By The Numbers: On Air Edition

I recently had the pleasure of catching up with my former Fox News boss and good friend Jerry.

Over a delicious lunch at Ben’s Kosher Deli & Restaurant in NYC’s Garment District, we reminisced about our days together at Fox ten years ago. It should probably be illegal to have as much fun at work as we did.

Shepard Smith: This Fox News anchor fronts the primetime show that I worked on

As we recalled that magical time, I couldn’t help thinking about my former career path.

Before jumping ship to the world of public relations, I spent seven years working in TV news. From taking flight in a golf cart powered by an electric parachute to interviewing newsmakers big and small (Senator Bob Dole, Jared the Subway sandwich guy), I enjoyed plenty of adventures in pursuit of the day’s news. Here are some of the highlights -- By The Numbers:

Number of jobs in TV news: 7
Number of TV news jobs that required moving out of state to small towns: 3
Number of on-camera reporting jobs: 2
Number of TV news gigs abroad (in Sydney, Australia): 1
Number of winter weather disasters experienced during TV news stints: 2

Back in ‘97, I was a morning news producer in Bangor, Maine when a devastating ice storm hit. Later, during a 2003 blizzard in Delaware that shut down the state, I did a live report on the disaster from a waist high snow bank.

Yes, producing the news may not always be glamorous but one thing is for sure --- it’s one hell of a ride.

A Taste Of France With Friends

Last week, I joined my friend Katherine for an intimate gathering at her French beau Bernard’s rooftop terrace.

Along with easy conversation, we enjoyed some French delights, from a selection of cheeses to chilled wines that included a heavenly Bordeaux.

Rooftop Fun: Katherine and me enjoyed a balmy night under the New York sky

A handful of Katherine’s charming and, to my great delight, single male friends were on hand, namely two charismatic Brits, Mudi and Nick.

Nick and I talked about our respective careers in PR – happily discovering Nick has worked with one of my best buddies in London and a mutual affinity for Australia. I learned he’s been Down Under seven times. I said that, for me, four times and five months in Sydney simply isn’t enough.

I also hit it off with visual artist Claire, recently back from making a splash in Venice and having her work featured in the New York Times. We mused about the allure of trying on other destinations for size and the perils of dating in NYC.

Mudi disputed my assumption that men in Gotham have it easier based upon the lopsided male-female ratio here. I was surprised, given that he has the additional advantage of an irresistible accent.

Yes, singlehood in the Big Apple has its ups and downs. All the more reason to be grateful for fabulous friends who throw impromptu parties where singles can commiserate or, ahem, connect.

Drinks With A Celeb Mag Veteran

Wednesday night, I met up for drinks with Alex, deputy news editor for one of the top celebrity magazines, at Midtown bar and lounge Bogart’s.

Alex and I connected via phone a few weeks ago, after I submitted an email tip about the upcoming “Sex And The City” sequel. We discovered we had a few things in common -- a love of Australia and cynical take on celebrity journalism among them -- so it only seemed fitting to meet in person.

Bogart’s: This Midtown bar and restaurant on NYC's Park Avenue serves up a mixed crowd of suits and grizzled-looking types

Alex has seen it all in his 20+ years covering Hollywood’s bold-faced names. He admitted to work-induced Michael Jackson fatigue, but didn’t get a break from it since Bogart’s was playing a medley of MJ’s greatest hits while we imbibed.

We eventually moved on from the topics of the gloved one and TLC’s Jon and Kate divorce drama to Alex’s history as a musician and my ignorance when it comes to Led Zeppelin. We also talked briefly about the possibility of working together on some travel promotions with my clients. Synergy is a beautiful thing.

Happy Fourth, All!

By The Numbers: Professional Gypsy Edition

During my ten year journalism school reunion back in April, I attended a panel about reinventing yourself. I couldn’t help thinking about how that phrase has applied to my career before and since attending Columbia‘s j-school.

Reporting Live: That's me with the microphone during my on-air days at WBOC-TV in Dover, Delaware, 2002

It’s been quite a journey from my days as a fresh-faced college graduate to my current profession of travel PR. I’ve written about municipal bonds for a trade newspaper, reported live during a Delaware blizzard and researched business segments for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Here are some of the bends in the long and winding road of my career -- By The Numbers:

Number of jobs since graduating from Mount Holyoke College: 10
Number of career changes: 2
Number of small market TV news jobs outside of New York: 4
Number of overseas jobs: 1
Number of years spent working in PR: 4.5

Four and a half years after making the transition to travel PR and joining Quinn & Company, I feel the same as I did when I first started -- fortunate to work for talented, honorable people and to be promoting one of my biggest passions, travel. Even better, I get to do this in the world’s greatest city.

