Arriving on two Qantas flights between 8 and 9am this morning, the 300-strong audience couldn't hide their excitement as they were quickly ushered through the airport terminal and packed into buses headed for the Intercontinental Hotel in Sydney's CBD.
For many this is their first time travelling out of the United States and for some it was their first time on a plane.
The mixed bunch of fans includes 242 woman and 60 men ranging from 18 to 75 years old who come from all over the United States, as well as from Canada.
For Patty Turkess from the southern state of Virginia, who is a "massive" Oprah fan, this is a trip of a lifetime.
Leaving behind her husband, three children and four grandchildren she said she'll miss her family but can't wait for the adventure to begin.
“I want to see the Australian country, experience the culture and all the beautiful people here... everyone is so friendly,'' Ms Turkess said.
“Oprah has made such an impact on my life especially through her 'Best Life' series for woman who have struggled with weight and self-esteem,'' she said.
The fans stepped out onto a red carpet at the Sydney hotel and were greeted at by the Indigenous dance troupe Thullii Dreaming, performing a traditional Aboriginal welcome ceremony.
The guests are unaware of their itinerary and information about their travel plans have been kept top secret by the Oprah crew.
Viewed by Tourism Australia as a great opportunity to showcase Australia to the world, Oprah is set to film everything from the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the Blue Mountains, Byron Bay and the Hunter Valley.
Source http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/trip-of-a-lifetime-for-oprahs-fans/story-e6frg6n6-1225967008031
No comments:
Post a Comment