Queensland, Australia: Here I Come

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helicopter-ride-and-sandy-cay84-600x4101 Queensland, Australia: Here I Come Contests MCP Actions Projects  Since I was a little girl, I always dreamed of visiting Australia.

While I dreamed about it, I did not imagine it becoming a reality until I was older than my current age of 40.

Well, it’s happening. I am going to my dream destination as a blogger correspondent for Tourism Queensland.  And, I will joined by nine other influential bloggers from across the globe, plus Darren Rowse , the blogging genius behind Digital Photography School and Problogger.

 

Here’s how it happened:

I returned from my annual family vacation to see a post from Problogger that said “Win 1 of 10 Trips to The Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia.” With unpacking, piles of laundry, and 900 photos to edit, I filed it away.  Days later, I received another email about the contest, including the itinerary. I decided to fill out the form which asked questions about my blog, social networking reach, how I would cover the trip on the blog, etc.  I knew that they would get hundreds to thousands of entries. But since I host contests on the MCP Blog all the time, I have learned that even if your chances are small, you only can win if you enter.

The night when they said they’d email the 10 chosen bloggers took me back in my memories by more than 20 years….when I’d wait to see what acceptance letters would arrive from colleges.  Then, an email arrived from Darren.  As I read the subject line “Congratulations: You’re a Winner of a Trip to the Great Barrier Reef with ProBlogger and Tourism Queensland” I was shaking.  Pinch me. Nope – it’s real.  I am going to Australia.

 

All of you:

While I have no idea how the judges at Queensland Tourism actually picked the ten winners from all the talented entries they received, I am sure at least some of it had to do with you, my audience, blog readers and fans.  I’m guessing they saw how interactive everyone is on the MCP Blog and Facebook page and how we have such amazing exchanges.  So thank you for helping making my dreams come true.

I’ll share this experience as it unfolds on Facebook, and will have a number of related blog posts on my return. Expect lots of pictures and some tips I pick up along the way.

 

Have tips for me?

I love travel, but I have limited experience with journeys outside North America and the surrounding islands. If you have travel tips for super long plane rides, international travel, avoiding jet-lag, or anything else, please let me know. While Tourism Queensland has an exciting, five full days and nights planned for our stay, if you live nearby or have visited The Great Barrier Reef, I’d love your to know your musts and tips for capturing its beauty.

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  1. Andrea T. on April 26, 2012 at 11:50 pm

    Congrats Jodie, well deserved!

  2. Adele on April 26, 2012 at 11:55 pm

    I got to go to Queensland and out to the GB Reef as a teenager…my friend & I entered a contest that was affiliated with the release of the first Crocodile Dundee movie (do NOT do the math on that!)…at the premier they called her name – and of course she took me along! We had the MOST amazing time! Queensland is so diverse – rainforests to deserts – and, of course, the reef! So so so many things to photograph – I remember taking a ton of rolls of film (aah, those were the days!)….you are going to have such a great time, can’t wait to see the pictures you take! Congrats!! (ok – a “funny” piece of advice one “tour dude” gave us right before we boarded the boat to the reef: he said “so, did you have OJ for breakfast? you should have OJ…OJ is the best thing for sea sickness…..” we asked why…and, wait for it….his response: “because it is the one thing that taste the same coming back up as it did going down!” Yup, real helpful! :S My advice – if you are prone to motion sickness At All – take something beforehand, that is one long and miserable day if you don’t (yup, learned from experience!) :S….anyway – Yay You!!

  3. Claire on April 26, 2012 at 11:59 pm

    Queensland, YAY!!!!! It’s beautiful here, you’ll love it 🙂 Hope you’re planning to stay for a while! Maybe you can stop by Brisbane and do a workshop or something… (hint, hint!) :)Congrats as well, so very much deserved 🙂

  4. Annie Allen on April 27, 2012 at 12:01 am

    YAY FOR YOU!!!!! Oh I’m so excited. This is going to be such a cool adventure. Drink LOTS, no TONS of water, it works wonders with the jet lag. And of course the little things you already know, like get up and walk around, stretch, etc! Congrats!!!