A Journey Into The Outback

Having been to Australia four times now, I’m more eager than ever to visit a legendary part of the country that I haven’t before -- the Outback. Last night, I had a chance to learn more about this vast wonder from renowned adventure travel writer and Aussie native Andrew Dwyer.

Andrew shared his Outback experiences, along with some mouth-watering descriptions of recipes inspired by the region, with an intimate group at The Australian Restaurant & Bar in NYC’s Garment District. Hosted by the Australian American Association, his riveting, informative talk had me falling in love all over again with the Land of Oz.

Cast Iron Chef: Author Andrew Dwyer cooking a Greek meal in the Outback

Andrew’s love affair with the Outback began when he led his first expedition across it 25 years ago. Since then, he has written several books and continued to head up treks to remote areas enhanced by innovative cooking with fire (hence his nickname -- Cast Iron Chef).

“Australia is an amazing place,“ he said. “The Outback is even more amazing.”

It’s no wonder he’s so fascinated with it. Home to 75% of Australia’s biodiversity, the Outback is also the largest terrestrial wilderness area on Earth after Antarctica. From deserts alive with flowers to baby crocodiles that don’t attack, Dwyer has seen it all.

“The beauty of the Outback is that so much of it is impossible to access,” he said. “You can travel through terrain where there are no vehicle tracks.”

I won the door prize -- Andrew’s most recent book, “Outback - Recipes and Stories from the Campfire” -- and happily asked him to sign it for me.

“Happy cooks are happy campers,” he wrote.

I might just have to book an expedition with Andrew next time I’m Down Under so I can experience that first hand.

By The Numbers: Frequent Flier Edition

It’s no accident that I promote travel for a living. Travel is one of my greatest passions, as I rediscovered during my recent return to Australia.

From reinvigorating weekend getaways stateside to adventurous jaunts in more far flung destinations, I’ve been lucky to experience all kinds of getaways. Like I always say, I never met a trip I didn’t like. Here are some of my more memorable travel moments -- By The Numbers:

Approximate Number of overseas trips: 25

All Smiles in Costa Rica: Enjoying the view from Hilton Papagayo in Guanacaste during a business trip, March 2008

Number of return flights to the U.S. from Australia spent in a coach middle seat: 2
Number of British Commonwealth cities in which I’ve resided: 3 (London, Sydney and Toronto)
Number of flight delays precipitated by a dog running loose on the tarmac: 1
Number of celebrity sightings while traveling: 8
Number of brushes with royalty in the baggage claim area of JFK: 1

It was England’s lovely Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson (a.k.a Fergie), whom I found myself standing next to at JFK many years ago. That’s one of my favorite things about traveling -- the interesting characters you encounter unexpectedly along the way.

Coming up…1,001 ways to meet Mr. Right and a belated birthday celebration.

A Jetlag-Induced Pause

It's been three days since my return from Down Under -- but my body is still on Australia time.

As I recover from the inevitable jetlag of crossing multiple time zones in a little more than a week, I can't help looking forward to bouncing back from it, and to the exciting week ahead.

Monday, I'll have the pleasure of watching Florence Quinn, head of the PR agency I work for, Quinn & Co., accept a well-deserved lifetime achievement honor at the Adrian Awards (the Oscars of travel marketing). Additional events coming up include an inaugural visit to a performing arts showcase that highlights new talent, a philanthropic happy hour and manicures and martinis with some of my best galpals.

As my late and wise grandmother used to say, it's good to go away -- and it's good to come home. And it will be even better to be home when my body clock returns too.

By The Numbers: Farewell To Australia Edition

As I write this, I’m in the middle of my 20+ hour journey home, sitting between two charming natives of Western Australia -- an adorable aspiring actor moving to L.A., and the female owner of a strawberry field (WA is apparently renowned for them) heading to Miami and Key West.

Only a pair of Australians could make being in a middle seat in coach for 14 hours feel like an adventure instead of a sentence.

