Cairns, Last Days and Home

 

We arrived in Cairns on Friday and enjoyed a quiet evening on the first night.  We walked the Esplanade along the waterfront of the city which was all lit up along with the front street where some of the more popular restaurants lie.

 

The next day we started class at Pro Dive Centers to begin our Open Water certification.  We were picked up from our hotel by one of the instructors, Tristan and started class early in the morning.  The center itself was a small complex of classrooms with a training equipment storage room and an in-the-ground pool.  The staff were all very nice and helpful.  We were all a little nervous and excited.  We started our day in the classroom and then our afternoon was practical water experience in the pool. The exercises were simple, clearing masks, putting on and replacing equipment in and out of the water at the surface and below.  Then we began practicing diving technique.  At the center of the pool was a 4 meter deep section.  It was there that we practiced techniques for diving.  Dana and Forrest were okay but I was unable to stand the pressure on my ear drums.   Which was ironic in that I have the least problems with my ears.  All that night following the class I had a pressurization in my ears and sinuses since I was not able to equalize. 

 

It was because of this pain I quit the class the next day.  Forrest and Dana continued the class the next day while I spent the day exploring the town.  Cairns is  a very young coastal town.  There are dozens of youth hostels and the relatively young population is made up of older teens and young adults from Europe and Japan.  The largest contingencies tend to be Germany, Switzerland, England, Ireland and Japan, though we met a lot of different nationals.

 

After they both passed the coursework in the classroom and pool the second part of certification was on the boat which was a three day overnight trip to do their openwater  practicum.  I was signed on for snorkel only.  The class was a mixed group of certified, those going for advanced and then the largest being the two open water classes.  Everyone was very nice and very international.  The crew were all very helpful and excited for us all.  There was one other snorkeler on the boat, an irish girl who had tagged along with her sister, who was doing the open water course.

 

The first day on the boat consisted of boating out to the dive sites which took three hours.  Once there we placed anchor and the divers got two dives while the rest got to do snorkeling.  It was really nice in that after every dive food was available to the passengers to keep our strength up.  Dana had a great time and were very excited after their first “real” dives.   Forrest was beside himself and very excited and fortunately by the time we got to Cairns his health had improved remarkably.   There were a total of 8 dives on the the trip. 

 

While they were doing all this I decided to toak an intro dive to see if in fact I was unable to dive.  I went to down to 10 meters and had no problem.  When we finished the trip I asked the guys if it would be okay if we changed our last part of the trip (eco resort) so we could stay in Cairns long enough for me to finish my course.  They were excited to get more diving in.  I went back to the school finished my written course and pool practice and did fine and then we took two one day charters out to complete my open water dives for certification.  Forrest and Dana went and did recreational dives.  Needless to say I got certified and we celebrated by all going on a dive together.  All I can say about diving the Great Barrier Reef is OMFG!  What an amazing experience.  We were so lucky and privelaged to experience such a thing.  The coral reefs were the prettiest we have seen  (sea of cortez, Caribbean)

 

We saw sharks and turtles and lots of other very cool things like snakes and barracudas.  The fish were beautiful and the coral absolutely breathtaking with the shapes, sizes and colors.

 

After that we took a skytrain to Kuranda over the jungle/ rainforest.  Kuranda is a jungle village (town) on the other side of this amazing park preserved natural reserve over and through mountains.  There were massive trees, ferns, etc some being huge eucalyptus that reached high in the sky.  There were wild birds (mostly Australian parrots (cockatoos and cockatiels, lorikeets, conures, etc. )  loud and beautiful in their plumage.

 

Kuranda itself was fine and we went to a small reserve park and got to hold koalas which was very cool.  They are soft and smell like eucalyptus (not overpowering but pleasant).

 

After that day trip it was time to head back to Sydney.  We were all missing Cairns though as much as we like Sydney.  The city is in the tropics and a destination for young people all over the world.  It had a good energy and was very pleasant and laid back. 