  5. Kerryn C on April 27, 2012 at 12:10 am

    Yay for you Jodie and welcome (soon) to beautiful sunny QLD… I live here in QLD and my dream is to go over to the US so there is hope for me yet… Enjoy your stay and our beautiful outdoors… You will love it !!:)

  6. Darren Rowse on April 27, 2012 at 12:17 am

    excited to have you join us on the trip Jodi! See you in June!

  7. Donna Litchfield on April 27, 2012 at 12:22 am

    I live in Queensland – looking forward to see what you capture while you’re here 😀

  8. sarah on April 27, 2012 at 12:24 am

    Make sure you remember to wear crocodile repellent, and look out for drop bears 🙂 Have fun!

    • Monica on April 27, 2012 at 7:23 am

      Drop Bears! I spent a semester in Australia in college, and that just brought back a lot of memories 🙂

  9. Victoria on April 27, 2012 at 12:25 am

    Wow, that’s sounds so fun! Congrats on winning.

  10. Lan on April 27, 2012 at 12:31 am

    That’s awesome Jodi. Being a local from Brisbane, Qld, Australia, we are very very proud of our country. The beautiful beaches, the nice weather and most importantly, the charm of the people. Remember to not only capture the significant landscape such as Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Forest, the outback and the littlerural towns but I think the people make our country one of the most beautiful in the world. And enjoy the food. We have the best seafood and wine in the world. BTW: Qld is HUGE in land size but if you end up in Brisbane, remember to drop me a line and I can show you my local city 😉

  11. Rachel Burnett on April 27, 2012 at 12:32 am

    Hi Jodi,As a winner of your fusion actions I know how exciting it is to win something.Although your win is huge!Do you know where you are staying exactly? I live in Townsville QLD which is on the Great Barrier Reef but it is 365kms south of Cairns which is also on the Great Barrier Reef. It is a huge area.I’m guessing they will take you out on a trip to the outer reef, when you go, you have to snorkel!! (so if you don’t know how, best be learning) A must have is an underwater P&S camera or grab yourself a underwater casing for your DSLR. You will regret it if you don’t, the marine life is spectacular.You will have an amazing time here, it is a beautiful part of the world. If you have any questions (even if you think they are stupid) please email me. My parents live up in Palm Cove and manage a 4.5 star holiday accomodation and they are familiar with all the tours, so I can certainly help you out in that respect.Congratulations and Best Wishes,Rachel :0)

    • Jodi Friedman, MCP Actions on April 27, 2012 at 12:41 am

      We will be in Cairnes. Visiting the reef, rainforest and more!

      • Rachel Burnett on April 28, 2012 at 11:10 pm

        My photo here is taken at Palm Cove in front of the restaurant where you will be having dinner. At night they light the path between the palm trees and its just beautiful.Also Agincourt reef is one of the best outer reef experiences. Just wear heaps of sun block! A boat will take you out to a huge (and I mean huge) pontoon fixed to the outer reef. There is plenty of shade, tables and chairs, change rooms and they serve up a brilliant lunch.You won’t want to go back to the mainland.

  12. Dee on April 27, 2012 at 12:35 am

    I live in QLD and actually right here at the Great Barrier Reef. This is by far the most beautiful place in the world. Tourism QLD will for sure jam pack your days to all the important and must see spots. I am assuming they will be sending you to the Whitsundays, but the GBR is so huge, make a trip up to Cairns and come and see the rainforest as well if you can. It truly is amazing and something you need to experience first hand.Good luck and safe trip, can’t wait to see GBR through your lens 😀

  13. Dee on April 27, 2012 at 12:36 am

    Congrats!!!I live in Cairns, QLD and actually right here at the Great Barrier Reef. This is by far the most beautiful place in the world. Tourism QLD will for sure jam pack your days to all the important and must see spots. I am assuming they will be sending you to the Whitsundays, but the GBR is so huge, make a trip up to Cairns and come and see the rainforest as well if you can. It truly is amazing and something you need to experience first hand.Good luck and safe trip, can’t wait to see GBR through your lens 😀