Over the last nine days, I’ve been fortunate to experience that signature Aussie charm over and over again. Here are some of the great memories I’m taking with me from my fourth jaunt Down Under -- By The Numbers:

Number of islands visited: 3
Number of times snorkeling: 2
Number of flights (commercial and charter) taken within Australia: 8 Number of hotels stayed at: 5
Number of personal items lost (including -- arrgh! -- my camera and all of the pictures from Queensland on it): 7
Number of Aussie friends seen: 2

Longtime friend and Canberra resident Dave and I reminisced and caught up over cocktails next to Sydney’s Opera House

Number of press trip journalists who graciously gave me his camera to use for my stay in Sydney: 1
Number of hunky Aussie males who threw me over his shoulder (and patted my derriere) so I wouldn’t have to walk across a rocky shore: 1
Number of business meetings that might lead to a blind date with an Aussie: 1

That blind date would be courtesy of Charlotte, Hilton’s charming regional PR manager for Australasia.

During a three-hour lunch at Hilton Sydney’s chic Glass Brasserie, our conversation eventually moved from work and the many natural wonders of Australia to dating and the pitfalls of social networking websites.

When I mentioned that I’m single, Charlotte told me about a thirty something male friend of hers who happens to live in New York. She offered to connect the two of us. Yes, please.

Charlotte and I also talked about America’s new president and how his election has created a renewed sense of hope and optimism not just in the U.S. but around the world. On this historic Inauguration Day, I feel excited about the new beginning that President Barack Obama is ushering in for the U.S.

A whirlwind trip to Australia and a brand new president -- two more amazing reasons to celebrate when I turn 35 tomorrow!

A Soaring Return To Sydney

Yesterday, after a whirlwind week of island hopping around Queensland for a press trip, I made my long-awaited return to Sydney.

Breezy, beautiful weather greeted me in the city I was lucky to call home for five months back in ‘02. After a leisurely check-in at my hotel in the heart of Sydney’s CBD that led to a room upgrade and complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, I went for a stroll down George Street.

I was unable to suppress a smile from the joy of being back in one of my most favorite cities, a smile that grew even wider as I caught a glimpse of Sydney’s iconic Opera House and Harbor Bridge.

After a delightful seafood dinner in The Rocks, an artsy neighborhood right near the water, Barb (one of the press trip journalists) and I made our way to the bridge.

Ever since my first visit to Sydney, people have often asked me -- have you done the BridgeClimb? With this trip, I decided it was finally time to change the answer to that question.

Barb and I couldn’t have picked a better night to do the 3.5 hour activity. BridgeClimb is very popular with locals on weekends and sure enough, we were the only non-Aussies in our group of 11.

After getting suited up and prepped by our perky, knowledgeable climb leader Kelly, we began our ascent to the summit.

My heart leapt into my throat as we crossed the first catwalk well above street level, then climbed a couple of very steep ladders. Upon reaching the steps, though, my anxiety was quickly replaced with sheer awe at the view of Sydney before me.

Sydney’s Harbor Bridge: Seven years after my first visit to Australia, I can finally say -- I climbed it!

The summit is 1.5 football fields -- that’s 134 meters, or about 440 feet -- above sea level. Some other fun facts -- BridgeClimb staff members go through six weeks of training and do about 13 climbs per week, and the longest-running staffer has climbed the bridge a whopping 4,000 times.

One very friendly BridgeClimber, Mark (who helped me resist giving into my initial nerves and backing out), told us he's racked up 700 climbs over the course of two years and still loves doing it. He also shared some exciting news -- the company is hoping to launch a similar climb experience on New York’s Brooklyn Bridge.

Sign me up!

Swimming With The Fishes

Our second day in Lizard Island at the top of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef brought with it an exciting first for me – snorkeling.

With Voyages’ friendly (and hunky) dive pros Noel and Gareth at the helm, the ten of us joined a few other resort guests for the short drive to Blue Lagoon Beach, for a scenic boat ride to the outer reef.

This boat shuttled me to and from my first ever snorkeling adventure

It took me a little while to get the hang of breathing through my snorkel tube, but what a thrill once I did! A giant clam and dazzling rainbow of coral came into view as colorful schools of fish swam by, unfazed by the latest interlopers in their underwater universe.

