- Sydney Opera House (2007)
- Great Barrier Reef (1981)
- Greater Blue Mountains Area (2000)
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (1987)
- Wet Tropics of Queensland (1988)
UNESCO World Heritage sites in Australia
Showing posts with label Cairns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cairns. Show all posts
Saturday, September 6, 2014
World Heritage
I visited the following World Heritage sites while I was in Australia:
UNESCO World Heritage sites in Australia
UNESCO World Heritage sites in Australia
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
8-27-14
Yesterday, was another full day. I was picked up near my hotel and taken to a small village near Cairns, called Kuranda. I started at Tjapukai (Jah-puh-guy) Aboriginal Cultural Park where there were shows and demonstrations by the indigenous people of the area. I learned how to throw a boomerang properly so it returns. I threw spears too, but my skills would leave me hungry if I depended on spearing a kangaroo for food. The spear doesn't actually kill the kangaroo, but stuns it enough to slow down for the hunter to run over and kill it with a club. I visited the women's hut, and learned about bush medicine and how different plants and herbs are used as antiseptics, laxatives, anti-diarrheals, headache cures, etc., which was right up my alley. In the men's hut, I learned about different weapons and forms of punishment delivered to men who disobey the rules set by the clan. I also learned how didgeridoos are made and the different methods of playing them using circular breathing - blowing out your mouth while inhaling and exhaling through your nose. It's pretty complicated. I'm going to practice my circular breathing when I get home.
To make a didgeridoo, the man walks through the woods tapping on small trees listening for a hollow sound. They are hollowed by termites naturally. The man takes the tree and cuts it to the desired length. If it is not completely hollow, he has to burn out the remaining internal wood. After it is hollowed out completely, he removes the bark and begins smoothing the outside using leaves that feel like sandpaper. Then, he decorates the outside with the design he desires by carving or painting (with colors from crushed rocks). The final step is to add beeswax to the smaller end (mouthpiece). The beeswax will mold to the man's lips and make it comfortable for him to play. The didgeridoo is traditionally played by men only, and women do not touch them at all. There's a belief that a woman who touches a didgeridoo will soon become pregnant.
There was also face/body painting and a performance by the Tjapukai Dance Troupe, which included storytelling and details on the instruments like the didgeridoo, clap sticks, and boomerang sticks. We learned about the different types of clothing that they might wear in the area, including belts made of kangaroo or human hair that were formed much like dreadlocks. They also showed us how they would produce fire during a ceremony. At the end of the show, they taught the audience a song and dance and invited people to come to the stage with them. There was a group of kids on a field trip who looked to be about 4 or 5 who were so excited about dancing on the stage.
After touring the center, I sat down for a buffet lunch in the center's restaurant followed by painting a story stone. Then, it was time to head to the skyrail station next door. I met a family of 4 from NY who were taking the same tour. They were Lorraine and John and their adult children, Rob, and Genevieve. Lorraine and I seemed to be the only people who were bold enough to ask questions during the demonstrations, so we heard each other's American accents and hooked up when it was all over. Rob works in Melbourne, so the family decided to visit for a family vacation. I also met a guy from Kentucky who works for Chevron in western Australia. He was in Cairns for a wedding and decided to take a few tours while he was in the area.
The NY family and I boarded a 6-seat Skyrail gondola together. The skyrail is a cableway that glides above the rainforest. The rainforest is nationally protected and its also a World Heritage protected site. The skyrail took 8 years total to be completed - 7 years to receive all the necessary permissions and final sign off to build and 1 year to finally construct it. Vehicles could not be driven into the rainforest, so equipment was delivered to the workers using helicopters. The goal was to cause as little disruption to the environment and ecosystem as possible. Some trees had to be removed and replanted, but only 4 died due to the construction.