  14. rebekah on April 27, 2012 at 12:43 am

    Traveling there: take an inflatable neck pillow, thick comfy socks and noise-canceling headphones…and an ipad or kindle if you like to read. Don’t know when you’re going, but it does get cold at night in winter. People wear Uggs for a reason, ok two reasons at least. It’s been rainy there as winter’s approaching. Pack for all types of weather so you can enjoy beach, forest, ocean, rainforest, town.I lived in Brisbane in 2009-2010 for almost a year – don’t know exactly how useful this will be since you might be further north. But, just in case: In Brissy and surrounding areas (if you’re in that part of QLD), bike along the river or rock climb at Kangaroo point at night, go to Manly (coastal suburb) boat harbour and get on a yacht for the yacht race (it’s every tuesday or wednesday or something…it’s free, but you can buy your crew a beer beforehand). WestEnd or Fortitude Valley for music, art. Downtown for culture, farmer’s market, river view.Any beach, forest (kangaroos, wallabies, birds, birds and birds) or rainforest (find pademelons or whipbirds) will make you happy (and they’re everywhere), take a ride in a Tiger Moth. I liked Noosa, not because it’s hip and fun (but it is), but also because the beach is in a forest (not the beach in town, but further north) and there are koalas, giant gowanas, you can snorkel, body surf, hike, shower …..ahhhh) and then go back to town for great food. Anyway (can you tell I am in love with Oz?)…nature is abundant, it’s nearby, it’s rich and accessible. The world is a beautiful place and Australia won my heart. If you do end up in Brisbane and you want tips on food, I know the foodie Queen of Queensland (writer for Gourmet Mag etc) – she has a book out. She took me to a woman’s house for a cooking class – the way the house is set up is wonderful, the whole experience quite different. I’ll shut up now.Have a great time!!!!!

  15. Rebecca Cooper on April 27, 2012 at 12:43 am

    Can’t wait to meet you Jodi…in Australia!!! Eeeeek! So excited. 🙂

  16. Vi on April 27, 2012 at 12:45 am

    Congratulations for winning #QldBlog competition 🙂

  17. Carrie on April 27, 2012 at 1:16 am

    That’s Awesome! I backpacked Australia and SE Asia for 12 months. I got back about a year ago. Really one of the best places in the world.One thing that no one told me : Sunscreen is different in Australia then North America (well at least Canada i know for sure), I would bring some to have, but buy some when you get there spf+50. The sun is HARSH. (I found this out the hard way with sunburn blisters):PI did get a chance to snorkel the great barrier reef and it is amazing, except I made one huge regretful mistake. I rented a under water camera, I was so excited to show pictures to everyone at home, that I spent most of the time focusing on taking pictures to have, instead of focusing what was going on in the moment. It was not until I only had a half hour left that i decided to put the camera down look at everything in a 360 degree instead of straight ahead. It gives me the excuse to go again sometime hopefully in the future.- Tim Tams are the best thing ever…-ketchup is called tomato sauce.-you should try Vegemite (its not that bad)

  18. Kat - The Organised Housewife on April 27, 2012 at 1:19 am

    Congratulations Jodi, I live in Queensland, it is glorious, tropical, usually always sunny and the perfect holiday destination. You will absolutely love it here!!!

  19. Katische on April 27, 2012 at 1:26 am

    congratulations! I hope you love my home state as much as I do!Katische

  20. alana on April 27, 2012 at 1:54 am

    hey congrats and happy journey..its really a great place and superb climate..last year i went their i like that place very much.you will surely enjoy a lot..happy journey.

  21. Carly on April 27, 2012 at 2:55 am

    Congratulations Jodi!!! I live in Cairns – gateway to the Great Barrier Reef! You will love it! When are you visiting? I wish you had more time, maybe you will come back to do a workshop in Queensland!!!! Enjoy your holiday!!!