Gareth pulled out a blue starfish for us to look up at close and mentioned the movie “Finding Nemo.” I was as awestruck as Dory herself to be, ahem, swimming with the fishes.

Back at the resort, while the journalists went off to do some exploring on their own, I enjoyed a leisurely dip in the pool, delighted to have it all to myself.

Later, a stroll along the sand and brief climb over the rocks rewarded me with one of the most breathtaking sunsets I’ve ever seen.

This was definitely transformative trip moment #2, as the explosion of color across the sky made me feel like anything is possible – like big dreams can and do come true. What a perfect time to rediscover this, with the big 3-5 now only a few days away.

Coming up…my long-awaited return to Sydney and climbing the legendary Harbor Bridge!

Dispatch From Down Under: Lizard Island

In the two decades that I’ve been traveling, I’ve been fortunate to experience a handful of places that can legitimately be described as paradise. This week, I’ve added a very special one to that short list -- Australia’s Lizard Island.

As soon as our charter flight out of Cairns took to the skies, I got a preview of why Lizard has such a legendary reputation as one of the best islands on the Great Barrier Reef.

Another day on a press trip, another stunning view of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, flying over Lizard Island

I was completely blown away when we arrived at Voyages, the island’s five-star -- and only -- resort. With no other commercial development on Lizard, all you see at every turn is lush vegetation and pristine coastline (and yes, lizards darting around). The beach is inhabited by guests only so you truly feel like you’re in your own private Shangri-la.

That feeling intensified when I was shown to my accommodations -- a dreamy, well-appointed bungalow (favorite amenities -- the rain shower in the bathroom, and a cd alarm clock and iPod docking station) with a porch overlooking the water.

Speaking of the deep blue, there was a little free time before dinner, so I joined journalists Stephanie, Kristin and Lisa in heading down to the beach. Since it’s summer Down Under, I knew the water temperature would be perfect and it was.

As I floated happily in the Pacific Ocean, I thought about what my Tourism Queensland client Shana had said just before my departure. She told me there would be a transformative moment for me in Queensland. This was it.

Looking around at the vast, unspoiled coastline and feeling the waves lap up against me, I was humbled by the fact that my job had made it all possible. Well, my job and me doggedly pursuing Tourism Queensland over the course of several months until they hired Quinn & Co. to work on the destination’s sensational new Best Job In The World campaign.

Who says persistence doesn’t pay off?

Hamilton Island: Day Two

Monday afternoon, our group of 10 boarded a seaplane for a breathtaking flight over the Great Barrier Reef.

Our 30-minute trek took us into the heart of Australia’s greatest natural wonder (literally -- one of the most famous reefs is in the shape of a heart), with magnificent views of the deep, deep blue water and colorful reef formations.

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is even more awesome up close than I thought it would be

The only downside -- it was a very bumpy ride, and the turbulence found me and several of the journalists feeling more than a little green.

Thankfully, it was a smooth landing in the waters of Whitehaven Beach, where we enjoyed some sparkling wine and fruit.

The flight back was much calmer, especially because I got to ride shotgun in the cockpit.

Flying High: I enjoyed the cockpit view during the return flight to Australia’s Hamilton Island

The next morning, we all headed over to the koala gallery. It took four trips to Australia, but on this work-related journey I finally got a photo with the native creature.

This koala got very friendly as I posed for a picture with him

Though koalas are notoriously unfriendly in real life, this one not only posed for pictures, he placed his paw on nearly every female breast he came in contact with. What an animal.

After our koala encounter, it was off to the airport to catch a flight back to Cairns. Next stop on our whirlwind itinerary -- Lizard Island.

I love my job!

A Visit to Hamilton Island's Qualia

Sunday night, I joined about 40 journalists from across the globe along with Tourism Queensland’s executive staff for dinner at Qualia, Hamilton Island’s newest luxury resort.

Set on 30 private acres (gated access is restricted to guests only), Qualia’s 60 pavilions feature jaw-dropping island views, modern eco-inspired décor and soothing silence (no kids allowed).

The sense of arrival begins with Qualia’s open air lobby.

Qualia’s open air lobby was the setting for a Tourism Queensland-hosted dinner reception for media

During the cocktail hour there, I enjoyed Champagne and a selection of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres (including kangaroo with fruit chutney and the best fried shrimp I’ve ever had), and learned more about Hamilton Island from CEO Glenn Bourke.