 

When we got to Sydney we all wanted to fight our jet lag and so had a small nap then headed out to the aquarium which was one of the best I have ever been to and then the Australian Maritime History Museum where I found an interesting placard and document on display that lent more to my belief “we” knew about what was going to happen on 9/11 but I wont bore you here.  But ask me and I will tell you.  While there we went on board the replica of the Discovery (one of Cooks boats while exploring the world) and a cold era British/ Australian destroyer.

 

After that we enjoyed the city and did some shopping and more site seeing.  The flight back to Seattle via San Francisco got us home half an hour after we left in Sydney (time zones) on the 12^th of November.  We are jet-lagged and missing the sun but very happy to see friends and family who we will be making our way very soon.  Just as soon as we recover. 

 

The trip was fantastic and we had our favorite islands and places but Australia took it for me.  I think I found a tropical/ sub tropical climate that would work.  But we still have a full year to explore.  Who knows what fun things and places we will discover.

 

But more on that to come.

Cairns

Thursday we finished up looking around the city.  Then prepared to go out on the town and had a lot of fun.  the next day we had to go to the hospital to get my infection checked by a specialist.  he looked at it and said it was okay which was good news.  we rushed to the airport and had a nice flight up to Cairns on Virgin Pacific.  Cairns is the beginning of our Great Barrier Reef Adventure.  Stay tuned for some great pictures and tales in the next couple of days.

A Darling Harbor Day

A Darling Harbor Day

 

It’s Wednesday, October 29, After a slow start, Forrest and I headed out to Darling harbor to check out the waterfront pavilions and eventually grab a bite to eat.  Its quite a nice little harbor and very close to where our condo is.  The weather was raining and a little cooler than we have had so far in Australia.  We decided which side of the harbor we wanted to check out and then went to go find a place to eat lunch.  We went inside since it was a little cold and went to a noodle house. 

 

It was quite good and fresh and it had a nice view of the harbor.  Afterwards we strolled through the pavilions which were more shopping centers than anything else.  It was really nice to have some personal time as we haven’t had much time in port to hang out, just ourselves.  Though the trip has been so enjoyable especially with our three very distinct personalities but similar interests.  We did a little shopping and then strolled home.    I wasn’t feeling too well (with the antibiotics) so we decided to head back so I could have a nap. 

 

We had a slow afternoon as I slept for an uncharacteristic 3 hours.   Dana was a little stir crazy and so we decided to go to Darling Harbor to find a nice steak house and have a good meal.  Afterwards we strolled the harbor then headed back to the condo to have a mellow night.

Bridge Climb

Tuesday started out with me seeing the doctor and getting bad news.  The results from the culture said i had a nasty infection even though i was feeling fine and it was getting better.  The doctor ordered five blood tests and an xray to be sure it hadnt spread to my spine.  It took all morning but again Forrest and I were impressed with the ability to take me same day and the inexpensive treatment.  The doctor also said that i had to return for the results on thursday. 

The rest of the day was looking around town and going shopping.  We also checked out the Darling Harbor district and had lunch down there.  I needed a nap and afterwards we headed out to the Rocks (old Sydney) to go to the Harbor Bridge Climb.  We had signed up to do it at night.  It was the most spectacular thing.  it took us an hour to get set up but our guide was amazing and the bridge at night was nothing short of breathtaking.  we had a great time and the skyline and city and waterways were so amazing.  i think it was our favorite thing we have done.  there was a wall of fame and it had all the pictures of famous people who had done it on the wall and notables.  One was a 100 year old woman who did it.  Stars that also did ranged from Bette Midler to Matt Damon to Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe).

It took about 3 1/2 hours and the whole cabling system was pretty fascinating alone much less a bridge that was built in the 20s that was solid (Forrest noted how it didnt sway AT ALL). The bridge was over engineered and the shear scale of it was amazing.  at one time it was the tallest structure on the skyline.  it stands twice the size of the Opera House.  

Afterwards we had scoped out a spot in the Rocks for a bite to eat and a drink.  It was a nice outdoor pub.  The food was pub food good and the beers went down well after a long climb.  We headed home and had a good nights sleep especially after all the exercise.  