  22. Rebecca Weaver on April 27, 2012 at 6:00 am

    Hey, you did i

    • Rebecca Weaver on April 27, 2012 at 6:02 am

      Hit enter too soon. 🙂 You did it! Congrats, hooray, enjoy! I’m so happy and excited for you!

  23. Tracy Callahan on April 27, 2012 at 6:10 am

    Yay! I am so excited for you. You truly deserve this.

  24. Brendazzle* on April 27, 2012 at 6:25 am

    I don’t have any advice but I’m so excited that you were chosen. Congratulations!!! I know you will have an AMAZING time.

  25. Amanda @ Click. The Good News on April 27, 2012 at 6:39 am

    Congrats! So excited for you & I can’t wait to read about your adventures. You totally deserve this with all you have done & continue to do for your community. I travel a ton (see the blog!), but my best advice is to just stay calm. Rest, enjoy yourself, don’t get nervous or worried or overwhelmed, soak it all up, be ready for the unexpected, plans will sometimes have to change, flights may be missed, but it will all be OK & you will be right where you should be doing what you are supposed to be doing.

  26. Monica on April 27, 2012 at 7:25 am

    Wow!! I spent a semester there in college (Sunshine Coast). Enjoy the beautiful scenery and lovely people!

  27. Ryan Jaime on April 27, 2012 at 7:34 am

    all I can say is …… jealous….. and Congrats! 🙂

  28. Francis on April 27, 2012 at 7:38 am

    Bring a GoPro camera for snorkeling

    • Jodi Friedman, MCP Actions on April 27, 2012 at 7:40 am

      Not sure what a gopro camera is. But thank you? I’ll go go a search.

    • Jodi Friedman, MCP Actions on April 27, 2012 at 11:40 am

      Francis – ok – I looked them up. They look good – just not sure if you need accessories for the water or if they are waterproof. Guess I will call the company. The web site is pretty but does not really explain much. Thank you.

  29. Daniel McCreary on April 27, 2012 at 7:56 am

    GoPro is in the photgraphy section at your local WalMart & obviously online. There are a million GoPro videos on YouTube, but one I remember is called Grinding The Crack. If you’ll look on his helmet at the beginning you’ll see the attached GoPro & the video while he’s flying, (at least the video from his perspective) is off that camera. They’re not terribly expensive & I’ve even seen them used on ebay. BTW a huge congratulations! Have a blast and bring back lots of pictures!

  30. Christine Oliver on April 27, 2012 at 8:39 am

    Wow! What a trip of a lifetime. Congratulations, Jodi. I can’t wait to hear about and see photos of your adventure.

  31. Jayne on April 27, 2012 at 8:43 am

    Congrats Jodi. Now you know how we feel when one of our photos is chosen in one of your photo challenges!

  32. eileen ludwig on April 27, 2012 at 9:11 am

    Make the most of this wonderful opportunity and incredible adventure. Looking forward to postings and pictures of the whole experience.

  33. Kelly on April 27, 2012 at 9:26 am

    Ah! Australia! My home away from home! It is the easiest 14.5 hour flight (from Los Angeles) that you’ll ever take in your life! Not kidding! The flights usually leave around 11pm so you can sleep most of the way. I do! Dramamine is my best friend even though I don’t get motion sick…it coaxes me right into a wonderful sleep. Move you legs and walk around when you’re awake. Maybe even get flught socks. (My hubby wears them to avoid passing out (he has a medical condition where he does this when sitting or standing too long though). The newer Qantas airbus is a very comfortable ride (as far as planes go)! They pass out a schedule so you know exactly when snacks and meals are going to come. They have a free mini “vending machine” in the back of the plane so you can also grab drinks/snacks at your own convenience. My friend (from Australia) flies here all of the time for work. He once told me, “It’s so easy. Just watch 3 movies in between eating or sleeping and you’re there”! I’ve been twice now and he was right…IF you get the new plane! ;). Loads of movies/games in front of you.Do you have a link to your itinerary? Can you extend your stay? 5 days will go by in a flash and you’d already have the long flight behind you so you might as well, right? My hubby and I won trips or were flown places and put up a few times (one even to be on a tv show) and we just simply asked if they could schedule the return flight at a later date. (It’s all the same to them pricewise)! Of course, after the 5 days it will be your own dime, but mist of the expense is that long flight…I used to pay $1600 just from LA and back. We even called the hotel and got the same discounted rate for our extended stay that they were giving the studio/tv show! In your case, you’d probably want to hop on another flight and check out some other highlights since you are SO close! As a fellow photog, the last time I went I hopped to a few more states, South Australia, Victoria, NSW and where you are going. Money well spent and torally worth the effort. Australia and it’s people are amoung the most amazing you’ll ever meet! How exciting!!!!