Glenn told me and San Francisco-based freelance writer Kristin Luna about the Oatley family, Hamilton Island’s owners. Known for their philanthropy and great wines (Rosemount is their signature label), the Aussie clan has invested $300 million on Hamilton over the last five years. Still in the works -- a new yacht club and golf course.

Everyone at the dinner was buzzing about Tourism Queensland’s new Best Job In The World campaign, the destination’s just-launched global search for an Island Caretaker who will help spread the word about the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef.

Skirt Magazine editor Stephanie Davis, Tourism Queensland’s Kylie Smith and me at the Qualia dinner

During a delicious three-course meal, TQ’s Wendy Levy and I talked about how exciting it is to be part of such an innovative campaign that is reaching people around the world.

Expecting her second child this spring, Wendy told me how she met her husband through an unusual Aussie improv group called Theatre Sports. Her tale reaffirmed my belief that having fun -- especially in an unconventional way -- is a surefire approach to finding Mr. Right.

At this particular moment, though, I’m happy to be footloose and fancy free. It’s impossible to be anything but when you’re experiencing the wonders Down Under!

Coming up…my first-ever snorkeling adventure and the island hopping in Queensland continues.

Dispatch From Down Under: Hamilton Island

Greetings from Queensland, Australia. It’s been a whirlwind since my Virgin Blue flight touched down here yesterday in Hamilton Island, one of the 600 Islands of the Great Barrier Reef and the largest inhabited island in the breathtaking Whitsundays.

Led by our gracious Tourism Queensland escort Kylie, a group of 8 U.S. journalists and I drove by buggy through Hamilton Island’s winding hills to the aptly named Reef View Hotel. Upon entering my room, this was the view that greeted me...

What A View! My room at the Reef View Hotel on Australia’s Hamilton Island overlooks the Coral Sea.

I had just enough time to change and freshen up before rejoining the group and heading up to One Tree Hill, for a 360 degree look around.

Taking it all in from One Tree Hill atop Hamilton Island

Next, we toured Blue Pearl, a three-bedroom duplex home with sweeping island views, for a Q&A session with Tourism Queensland’s dynamic CEO Anthony Hayes.

It was then that we revealed to the journalists Tourism Queensland’s groundbreaking new campaign -- The Best Job In The World. The destination has just kicked off a global search to finding a winning candidate for the position.

What exactly is The Best Job In The World? Tourism Queensland’s newly created role of Island Caretaker. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime -- six months to live and work on the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef.

The perks? In addition to accommodations on Hamilton Island at Blue Pearl, a $100k salary and the chance to share what it’s like to live above the reef by blogging and video diaries.

I’ve been here only a day and can definitely say the winning applicant will have no shortage of material. Majestic and unspoiled island beauty, an array of activities for the adventurous, and 2,000 welcoming locals. This is Australia at its best, nestled within one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.

Think you’ve got what it takes to be Island Caretaker? Log on to http://www.islandreefjob.com/ before February 22nd and submit a one-minute video application.

I may not be eligible for the Island Caretaker gig, but as I get to know this subtropical paradise, I can’t help feeling like I’ve got the best job in the world too.

Coming up…a visit to Queensland’s newest luxury resort and a bumpy but unforgettable plane ride over the Great Barrier Reef.

Rubix Cube Redux

Last Saturday, my friend Lauren and I enjoyed a girls night out at O’Flanagan’s my favorite neighborhood pub.

A fellow travel PR maven, Lauren was the first person I connected with in the industry back in ‘04, when I was making the jump from TV news. We hit it off immediately during an informal networking lunch. I remember thinking if travel PR attracts fabulous women like her, this is the business for me.

Girls Night Out: Lauren (far right) and me rocking out to Rubix Cube with our new friends at O’Flanagan’s

After talking shop for a few minutes about representing Australian destinations, we moved onto more pressing matters -- like our shared New Year’s resolution to do more mingling with the opposite sex and make sure we’re having plenty of fun along the way.

To that end, we joined new friends Lori and Jamie on the dance floor to the groovy 80’s sounds of Rubix Kube.

Rubix Kube: The crème de la crème of 80’s cover bands

I first caught Rubix Kube at SoHo’s Canal Room last summer. The band was even more entertaining the second time around, and I was especially delighted when keyboard player Rich Forman made this special dedication --

“This goes out to all the single gals in the city here.”