We looked down in amazement at the forest canopy and the building structures that became smaller and smaller as we headed toward the sky. It's a wonder to look at divine creation and human engineering from a bird's eye view literally. There were a couple of stops along the skyrail where you could walk around underneath the canopy. There were trees that had been there for hundreds of years or more. One tree trunk was so thick that it would probably take 10 or more people to wrap around the base. The park ranger said that it wasn't even fully grown yet, and that it would grow 2 to 3 times wider in 500 years. We also saw trees that merged to become 1. In actuality, the fig trees are predators to other trees nearby. They attach themselves to the host and use the fertile humus created by ferns to grow and nourish themselves while slowly stealing nutrients from the host until it eventually dies underneath and rots front the inside. The guide also told us that the ferns are favourite resting places for sunbathing pythons. Why did he tell us that? However, he said not to worry, because "they're not poisonous, they'll just give you a nice hug." He told us to look for a purplish glimmer as we passed over the ferns in the skyrail. We heard a few birds in the forest, but there really seemed to be no life other than the vegetation. He told us that all of the activity happens at dawn and dusk, and we could come back then to see all of the mostly nocturnal creatures. No thanks. We boarded the skyrail again and crossed over the river below looking for "snapping handbags", or crocodiles. There was a stop at Barron Falls where we could take pictures of the ravine below and the falls. There were also a few relics from when they first built the power station there nearly a century ago.
The final stop on the skyrail was at Kuranda Village, a small sleepy town with shops and restaurants catering to tourists. In fact, most of them closed at 3:30pm , the same time as the last train from the railway station. Before boarding the Kuranda Scenic Rail, we had a little time to walk around and see the sites. Most of them sold the same Aussie souvenirs and trinkets, but they also sold locally made products. One of the ladies from Tjapukai told me that she and many of her family members live in Kuranda, so there are close ties to the indigenous community there. I snapped a few pictures, and I purchased a few postcards that I thought would be perfect in a frame. The main purchase though was an authentic didgeridoo. I have wanted one of my own almost as long as I wanted to see Australia in person. Back in 2000, my cousin, AJ, did a study abroad program in Australia. Her pictures and stories inspired me to visit. She also brought back a didgeridoo, and I found it to be such a magnificent representation of the experience and the beauty of the country. That is the only souvenir I really wanted to take home, and my pictures of course. I bought the didgeridoo and had it shipped to my home. My purchase included details on the artist and the design, as well as an instructional DVD. Upon completion of my purchase, I raced back down the the hill to the train station with only a couple of minutes to spare.
The Kuranda Scenic Rail curved through the wilderness over riverbeds, rocks, and hills. There were 8 tunnels too. The railroad was built nearly a century ago to connect the small towns and villages in the area to Cairns. It was also used during WWII to transport troops and cargo, and it was used as a staging ground for the military. The journey on the train was a great complement to the skyrail, because you see some things up close and personal from the train that you couldn't see from the sky. Plus, it seemed to follow a similar route, but on the opposite side of the falls.
I was so tired after the bus took me back to my hotel. I dropped off some things in my room, and then I headed back out. My first stop was at Peter Pan to check my email. Next, I tried to figure out what I would eat for my last night in Cairns. I decided on a restaurant called the Wool Shed, because they had an outdoor patio and the restaurant didn't have doors. Plus, the menu seemed interesting and different at a reasonable price compared to the other restaurants in the area. I ordered the pumpkin, nut, and chickpea burger with avocado because it was something unique and it sounded like it would be a good option. There were no open tables outside, I found a table inside that was close to the entrance. My burger was delicious. I added a little barbecue sauce for an extra zip and my tastebuds were ecstatic. A couple of kids sat at the table next to me and asked if they could push the tables together because there would be 8 of them total. They had ordered for everyone and the food was ready before all of their friends arrived. They sat the meals on the table in front of each seat, and it looked like it could have been a brochure for the restaurant, because it all looked so well-plated. The portions were good from the salads to the ribs to the steaks, to the chicken, to the burgers, and more. When the rest of the crew walked in a couple of minutes later, I realized that I had just seen them minutes before. It turns out that they were the employees form Peter Pan. I finished my dinner, said goodnight to them, and headed back to my hotel to pack my bags for my early morning flight to Ayers Rock (Uluru).