    • Jodi Friedman, MCP Actions on April 27, 2012 at 11:44 am

      Kelly, I actually think it specifically said we could not stay longer in the terms. But even if we could, I will be traveling alone. And my family will be missing me – and me them (though I’ll be pretty busy). So for now, it will just be the 5 days.The funny thing is that my husband said “now you will have the ‘Australia bug’ out of your system.” He assumed I would not keep saying I wanted to go there. Ah, but he is wrong. I’ll want to go back to explore more cities and also New Zealand. So, not crossing it off the “want list” even after this trip. Since I am 40 now – thinking maybe for my 50th birthday I can go back. I don’t see myself so lucky as to win a 2nd trip back…Jodi

      • Sharyn on April 27, 2012 at 5:56 pm

        I’m a Western Australian so I can’t help much about Queensland, but I can offer advice regarding Vegemite should you want to try it. After buttering a slice of fresh bread put the most sparing amount of Vegemite ( small streaks ). You should be able to see more butter than Vegemite. Everyone has their own comfort level, but if you start off with the barest amount you can find where your own happy place with Vegemite is lol.I would love to visit your beautiful country. But I will probably be 50+ before that happens. Shame it all has to cost so much isn’t it. I hope you have a wonderful time in Queensland and it surpasses all your imaginings.

  34. Colleen on April 27, 2012 at 9:32 am

    Jodi…SO happy for you! Well deserved! I travel alot (we met in the He Said/She Said Wksp)…for biz and personal. You will love this area. If you are using electric appliances (hair dryer, etc) bring a plug adapter, and if the appliance doesn’t say 110/220 (or 240) in the small print, you’ll also need an electric converter. Your camera battery and PC rechargers probably only need the plug, but often blow dryers, curling irons, etc will need the converter (or buy a new one that doesn’t). The flight there won’t be as bad as flying back…it’s easier flying west…like a really long day. From MI you will probably land in the a.m. and try to get lots of sun…walk around, etc…so that you can get onto the right schedule. If you want to talk…let me know on the He Said/She Said FB site. You are going to have a blast!!! Can’t wait to see the photos. The food is awesome there and the people are probably the friendliest in the world!! (Ireland is a close second!).

    • Jodi Friedman, MCP Actions on April 27, 2012 at 11:46 am

      Colleen, where do you buy electric convertors and plug adapters? I never dry my hair – I am low maintenance with hair 🙂 But I have iPhone, iPad, camera batteries, etc to charge. Which do I need for those?Thanks so much for the advice.Jodi

      • Anna on April 27, 2012 at 5:26 pm

        Hi Jodi,Congratulations! I live in Qld too but closer to Brisbane. I’m sure your time will be amazing! I’ve never been to the GBR so excited to see what you capture! By the way our power voltage is 240v here in oz. I have always found adaptors at luggage stores or department/electrical stores for when I’ve travelled outside Australia. Hope that helps.

  35. Stephanie on April 27, 2012 at 10:55 am

    Congrats!! This is a trip of a lifetime and I can’t wait to see how you capture and share it!