As Rubix Kube kicked into high gear with classics from Erasure’s “A Little Respect” to Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy,” Lauren and I burned off our holiday indulgence with a little booty shaking.

During “Billie Jean,” I joined a male reveler in the center of the floor and we danced like it was 1985 while the crowd cheered us on.

It was well after 2am when we called it a night. I was exhausted but exhilarated, knowing that this is just the beginning of what is shaping up to be a great year. How could it be otherwise with my 35th birthday later this month and my long-awaited return to Australia just a few days away?

Spending The Day In L.A.

Today, I spent the day in the Los Angeles office of the client responsible for my imminent trip Down Under, Tourism Queensland.

Following a lengthy PR brainstorming session in her brightly lit office overlooking the mountains, Regional Director Shana and I headed out for lunch, enjoying a sunlit drive to Marina Del Rey.

I couldn’t help thinking of my last visit to this beautiful part of L.A., with my former long-distance love Sparky, back in ’94. The subject of moving on from old flames and embracing the future was one of many that came up during lunch with Shana at The Cheesecake Factory.

Shana and me after lunch in Marina Del Rey

As we enjoyed farfalle in a mushroom cream sauce, delectable tiramisu cheesecake and a beautiful harbor view, Shana and I talked about our good fortune in finding jobs we adore that allow us to tell the story of some of the most beautiful places on earth. We also reiterated our shared philosophy about dreaming big and reaching for what might seem like the impossible -- why not?

With my departure for Queensland just a few hours away, it felt like the perfect time to be talking about big dreams. I always hoped that working in travel PR would lead me back to Australia and, at long last, it has. I can’t wait to experience what Tourism Queensland refers to as life above the reef.

Stay tuned for more as I Dispatch from Down Under!

Taking To The Skies With QANTAS

Yesterday, I embarked on the first leg of my trip to Australia, flying to Los Angeles on QANTAS. From the minute I checked in, I was reminded of why the Aussie carrier is one of my favorites.

Despite the fact that my suitcase was 1 kilo over the 20 kilogram limit, the genial ticket agent didn’t charge me an excess baggage fee.

Upon boarding, I was delighted to discover that I had three seats to myself. Though I was in coach, the service and amenities were first class.

It began with a hot towel and complimentary bottled water. It continued with top notch in-flight entertainment and a choice of two entrees for dinner -- beef casserole with mashed potatoes or cheese ravioli in a cream and mushroom sauce.

Flying the Friendly Skies: The hard-working QANTAS flight attendants took good care of everyone

I opted for the latter (delish), regretting my decision to stop at McDonald’s in the food court a few hours before. I’m so accustomed to the lack of food on U.S. flights that I forgot how much more generous international carriers are. Also included in the meal -- cheese and crackers, strawberry danish, a selection of beer and wine (Champagne too) and coffee or tea.

While catching up on the news with Australia’s Channel Nine, a dreamy QANTAS ad came on, revealing the airline has been around for 88 years.

“Flying longer than any other airline,” said the voiceover, “And it shows.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Coming up…pampering with a purpose and Dispatches From Down Under!

By The Numbers: Down Under Edition

Seven years ago this month, I made my first trip to Australia. Fortune has smiled upon my love affair with this great country and, on Friday, I’ll embark on my fourth trek Down Under.

As I gear up for my ten-day trip to Sydney and the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef, I can’t help thinking about some of the more memorable moments I’ve experienced on the other side of the world. Here a few of them -- By The Numbers:

Number of Aussie men I locked lips with during my five months as a Sydneysider: 5
Approximate number of beaches visited Down Under: 4
Number of visits to observation deck of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge: 1
Number of Kylie Minogue concerts attended: 1
Number of alpha male Aussie roommates engaged in a serious bromance: 2

Doyle‘s on Watson‘s Bay: This was the view when one of my Aussie roommates took me for a sunlit late-afternoon repast at the renowned seafood eatery

Number of male roommates who took me for a motorcycle ride through Sydney’s majestic Watson’s Bay suburb: 1
Number of Aussie old flames I later reconnected with to find that lightning doesn’t always strike twice: 2

I think, sometimes, the point of reconnecting with an old flame is to confirm why he is, in fact, an old flame. After all, it’s must easier to embrace the future when you’re free of any ghosts from the past.

