluru (Ayers Rock), hold off as long as you can. The temps there will be the most tolerable in June - August. It's too freakin' hot otherwise!


OK, let your Aussie fantasies commence!