Australians love to rhyme words and make fun of Americans. A common synonym for Americans is "yanks," which are obviously Yankees. However, the term "sepos" is also a favorite of Australians -- it means septic tanks, and they say it because it rhymes with "yanks." I was assured it was a term of endearment, not meant to be offensive.

My favorite Australian sports was sand tobogganing on Tangalooma Island. I arrived with friends to an island that looked similar to Gilligan's Island, but a short four-wheel drive inland revealed an amazing sand dessert. The trick was to climb a huge sand hill, wax a small piece of wood and then slide down. Well, when I reached the top and couldn't see the person who slid down before me until he reached the end because it was so steep, I ran to the back of the line. I finally was pushed down and it was actually really fun.

All of Australia is beautiful, but Byron Bay is breathtaking. The lighthouse is situated on top of huge cliffs that lead into the ocean. The eastern-most part of Australia can be seen from there. There are steps to walk to the eastern-most part, but I, not being an Ironman champion, decided to just take in the fabulous view.

Sydney is the place tourists must see before returning home. One, because the feeling I got when I saw my first glimpse of the opera house in person, instead of on a postcard, was unexplainable. Second, I've noticed the first thing people ask when I say I've been to Australia is -- So, how was Sydney? I always wondered what kind of reaction I'd get if I said I didn't go. Maybe, I'll try it for fun next time.