Adelaide

In January, we had the opportunity to re-visit Adelaide - this time for a friend's wedding!

We were planning a visit out to Kangaroo Island during our time there, but it proved to be too difficult to squeeze in. Instead, we threw in a beach day in addition to another tour of the Barossa Valley. Although we visited many of the same wineries that we toured in 2009, we also stopped by a few others that we didn't have a chance to visit last time. And...just like our visit in 2009, the temperatures were up above 40 celcius. Very, very hot!

And here are some shots from Glenelg, the beach town we stayed in for the wedding!

Australia Parliament Visit

Before Stacy's parents left to head home to Canada, we took them on a visit to see the Australian Parliament.

For those whom have visited Canberra, you will know that the Parliament building is one of the main focal points of the city. Being built in only the 1980's (completed in 1988), it has a rather modern design. The building itself was built into Parliament hill, allowing citizens (and visitors alike) to walk on top of it. Many also do not realize that the front architecture is designed to be shaped like a boomerang. If you stand at a distance, you can see this distinct shape.

Photo Credit: John O'Neil via wikipedia

We completed a guided walking tour of Parliament the day we visited. We were able to see The Great Hall, The House of Representatives, and The Senate. Here are some of the pictures we took that day.

The House of Representatives

The Senate

New Year's Eve 2013

For the second year in a row, we spent New Year's Eve in Sydney. This year, however, we booked a 4-person table on the balcony of the Novotel at Darling Harbour. The meal included a fantastic all-you-can-eat buffet, all-you-can-drink alcohol, and a perfect view to the fireworks at Darling. It was a great night, and allowed us easy access to our room in the hotel after the celebrations were done (thus avoiding the ridiculous crowds at the end of the evening).

Here are a very few photos of our NYE celebrations.