  36. Gennin on April 27, 2012 at 12:03 pm

    Congratulations! I am so happy that your dream is coming true. Enjoy your trip and I cannot wait to see all the fabulous memories you will be posting. Have fun!!!!

  37. Bronwyn on April 27, 2012 at 4:20 pm

    That’s so exciting!!! Congratulations & can’t wait to see your pics 😉

  38. Alice C. on April 27, 2012 at 5:53 pm

    Congratulations!

  39. Donna M on April 27, 2012 at 8:17 pm

    Congratulations on your win. You will be visiting one of the most beautiful locations in the world, and the Australians are possibly the warmest and friendliest people you will ever meet. You are going to have an incredible time. I spent 21 days in Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, the outback and the north and south islands of New Zealand in 2007 and was the most fascinating trip I have ever taken. I came home with no fewer than 2500 photos (I only delete once d/l to computer – thank goodness for digital). Getting there was rough; I got dehydrated and was air sick for almost the entire flight. I recommend drinking lots of water before, during and after the flight. A lot of the larger air carriers have personal entertainment systems on international flights, so you will have plenty to do. Sleep as much as you can on the flight because you will be out of sorts with the time difference when you get there. If you don’t sleep on the plane, you will want to sleep when you get there, and that will make things worse.The wildlife is most extraordinary in Australia and the landscape almost as much. I don’t know why, but the colors just seem much more vivid; it will blow you away. And the Great Barrier Reef; well what can I say, it’s amazing. My husband and I were lucky that we went late in the diving season. We ended up with no other divers but the dive master and had a “private dive”. Definitely once in a lifetime.Sorry this is so long; I could talk forever about Australia. Email me if you have any specific questions.

  40. Rich Gaskill on April 28, 2012 at 5:36 pm

    Congrats Jodi! You’ll have a blast I’m sure. Take lots of pictures.

  41. Maioha on April 29, 2012 at 6:48 am

    Congrats on your win! You’ll love it here! It’s a shame that it’s only for five days though seeing as our state is almost three times bigger than Texas. No doubt you’ll get to sample the best we have to offer though.As somebody said earlier, be sure to try the Tim Tams (chocolate biscuits/cookies) and use Vegemite sparingly until you acquire the taste for it. Oh and have a pavlova if you haven’t tried that before!And definitely save your pennies. Prices here are much higher than in the US for just about everything.

    • Jodi Friedman, MCP Actions on May 31, 2012 at 7:50 pm

      I cannot wait to try all of it. Wonder if I can get any of the Aussie food back for my kids to try – that might be a no go through customs though.

  42. Karenissima on April 29, 2012 at 4:29 pm

    Congrats on your win, Jodi! I am so happy for you that your dream is coming true. Can’t wait to see your pics. Enjoy your trip!

  43. Sarah on April 29, 2012 at 11:50 pm

    So awesome, Jodi!! Congrats & have a blast. Can’t wait to see your posts & pics.

  44. Eileen on April 30, 2012 at 3:41 am

    Jodi, I am so excited someone as talented as you has won. I am a tour director and some of the comments that I get from guests is they love to experience the reef on a cantarman. Whitehaven is a must, Heart Reef by Helicopter would be amazing. They are probably the must dos. I would imagine that TQ will keep you pretty busy. But just enjoy it for what it is … June is a stunning time to visit the reef while it is out winter … Our winters are warm in the tropics with 80 most days (yes that is in Farneheit). It is just a shame you aren’t coming to Brisbane… I would offer my services and make sure you get to hold a koala etc…I love my state and home city and so pleased that TQ runs these competitions to show off our beautiful state.

    • Jodi Friedman, MCP Actions on April 30, 2012 at 9:14 am

      Thank you. I am sure I will wish I had longer there too. I know some of the itinerary said stuff about furry friends. So hopefully I will get to photograph a koala. And maybe even hold one.