I always knew that my trip to Australia would include Sydney, and I added Uluru as a must-see a few years ago. However, when I started planning this trip earlier this year, I learned that I could add Cairns to my list of destinations without breaking the bank. In fact, I would still be under my budget. It really was an afterthought in the grand scheme of things, but I'm so glad that I added Cairns to my journey. It was a great introduction to Australia for me. It is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, which was a bonus. Too bad I didn't find Nemo while I was there.
Now, my plane is descending into Ayers Rock. I can't wait to experience the magnificence of Uluru at sunrise and sunset.
Yesterday, was another full day. I was picked up near my hotel and taken to a small village near Cairns, called Kuranda. I started at Tjapukai (Jah-puh-guy) Aboriginal Cultural Park where there were shows and demonstrations by the indigenous people of the area. I learned how to throw a boomerang properly so it returns. I threw spears too, but my skills would leave me hungry if I depended on spearing a kangaroo for food. The spear doesn't actually kill the kangaroo, but stuns it enough to slow down for the hunter to run over and kill it with a club. I visited the women's hut, and learned about bush medicine and how different plants and herbs are used as antiseptics, laxatives, anti-diarrheals, headache cures, etc., which was right up my alley. In the men's hut, I learned about different weapons and forms of punishment delivered to men who disobey the rules set by the clan. I also learned how didgeridoos are made and the different methods of playing them using circular breathing - blowing out your mouth while inhaling and exhaling through your nose. It's pretty complicated. I'm going to practice my circular breathing when I get home.
To make a didgeridoo, the man walks through the woods tapping on small trees listening for a hollow sound. They are hollowed by termites naturally. The man takes the tree and cuts it to the desired length. If it is not completely hollow, he has to burn out the remaining internal wood. After it is hollowed out completely, he removes the bark and begins smoothing the outside using leaves that feel like sandpaper. Then, he decorates the outside with the design he desires by carving or painting (with colors from crushed rocks). The final step is to add beeswax to the smaller end (mouthpiece). The beeswax will mold to the man's lips and make it comfortable for him to play. The didgeridoo is traditionally played by men only, and women do not touch them at all. There's a belief that a woman who touches a didgeridoo will soon become pregnant.
There was also face/body painting and a performance by the Tjapukai Dance Troupe, which included storytelling and details on the instruments like the didgeridoo, clap sticks, and boomerang sticks. We learned about the different types of clothing that they might wear in the area, including belts made of kangaroo or human hair that were formed much like dreadlocks. They also showed us how they would produce fire during a ceremony. At the end of the show, they taught the audience a song and dance and invited people to come to the stage with them. There was a group of kids on a field trip who looked to be about 4 or 5 who were so excited about dancing on the stage.
 |
| Tools in the men's hut |
The NY family and I boarded a 6-seat Skyrail gondola together. The skyrail is a cableway that glides above the rainforest. The rainforest is nationally protected and its also a World Heritage protected site. The skyrail took 8 years total to be completed - 7 years to receive all the necessary permissions and final sign off to build and 1 year to finally construct it. Vehicles could not be driven into the rainforest, so equipment was delivered to the workers using helicopters. The goal was to cause as little disruption to the environment and ecosystem as possible. Some trees had to be removed and replanted, but only 4 died due to the construction.
We looked down in amazement at the forest canopy and the building structures that became smaller and smaller as we headed toward the sky. It's a wonder to look at divine creation and human engineering from a bird's eye view literally. There were a couple of stops along the skyrail where you could walk around underneath the canopy. There were trees that had been there for hundreds of years or more. One tree trunk was so thick that it would probably take 10 or more people to wrap around the base. The park ranger said that it wasn't even fully grown yet, and that it would grow 2 to 3 times wider in 500 years. We also saw trees that merged to become 1. In actuality, the fig trees are predators to other trees nearby. They attach themselves to the host and use the fertile humus created by ferns to grow and nourish themselves while slowly stealing nutrients from the host until it eventually dies underneath and rots front the inside. The guide also told us that the ferns are favourite resting places for sunbathing pythons. Why did he tell us that? However, he said not to worry, because "they're not poisonous, they'll just give you a nice hug." He told us to look for a purplish glimmer as we passed over the ferns in the skyrail. We heard a few birds in the forest, but there really seemed to be no life other than the vegetation. He told us that all of the activity happens at dawn and dusk, and we could come back then to see all of the mostly nocturnal creatures. No thanks. We boarded the skyrail again and crossed over the river below looking for "snapping handbags", or crocodiles. There was a stop at Barron Falls where we could take pictures of the ravine below and the falls. There were also a few relics from when they first built the power station there nearly a century ago.
