A year and a half ago, Franny helped organize a school fundraiser to aid the victims of a substantial earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand. For this reason, we made sure that Christchurch would find a place on our itinerary. When we got to the city, we were all shocked, saddened, humbled and inspired by what we discovered.
FAST FINNY FELSON
When we set off on the trip, Finn had never picked up a pool cue. Now, 53 days later, we make a point of seeking out a pool hall wherever we can find one. The kid is officially hooked, proudly proclaiming “Now I have a sport.”
HOMEWORK AT SUNSET OVER ADELAIDE
Due to the way the harbor is situated, Adelaide is one of the few cities in Eastern or Southern Australia that gives you a full-on western sunset. On this particular night, Franny and Finn used the nifty glass-enclosed balcony of our apartment to catch up on schoolwork. Finn is working on his math, while Franny is powering through “Wrinkle In Time” for our family book group. 
Our first book was “Animal Farm”, our next book is “Flowers For Algernon.” Soon, Franny and Jen will be reading “Memoirs of a Geisha” in anticipation of our time in Kyoto, while Mark and Finn will be sharing “Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman.” Further reading suggestions are always welcome. Please offer any and all Family Book Group ideas below.
SHE JUST BREATHES
We all measure our lives in years, decades, generations. What if you had to measure your life in months, weeks, days? What would you do? This movie is about Kelly, our former nanny, our cherished friend, a truly remarkable and inspiring person. Please take just a few minutes and watch.
ONE MINUTE TO RENDEZVOUS AT THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
We think the (especially lengthy) title just about says it all. Enjoy your day.
THE PRICE OF GAS IN AUSTRALIA
In our further study of fuel prices around the world, we present exhibit B: The cost to fill a tank in a normal five passenger sedan in Adelaide, Australia.
Yes, that’s $97.25 Australian dollars. And keep in mind that currently it costs just over 105 U.S. cents to buy an Australian dollar, so that brings the price of a tank of gas here to a whopping 102 dollars. Last month in oil-abundant, government subsidized Ecuador, we were seeing petrol selling for $1.52 a gallon, where in Australia that’s the cost of a liter.
FITZROY, A LOVE SONG
When we were living in Australia a few years back, we regretted that we never made it down to Melbourne. We were told it’s the most European of the cities in Australia (kind of true), and we were told it’s a “grown-up city, not really for kids” (kind of false). What we weren’t told about was a funky neighborhood called Fitzroy, about 20 blocks from the city center. We ended up taking an apartment in Fitzroy where, after just a few days, we felt like locals. This is our love song to Fitzroy (and when we say “our” we mean “Franny’s”).
THIS IS WHAT TOMORROW LOOKS LIKE
It’s September 9th in Los Angeles, but it’s September 10th in Australia. Here is a sneak preview of tomorrow. On an overnight train from Sydney to Melbourne, we woke up before dawn — still jet-lagged from the flight from South America. The assignment for each of us was to write a short poem with the same title. This is the result:
WHAT WE SEE TODAY
On the southern coast of Australia, driving the remarkable Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide.
The Twelve Apostles, rising from the Southern Ocean.
Franny and Finn at Loch Ard Gorge, just before sunset.
This is nearly as far south as one can go before getting to Antarctica.
GREAT FILM COMMISSIONS OF THE WORLD: BUENOS AIRES
As we travel, thinking about future movie projects (longer than the two-minute variety), we have the great fortune of being hosted by film commissions all over the world. These film commissions are generously giving us a unique window into their cities, their countries and their cultures. As an expression of our deep appreciation for their kindness, we are creating a series of video love letters celebrating the places we are introduced to and the people who we help open our eyes to new worlds. Here’s a small glimpse at some beautiful, little seen corners of Buenos Aires.(Note: While we love Ennio Morricone over just about anything, the temp score doesn’t scream Buenos Aires, so any recommendations for a new music track would be appreciated.)