    • Shalini K on May 31, 2012 at 9:24 am

      Jodi: get thee to the Apple store (or online) they have converters for all your devices…. That is what we did when we lived in Australia…

  45. bobbie on April 30, 2012 at 1:24 pm

    wow …how cool..u r a winner and we hopefully will live vicarously thru your blog and photos enjoy enjoy

  46. Sarah Crespo on April 30, 2012 at 3:45 pm

    This is awesome! Congratulations! Can’t wait to hear (and see) about it 🙂

  47. Gwen on May 17, 2012 at 9:20 pm

    Congrats Jodi! I had entered too, but didn’t have any hopes of winning as my blog isn’t far reaching. But I was really happy to find this post tonight, I feel like someone I know won even though I don’t know you in person. I can’t wait to read all about your trip next month!

  48. Shalini K on May 31, 2012 at 9:21 am

    I went to the Great Barrier Reef in 2008, from Port Douglas… I bet you all will go via Cairns… I recommend if you have the time to drive from Cairns to Post Douglas, because the views are amazing and a lottttt of great scenic photos for you…. Will you be shooting underwater? I have no idea about that, but let me tell you that snorkeling there was the most amazing thing ever.. I do not think anywhere else on earth will get close.,..Compared to Hawaii and California you will see that the Australian beaches are not as built up…. Congrats on your trip and thoroughly enjoy it… I look forward to seeing your photos!And no matter what way you frame it… The 14 hour (or so) flight really sucks…(and I usually lug around the kiddos) Bon Voyage!

  49. Stephanie Madeline on May 31, 2012 at 4:00 pm

    I went to Australia to study abroad for my last year of college in 2005. Everything there is amazing. The weather, the people, the sights, are all awesome! I got my scuba diving license in Cairns, if you have time, scuba diving is a must! The flight is SUPER long so try to get an emergenxy exit seat for leg room!

  50. Jasmin on May 31, 2012 at 4:13 pm

    Yay! I’m so pleased that you are coming to our beautiful beautful country!I have lived and visited USA several times ad nothing beats Australia!( you will understand why when you come here!)My BIGGEST advice to make the most of your Australia visit as I know the jetlagSucks! Is to spend a week before coming here living on qld time zone. Trust me!!!You want to enjoy our beautiful country without feeling like hungover 😉 Look forwardTo your photos

  51. Bill on May 31, 2012 at 7:42 pm

    Wow Jodi! Congrats on winning the trip. On jetlag, walk in the Aussie sunlight as soon as you can, even if your body is telling you it is 3am! It helps get your bodyclock to switch over. What to do while you`re here…Aussie men are among the cutest in the world…I know, I am one! Ha ha! Shame you can`t stay longer, you`re going to one of the most beautiful parts of the world, but there is sooo much more to see!Sarah wasn`t joking about the drop bears…Enjoy!

  52. Jim Koniar on June 27, 2012 at 5:44 pm

    I would like to visit my ancestors homeland, that would be Scotland and Poland to see the area where they lived and possibly answer some questions as to what happened to some of my relatives after WWII.I would the following Canon lenses: 18-55mm, 55-250mm, 100-400mm L series, 50mm Prime.

  53. Rhonda Pagano on June 28, 2012 at 10:18 am

    I would go to Australia. It is at the top of my bucket list. I would bring my two Nikon f2.8 24-70 mm and 70-200 mm lens and also my Nikon 50 mm.

  54. Cindy Robinson on July 1, 2012 at 9:03 am

    I would love to go to Costa Rica. So many coloful, beautiful birds.I would take a 35 mm for scenic, a 70 mm people portraits and a 170-500 zoom for the birds.

  55. T Strickland on July 1, 2012 at 1:42 pm

    If I could go anywhere, it would be to my hometown. I recently came into contact with someone who moved to my small Midwestern town, and she blogs about all of the places that I grew up knowing as a child. I was never impressed with my hometown, and couldn’t wait to leave. However, since following her blog, I’ve gained a new appreciation for my town. I’m even proud of it. I would love to capture the beauty so that I can keep it with me always.I used the MCP Action “1c Cloudy Day” Preset with this image.

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