 |
| Creepy tree hand |
 |
| Ferns in the branches of other trees |
The final stop on the skyrail was at Kuranda Village, a small sleepy town with shops and restaurants catering to tourists. In fact, most of them closed at 3:30pm , the same time as the last train from the railway station. Before boarding the Kuranda Scenic Rail, we had a little time to walk around and see the sites. Most of them sold the same Aussie souvenirs and trinkets, but they also sold locally made products. One of the ladies from Tjapukai told me that she and many of her family members live in Kuranda, so there are close ties to the indigenous community there. I snapped a few pictures, and I purchased a few postcards that I thought would be perfect in a frame. The main purchase though was an authentic didgeridoo. I have wanted one of my own almost as long as I wanted to see Australia in person. Back in 2000, my cousin, AJ, did a study abroad program in Australia. Her pictures and stories inspired me to visit. She also brought back a didgeridoo, and I found it to be such a magnificent representation of the experience and the beauty of the country. That is the only souvenir I really wanted to take home, and my pictures of course. I bought the didgeridoo and had it shipped to my home. My purchase included details on the artist and the design, as well as an instructional DVD. Upon completion of my purchase, I raced back down the the hill to the train station with only a couple of minutes to spare.
The Kuranda Scenic Rail curved through the wilderness over riverbeds, rocks, and hills. There were 8 tunnels too. The railroad was built nearly a century ago to connect the small towns and villages in the area to Cairns. It was also used during WWII to transport troops and cargo, and it was used as a staging ground for the military. The journey on the train was a great complement to the skyrail, because you see some things up close and personal from the train that you couldn't see from the sky. Plus, it seemed to follow a similar route, but on the opposite side of the falls.
I was so tired after the bus took me back to my hotel. I dropped off some things in my room, and then I headed back out. My first stop was at Peter Pan to check my email. Next, I tried to figure out what I would eat for my last night in Cairns. I decided on a restaurant called the Wool Shed, because they had an outdoor patio and the restaurant didn't have doors. Plus, the menu seemed interesting and different at a reasonable price compared to the other restaurants in the area. I ordered the pumpkin, nut, and chickpea burger with avocado because it was something unique and it sounded like it would be a good option. There were no open tables outside, I found a table inside that was close to the entrance. My burger was delicious. I added a little barbecue sauce for an extra zip and my tastebuds were ecstatic. A couple of kids sat at the table next to me and asked if they could push the tables together because there would be 8 of them total. They had ordered for everyone and the food was ready before all of their friends arrived. They sat the meals on the table in front of each seat, and it looked like it could have been a brochure for the restaurant, because it all looked so well-plated. The portions were good from the salads to the ribs to the steaks, to the chicken, to the burgers, and more. When the rest of the crew walked in a couple of minutes later, I realized that I had just seen them minutes before. It turns out that they were the employees form Peter Pan. I finished my dinner, said goodnight to them, and headed back to my hotel to pack my bags for my early morning flight to Ayers Rock (Uluru).
I always knew that my trip to Australia would include Sydney, and I added Uluru as a must-see a few years ago. However, when I started planning this trip earlier this year, I learned that I could add Cairns to my list of destinations without breaking the bank. In fact, I would still be under my budget. It really was an afterthought in the grand scheme of things, but I'm so glad that I added Cairns to my journey. It was a great introduction to Australia for me. It is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, which was a bonus. Too bad I didn't find Nemo while I was there.
