On the other side of the Earth...Australia

We were supposed to visit Victoria - a state and Tasmania. Melbourne is the capital of Victoria state. It is a wonderful city with a mixture of three epochs: nineteenth century Victorian style houses, heavy monumental architecture of 40th-50th of the last century, and modern high-rise buildings of concrete, metal and glass....

Two of us, YYZ Travel American Express counsellors, Galina Bubenova and me - Sol Safro, were very glad when company management decided to send us on a familiarization trip to Australia, organized by Tourist Board of Australia and Tasmania in cooperation with American Express.

The tour started in Los Angeles. We took Quantas Airline flight to Melbourne. Quantas Airline offers great service during a long flight over the Pacific Ocean!Melbourne boasts its historical sites, art galleries, shopping districts, and sport arenas where All-Australian and World championships and sport competitions are held.

Land of vineyards and wineries lies only a dozen kilometres from Melbourne in Yarra Valley. Red and white wines are exported from here to many countries in North America, Asia and Europe.

One of the smallest states of Australia -Tasmania Island - is only fifty minutes flight from Melbourne. Tasmania was named after Dutch captain Abel Tasmann. He was the first European who stepped on that picturesque land in 17th century. Capital of Tasmania is Hobart. Tasmanians call themselves with love Tassies whereas Australians local name is Aussies. You can find here magnificent views of Tasmanian coasts, unique world of animals and birds, rainforests, small quiet towns keeping old traditions, breathtaking gorges and fantastic rocks.

It takes time to get used to specific pronunciation of Australians and Tasmanians. Tasmania is a great place for camping and adventure tours, fishing and rock climbing.