plane tickets!

many of you have been asking when we're returning home to the states, a question which has often been on our minds as well. and since we just purchased tickets for our next flight, we're pleased to announce...that we're no closer to determining a return date, because our tickets are for a week in australia :) it just seemed a crime to return home without the short (and, in comparison, incredibly cheap) hop across the ditch.

here's the plan:
-april 29-may 3: fly directly to melbourne, wander around town, catch up with mesi and dawit, visit planetshakers church, avoid vegemite
-may 3-6: fly from melbourne to sydney, visit bridges/beaches/harbours/opera houses/museums, take plenty of pictures, fly back to christchurch

a short trip in comparison to this long one, but still plenty exciting. while purchasing the tickets, we developed an everlasting hatred for jetstar, which tacks on a multitude of surprise charges to every ticket, in some cases doubling the original price. paying by credit card? that'll be $10. like to select a window or aisle seat? $2 each. the $54 departure tax i can understand, but i'd prefer it not to be a surprise.

if you've been to melbourne or sydney, we'd love to hear from you - help us decide how to spend our few days in australia!

-rachel