Koalas and Roos

We took public transportation to Ferndale on Monday.  It was a great trip out.  there is a native animals wildlife park out there (not a bad commute).  It was great.  We got to get our picture next to a Koala and even touch it.  They are sooo soft.  Then we went and hand fed the Kangaroos and Wallabies.  Some even had a Joey in their pouch.  It was quite good in that they gave you the wafer cones (for ice cream) but we used them to scoop roo goodies (feed).    the next task was to find one that wasnt full.  I found a really sweet one at least my height but she was laying down.  It was a warm day so they were all lazy.  

We saw the birds that are going to be patrolling the eco resort we will be staying at.  Casowrays (sp?).  They are twice our height and  and prehistoric looking.  We came across the dingo paddocks and solved the Maya puzzle. She isnt a Collie but a Dingo.  The resemblance is uncanny.  

We saw lots of snakes and spiders.  Apparently Australia has the ten most venomous snakes in the world.  And then a good number of the top 50 too.  The spiders aren't all that great looking either.

We happened to stumble upon the croc' paddock.  there was one at least 10 yards long.  he was "sleeping" as two keepers were in the paddock and not only that but the pool, cleaning it.   one keeper watched the croc' and the other carefully cleaned while trying not to wake him up.

we had a wonderful time.  Dana was fascinated with the reptiles. I think Forrest was in heaven with the Koalas and Roos and Wallys.  I liked the Dingos, Tiger Quolls and Tazmanian Devil.    They didnt have a Platypus but they did have an Echidna.  

Afterwards we made the treck back. In general and as a rule we are very impressed with the public transportation in Sydney. However the trains heading back into the city are not comfortable in 90 degree weather. Especially when they are full and have no A/C.

We survived and made it home.  We decided to stay in that night as we were all tired.  We did some grocery shopping and used the kitchen to cook a really nice meal.  

Doctors, Billy Elliott and the Rugby League World Cup

Doctors, Billy Elliott and the Rugby League World Cup

 

Sunday, October 26 saw me finally getting up early to go to a clinic to have my skin infection looked at.  I found out from the front desk that the clinic had Sunday hours and where it was located (conveniently close by). 

 

The three of us walked over there and Forrest and Dana waited while I had it looked at.  The clinic had two doctors on and the appointments were not rushed.  I got in after a reasonable amount of time (general practioners don’t make appts it is first come first serve except for extreme cases they move ahead).  I waited no longer than 15 minutes on a walk in appt.  My doctor took his time.  At first I thought he was a grumpy ole man but he ended up being a very thoughtful and sincere doctor.  He was not happy at the look of the infection and so ordered a swab taken to test it and asked that I return on Tuesday.

 

The whole system was efficient, comprehensive and I felt as though I was being listened to and that they were interested in fixing me.  It was not a managed care feel where you are rushed in and out and the doctor barely remembers your medical history.  We have no travel insurance so we paid out of pocket.  The prices for the doctor visit and the tests were ridiculous.  The nurses, doctors were all apologetic about charging us “so much.”  But with the tests, the visit and the antibiotics and ointment it all came to about $100 American.

 

After that we all went to go look at the market and then grab something to eat.  Afterwards we walked Dana back to the apartment and then Forrest and I got ready to go see Billy Elliot the stage show.  It was a spectacular show.  Well adapted from the screen. It was a very energetic and fun show.  We were both disappointed in that the songs were like regular stag shows and did not instead incorporate the classic rock that drove the movie so well.  But there are a few future cult songs in the show and we loved it.  The theater itself was beautiful and the inside was very eclectic.  Its hard to describe but a spectacular venue.  We had great seats which made even better.

 

Afterwards we rushed home, had a quick snack then the three of us rushed to go see the Australia vs New Zealand game at the Sydney stadium.  The game was so fun and the crowd absolutely intoxicating.  A great vibe.  Forrest and Dana didn’t know the game but the guy sitting next to Dana would explain some of the rules and since it is Rugby League World Cup rules vs Rugby Union I needed clarification too.  It was great fun. 

 

Afterwards we grabbed a burger, as the food at the stadium was fine but not satisfying.

 

A busy day but a great day for really getting into the culture of the city.  Oh and Australia won btw.  The crowd was nicely mixed between the two sides.

Ferries and Beaches oh my!

Ferries and Beaches oh my!