Now, my plane is descending into Ayers Rock. I can't wait to experience the magnificence of Uluru at sunrise and sunset.
 |
| Uluru from the airplane |
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Just Keep Swimming
8-25-14
In the words of Ice Cube, "Today was a good day." Last night, I fell asleep shortly after getting in bed. I set my alarm and also asked for a wake-up call so I would have enough time to dress and eat prior to heading out for the day. I woke up and saw light coming through the window. I laid in bed for about 30 minutes waiting on the alarm to go off so I could start my day. After no alarm or call, I got out of bed to look at the time on my phone, which was on the desk across from me. It turns out that it was only 1:15am. I thought I'd slept all night.This same scenario happened a couple of times during the night until I finally just got out of bed. During those restless periods, I watched part of Happy Days, a couple of episodes of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and several infomercials.
My day started with continental breakfast at the hotel. I tried Vegemite on my toast, which is a popular Australian/British spread, and I hated it. At least I gave it a try. I went downstairs to wait on the tour bus that would take me to Port Douglas for my tour of the Low Isles on the Great Barrier Reef. The bus ride was approximately and hour, and I enjoyed riding through the countryside. We passed a couple of fields of wallabies as well as breathtaking views along the sometimes steep rocky coast. When we finally arrived at the Port Douglas Marina, I saw many shops and restaurants catering to the many tourists who were arriving for their various excursions. I quickly picked up my ticket and walked over to the Quicksilver Low Isles boat. We were welcomed on the boat by the crew and invited to the main cabin for tea/coffee and biscuits (cookies), as well as ginger tablets for sea sickness. They also sold other snacks and drinks and souvenirs. There was an overview of the day's schedule and a safety talk prior to us leaving the dock. There was great emphasis on how to handle and prevent sea sickness. It was very windy and the water was the roughest I had ever experienced on a boat. I sat on the main deck looking ahead at all of the magnificent blue water and smiling in amazement that I was in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Australia. My wonderment was quickly tamed when I was splashed by the water crashing against the boat. It was sunny, and only my feet got wet, so I didn't mind so much. However, after being splashed several more times, almost completely soaked in the high wind, I decided to move to higher (drier) ground before I froze. I wore my swimsuit underneath my shorts and t-shirt, and I also brought a sarong for the beach that I used to cover my shoulders on the boat. Next time, I'll wear pants and a jacket, because I was chilly most of the day due to the wind.
We finally arrived and anchored near the islands. Two small boats shuttled passengers over to the beach. I decided to wait before going to the island, so I took the glass bottom boat tour. This trip has left me amazed at so many natural wonders. We saw different types of coral just underneath us at various depths. Some just inches under our feet. Coral is a living organism that is similar to jellyfish, but in reverse and stationary. Most of the coral was yellow or brown due to photosynthesis in the water, and it came in various shapes, like mushroom, spaghetti, brain, spiral, and more. There are about 400 different types of coral. Some parts of the coral reef are dying due to global warming and pollution. We were instructed not to touch it while in the water so as not to disturb the growth. After the glass-bottom boat tour, we returned to the pontoon boat and our small group was the first to partake in the buffet lunch. The food was delicious. They served salads and seafood as well as chicken and beef. There was also fruit and warm creamy pumpkin soup to help knock off the chill.
After lunch, I took the shuttle boat to the island with my snorkelling gear and life jacket. I missed the guided snorkel tour of the coral that was done at the same time as the glass-bottom boat tour. I told the lifeguard I wasn't very comfortable swimming, so he gave me a few pointers to help me ease into the water. He also gave me a refresher on how to use the gear. At first, I floated on my belly in a foot of water too scared to venture out, but he encouraged me to keep moving. I'm not a bad swimmer, but my fear of being overpowered by the water drowns out my confidence. When I saw other people walking out into the water and it was only waist deep, I decided it was okay for me to move away from the shore. The lifeguard pointed out the areas with coral, which were darker than the rest of the water, and I swam in that direction. There was an older couple from New Zealand who encouraged me to swim over to them to see the coral, and I did. The man used to be a scuba diver. They were quite interesting and fun to talk to. Seeing the coral right next to me was beyond what I ever imagined. I also saw fish swimming underneath me, including a clear fish. I saw something stick out of the sand that looked like a snake head. I panicked and raced back near the lifeguard to tell him what I saw. He said it might have been an eel, but it definitely wasn't a snake. (Sidenote: If you're looking for the world's deadliest snakes, crocodiles, spiders, whatever, you will find them in Australia.) I swam for a little while longer and then got out of the water as the beach walk was about to start. I along with the NZ couple and a few others walked around the island with the marine biologist as our tour guide. The island was home to a lighthouse that had been there for more than 130 years. 