I'm looking forward to finding out what adventures await me Down Under this time around!

Opening The Vault: Part Twenty One

There’s nothing quite like falling in love for the first time. Every cheesy song suddenly has great personal resonance and yet, you feel paradoxically like no one has ever felt the same way.

For me, that intensity was heightened considerably by the fact that my first love was 3,000 miles away. California native Mark (a.k.a Sparky) swept into my life during a chance encounter at an “NYPD Blue” shoot and continued to sweep me off my feet when I finally made my first trip out West.

Behind The Scenes: My first visit to see Sparky included a stop at Universal Studios, where he worked as a sound editor for “Law & Order,” August 1994

Sparky once said he was in a magical funk thinking of us. During our first night together in California, I felt exactly the same way. I now Open The Vault and take you back to the summer of ‘94...

Granada Hills, CA
August 26th, 1994

Dear Diary,

You’d think that all of the unbridled passion and ecstasy of being in Sparky’s arms again would have been enough to stave any estrogen-induced moodiness. No such luck last night.

PMS kicked in and I began to worry that I’d made a mistake in deciding to stay with Sparky. I was afraid that seeing me day and night would make him tired of me. Some of my anxiety stemmed from residual guilt, of course, about going against Mom’s advice.

I admitted my concern. Pulling me close to him, Sparky took my hand and looked right at me as he said--

“You’re just not used to someone wanting you as much as I want you.”

He was right. Not only did he understand perfectly the daunting newness of our intensifying closeness, but he managed to sweep me off my feet in the same breath.

I called my friend Li-Shean and the sound of her voice calmed me considerably. She made me laugh about overreacting to Sparky’s furnishings when she guessed right off the bat that he has black leather couches! My insecurities faded and I concentrated on savoring my first night with the man I adore.

Not surprisingly, we got little sleep.

“I want to make you my wife,” Sparky murmured in my ear before kissing my cheek.

Later, after we managed to briefly doze off, I woke up to feel his arms holding me tightly, and to the sound of Sparky whispering --

“I love you.”

“I love you too,” I said, feeling like the words couldn’t come out quickly enough.

We kissed yet again, but this time it felt different. This time, we were affirming both those three little words and our mutual desire. And I knew it was only the beginning.

* * *

Passion wasn’t the only thing on the itinerary during my first trip to Sparky’s neck of the woods. We ended up taking in some of California’s top sights -- and along the way, I discovered how hard it was to hold back, despite the very real obstacles facing us.

Coming up…a look at two of Broadway’s hottest departing shows and the Australia countdown continues.

The Australia Countdown Begins

In about two weeks, I’ll be heading to Australia on business, visiting the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef and then stopping over in Sydney for a combination of work and pleasure.

It’s been three and a half years since my last trip Down Under, a ten-day jaunt to Sydney that I spent brooding over my then-boyfriend not being Mr. Right and what I was going to do about it. I’m so thankful that I’ll have the opportunity to revisit one of my favorite parts of the world, this time with a clear head.

Along with my excitement about seeing the Great Barrier Reef and great state of Queensland for the first time, I’m eagerly anticipating my reunion with the two people responsible for my love affair with Australia -- my dear friends Suzanne and David.

All Smiles in Sydney: Australian friends Sue and Dave during my first trip Down Under, January 2002

I met Sue and Dave back in ‘94, during a whirlwind Contiki bus tour across Europe that covered something like 18 countries in about as many days. We all hit it off immediately and managed to stay in touch over the years.

After Sue came to New York twice -- including a memorable New Year’s Eve that found our faith in humanity restored when a cab driver returned the wallet she left in his car -- the time finally arrived for me to go Down Under. For the first time in seven years, Sue, Dave and I were all together again, effortlessly picking up where we had left off.

When I said goodbye to them at the end of my January 2002 Australian jaunt, I had a feeling it wouldn’t be for long. Sure enough, I returned in May -- just in time to celebrate the birth of Sue’s daughter, my gorgeous goddaughter Isabella. My five month stint as a Sydneysider brought us even closer and afforded some great times with Dave in Canberra, Australia’s capital, with his growing family.

I can’t wait to see Sue and Dave again. In the meantime, I have another reunion to look forward to -- with an Aussie old flame who’s heading this way for New Year’s. I can’t think of a better way to kick off 2009!