 

Saturday, October 25 marked our first day in Sydney.  We decided to go out and about the town to get an idea on the flavor of the city.  So we walked the neighborhood and then decided to go down to the waterfront.  While we were there we thought that since it was a really nice warm day that we would take the passenger ferry to Manly Beach.  The ferry terminal is set up much like a European train station/ subway.  There are berths for certain ferries to dock, unload and load passengers and then got on their way.  We used it quite a bit as their passenger ferries move thousands of people in and around the extensive waterways in and around Sydney and her suburbs.  There are two types of ferries, the very fast catamaran style and then the older but no less effective double bowed ferries.  These ones are slower but hold a much larger capacity.  They look like two bows were glued together, which makes them ideal of getting in and out of the berths.  The whole system is part of a much broader transportation system that is efficient, diverse and reliable.   Buses, trains, light rail, monorail, taxis, passenger ferries and subways all connect the city, her suburbs and the outlying bureaus completely.  And what’s more impressive is that the whole system is designed similarly and so the consistency makes for an ease of use of the whole system. 

 

We took the half hour trip over to Manly, which is like a key west in the middle of a major city.  A nice little beach community tucked away.  The long concrete boardwalk, endless beach, with volleyball and surfing everywhere was amazing.  People were so laid back. We ate dinner at a German restaurant right on the harbor side.  Then we walked four blocks through a promenade (like a high street) where there were all manners of shops to browse, to get to the beach I mentioned above.  That side is the ocean side and where the great beaches and best surfing is.  It is definitely a beach culture.  It was busy but no overwhelming like Waikiki.  It seems as though the whole city was planned to do crowd control and movement for intense numbers of people so nothing ever seems too crowded.

 

After a few hours exploring Manly we took the boat back to the harbor (Darling Harbor) closest to our hotel.  We relaxed until a little later and then went to a Spanish Tapas restaurant.  After that we decided to check out the night life and had a really nice time.  Australians are so friendly, well-mannered and polite.  I think we have all fell in love with this country.  It is just so laid back but bustling at the same time.

Ferries and Beaches oh my!

Ferries and Beaches oh my!

 

Saturday, October 25 marked our first day in Sydney.  We decided to go out and about the town to get an idea on the flavor of the city.  So we walked the neighborhood and then decided to go down to the waterfront.  While we were there we thought that since it was a really nice warm day that we would take the passenger ferry to Manly Beach.  The ferry terminal is set up much like a European train station/ subway.  There are berths for certain ferries to dock, unload and load passengers and then got on their way.  We used it quite a bit as their passenger ferries move thousands of people in and around the extensive waterways in and around Sydney and her suburbs.  There are two types of ferries, the very fast catamaran style and then the older but no less effective double bowed ferries.  These ones are slower but hold a much larger capacity.  They look like two bows were glued together, which makes them ideal of getting in and out of the berths.  The whole system is part of a much broader transportation system that is efficient, diverse and reliable.   Buses, trains, light rail, monorail, taxis, passenger ferries and subways all connect the city, her suburbs and the outlying bureaus completely.  And what’s more impressive is that the whole system is designed similarly and so the consistency makes for an ease of use of the whole system. 

 

We took the half hour trip over to Manly, which is like a key west in the middle of a major city.  A nice little beach community tucked away.  The long concrete boardwalk, endless beach, with volleyball and surfing everywhere was amazing.  People were so laid back. We ate dinner at a German restaurant right on the harbor side.  Then we walked four blocks through a promenade (like a high street) where there were all manners of shops to browse, to get to the beach I mentioned above.  That side is the ocean side and where the great beaches and best surfing is.  It is definitely a beach culture.  It was busy but no overwhelming like Waikiki.  It seems as though the whole city was planned to do crowd control and movement for intense numbers of people so nothing ever seems too crowded.

 

After a few hours exploring Manly we took the boat back to the harbor (Darling Harbor) closest to our hotel.  We relaxed until a little later and then went to a Spanish Tapas restaurant.  After that we decided to check out the night life and had a really nice time.  Australians are so friendly, well-mannered and polite.  I think we have all fell in love with this country.  It is just so laid back but bustling at the same time.