LA & Sydney (27 March - 14 April 2026)

After three months of exploring and volunteering, we were leaving South America. We have had so many enriching experiences as we have traversed from Patagonia, Bariloche, Iguazu, the Galapagos, the Amazon and Cuzco.  

Whilst our hearts were full with the incredible moments and memories we carry with us, we were also slightly battered and exhausted. Whether it was the altitude, illness, the food, lack of sleep or being away from home and family for three months (after a super-dose over Christmas) we were all feeling a bit worn out.

So it was great that we spent the next two weeks in recharge mode with friends and family. First we hit LA for just two days as an extended layover, so we could meet with Anish, Jaina, Ravi and Krish. It was so wonderful to spend quality time with family we rarely get to see and yet are still close with. We had great food, played lots of games and caught up on life. So grateful they came out to meet us there and spend time with us – we felt so restored after just two days

.Next stop was Sydney, where we got to spend nearly two weeks with Vishali and George. We were so excited to spend time with them – everything clicked so quickly and easily. We had the best time hiking in the Blue Mountains over the weekend, spending the week with George as he guided us to his favourite spots and beaches, celebrating his birthday at Lunar Park and settling into local life in North Sydney (and doing some touristy things like climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. I also got to see some colleagues I rarely get to see. Vishali and George made this part super special – if our cup was nearly full after LA, then it was overflowing by the time we left Sydney.