The first days in Sydney for “Life OVER Seas” felt like stepping into a postcard- but not the glossy, untouchable kind. Everyone we encountered was kind and engaging- a smile on their face as they greeted strangers in the street. This was a living, breathing city, humming with energy and warmth, especially during the holidays. Livia dove into it headfirst, making friends immediately at an outdoor restaurant on the waterfront with the ease only children seem to have. As I swapped contact information with the parents- strangers who felt like friends- I realized how travel has a way of breaking down barriers, connecting lives for brief but meaningful moments.
The Opera House was as iconic as I imagined, but it wasn’t just a backdrop- it was a stage. Live music played somewhere in the distance and Livia and I spun and twirled in front of its famous sails, her laughter mixing with the sound of the harbor. There’s something about seeing your child so unapologetically joyful that shifts your perspective. Travel isn’t just about seeing- it’s about feeling, and in that moment, I felt the world open a little wider.
Then came the Regent Seven Seas Explorer, a ship that redefined luxury for me. It is simply unbelievable and I can’t believe this is our new home for the next few months. Draped in holiday finery, it wasn’t just a vessel; it was an experience. Garlands, twinkling lights, and wreaths adorned every public surface, giving the impression we had walked into a floating holiday wonderland. From the balcony of our suite, champagne in hand, we sailed past the Opera House one last time on this leg of our journey. The city shined in the summer evening sun and I couldn’t help but marvel at how this juxtaposition of natural beauty and human ingenuity felt almost otherworldly.
Our day at sea was filled with Livia’s schooling, sharing stories and information about the animals, habitats, flora, and fauna we’ll discover together. For Dan and I, that was balanced with work with our clients a world away. Our floating office is working out nicely so far, the sunlight shining on the ocean just off our balcony serving as natural light and a gorgeous moving piece of art.
Our first stop after Sydney was Melbourne, and it hit me differently- less glitz, more soul. At the Werribee Open Range Zoo, we joined a safari that felt intimate and wild all at once. Watching a baby rhino stick close to its mother, both wandering freely among giraffes and zebras, was the kind of moment you don’t just see- you absorb. Ostriches roamed freely and walked right next to the open windows of our safari van- interested in what was happening inside.
The zoo’s mission of conservation made it all the more poignant, a reminder of how fragile our connections to the natural world truly are. Our guide shared the haunting story of the Christmas Island pipistrelle bat and its final, desperate mating call- a sound both incredible and tragic. Hearing the bat’s frenzied clicking song, a plea for a mate that would never come, was heartbreaking.
The day after that call was captured in 2009, researchers tracking the bat found a lone dead male- the very last of his species. That devastating discovery became a turning point for Werribee Zoo and Zoos Victoria. It galvanized their mission and deepened their commitment to conservation. Since then, the zoo has pledged to work in close cooperation with conservation programs around the world to prevent the extinction of any land mammal.
Their efforts have been remarkably successful, a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and determination. For me, the story of the extinct pipistrelle bat is bittersweet- a stark reminder of what we’ve lost, but also a symbol of hope. The little bat’s story still echoes, impacting visitors and inspiring scientists to ensure that no other land mammal meets the same fate. It’s a story that reminds us of the delicate balance we must protect, and the power of collective action to preserve life on Earth.
Later, we wandered the streets of downtown Melbourne, losing ourselves in its vibrant energy. The Myer department store windows were a revelation- intricate, whimsical, and deeply festive. They didn’t just rival New York’s; they felt uniquely Australian with their holiday animal theme, blending tradition with a creative flair that lingered in the air.
These moments- the champagne toasts, the new friendships, the unexpected wonder- felt like perfect synchronicity. The holidays have a way of amplifying everything, making the world feel more alive. And here, in Sydney and Melbourne, the magic was palpable. These weren’t just days; they were stories, etched into our hearts.
Our next stop on this grand adventure is Tasmania and the Bonorong Animal Sanctuary. We can’t wait to bring you along for the ride with us.
Disclosure Statement:
This journey was made possible in partnership with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Regent has generously collaborated with FoodFamilyTravel.com to share the costs of travel and accommodations. All opinions, editorial, reflections, and content are author’s own.