After dreaming about it for over a decade, I finally arrived in Australia. I landed in Brisbane on the east coast. As I walked off the plane at 5:20am, the chill hit me like autumn in NY. It was still dark outside, but I could see the airport was coming to life with people heading off to their various destinations. After going through customs, I had to check-in for my domestic flight to Cairns. It turned out that my carry-on suitcase was too heavy at 13kg to be considered a carry-on for domestic flights, so I had to check it. The max allowed was 9kg. Note to self: brush up on conversion formulas for weight and distance.
There was a shuttle bus from the international terminal to domestic. I stood outside with what seemed like everyone from my previous flight. The sun was slowly starting to rise. It was dark and chilly with a light rain falling. After arriving at the domestic terminal, which seemed to be in another city it was so far, I experienced something that hasn't happened in a very long time. I went through security without taking off my shoes or putting all of my toiletries on display. I wasn't subjected to a full body x-ray scan either. It reminded me of flying in America pre-911. No one even asked for my ID or ticket when I walked through the security checkpoint. If I had loved ones who wanted to see me off, they could have walked to the gate with me. I was a little confused at first, so I asked the guy next to me if I needed to remove my shoes. Apparently, I wasn't the only shocked American, because I saw a couple of pairs of shoes on the conveyor belt in front of me. I walked through the metal detector, collected my things, and I walked to my gate. The flight from Brisbane to Cairns was pretty uneventful. I sat next to the window for that flight after being crammed in the middle of a 4-person row from Dallas to Brisbane. I arrived in Cairns a couple of hours later to the bright sunshine and warm breezy weather. It reminded me of California or Hawaii. A shuttle driver picked me up and delivered me to my hotel. I arrived a couple of hours prior to the normal check-in time, and my room wasn't ready. I was allowed to secure my bags at the hotel, and then I explored my surroundings.
It seemed like every other business purported to be a coffee shop. They were everywhere. There were also lots of Asian restaurants, including Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, and fusions of them all. Even though Australia closely aligns with Europe culturally due to colonization, it is still geographically akin to Asia Pacific, and is a reflection of that influence too. I stopped and ordered a seafood basket at a restaurant, and my body told me later that it was not a good decision. The whole meal was fried - fish, shrimp, crab, scallops, and chips (fries). I rarely ever eat fried food. It tasted good, but I felt a little queasy later. There were lots of shops around the hotel too, I went to Woolworths (grocery) across the street, and bought a large bottle of water for $.80. I also saw an interesting sign for "Peter Pan Internet". My phone doesn't work here, and I wanted to check in with my family. My hotel and other little shops offer internet at a cost, and I wanted to compare them before making a final decision. I walked up the stairs to Peter Pan & found a large bright room with young people (like fresh out of high school) on computers, some playing video games on flat screen in the middle of the room, and a small group playing Jenga. There was also loud music playing to attract the kids too. I asked about the internet, and I was told that it cost $2. "Per hour?" No. If I bought a $2 membership card, I would have unlimited internet access at any of the 22 locations around Australia. JACKPOT! The lady handed me a card, and all I had to do was write my name on it and give her $2. After sending a few emails, I went back to the hotel to finally check in. The desk clerk told me that I received an upgrade. My room was clean and bright and near the stairs, just as I like it. I also explored the restaurant area where they serve continental breakfast. I found a huge veranda just outside the dining room, which made me smile inside. The weather is perfect for outdoor dining and lounging. In fact, I'm sitting on the veranda now writing these words.
During my exploration prior to turning in for the night, I walked over to the esplanade and lagoon where it seemed like locals and tourists alike could find enjoyment. There was a concert in the park that seemed to have lots of patrons too. As I walked back from the water, I heard a 1-man band playing 3 Little Birds, and I couldn't help but sing and smile as I walked by. I picked up dinner and purchased a bottle of wine from the store next to Woolworths and had my first dinner in Australia in the cool night air with voices wafting up to the porch from the sidewalks below and the breeze blowing in off the water. There are no worries tonight.
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