Families used to live on the island as caretakers of the lighthouse. Now, its solar powered and no longer requires caretakers. There are 2 rotating island caretakers though. They are native men who are in charge of keeping the island in good condition and making sure that tourists don't ruin the habitat. The local guardians also perform traditional ceremonies sometimes as part of their care. This is a partnership with the government and the preservation society to maintain the natural beauty of the island that seems to be working well based on what I saw. We were constantly reminded to "Take nothing but photos, and leave nothing but footprints." The marine biologist did say that I could take a couple of pumice stones that had washed ashore from New Zealand's latest volcanic eruptions.
In the words of Ice Cube, "Today was a good day." Last night, I fell asleep shortly after getting in bed. I set my alarm and also asked for a wake-up call so I would have enough time to dress and eat prior to heading out for the day. I woke up and saw light coming through the window. I laid in bed for about 30 minutes waiting on the alarm to go off so I could start my day. After no alarm or call, I got out of bed to look at the time on my phone, which was on the desk across from me. It turns out that it was only 1:15am. I thought I'd slept all night.This same scenario happened a couple of times during the night until I finally just got out of bed. During those restless periods, I watched part of Happy Days, a couple of episodes of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and several infomercials.
My day started with continental breakfast at the hotel. I tried Vegemite on my toast, which is a popular Australian/British spread, and I hated it. At least I gave it a try. I went downstairs to wait on the tour bus that would take me to Port Douglas for my tour of the Low Isles on the Great Barrier Reef. The bus ride was approximately and hour, and I enjoyed riding through the countryside. We passed a couple of fields of wallabies as well as breathtaking views along the sometimes steep rocky coast. When we finally arrived at the Port Douglas Marina, I saw many shops and restaurants catering to the many tourists who were arriving for their various excursions. I quickly picked up my ticket and walked over to the Quicksilver Low Isles boat. We were welcomed on the boat by the crew and invited to the main cabin for tea/coffee and biscuits (cookies), as well as ginger tablets for sea sickness. They also sold other snacks and drinks and souvenirs. There was an overview of the day's schedule and a safety talk prior to us leaving the dock. There was great emphasis on how to handle and prevent sea sickness. It was very windy and the water was the roughest I had ever experienced on a boat. I sat on the main deck looking ahead at all of the magnificent blue water and smiling in amazement that I was in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Australia. My wonderment was quickly tamed when I was splashed by the water crashing against the boat. It was sunny, and only my feet got wet, so I didn't mind so much. However, after being splashed several more times, almost completely soaked in the high wind, I decided to move to higher (drier) ground before I froze. I wore my swimsuit underneath my shorts and t-shirt, and I also brought a sarong for the beach that I used to cover my shoulders on the boat. Next time, I'll wear pants and a jacket, because I was chilly most of the day due to the wind.
We finally arrived and anchored near the islands. Two small boats shuttled passengers over to the beach. I decided to wait before going to the island, so I took the glass bottom boat tour. This trip has left me amazed at so many natural wonders. We saw different types of coral just underneath us at various depths. Some just inches under our feet. Coral is a living organism that is similar to jellyfish, but in reverse and stationary. Most of the coral was yellow or brown due to photosynthesis in the water, and it came in various shapes, like mushroom, spaghetti, brain, spiral, and more. There are about 400 different types of coral. Some parts of the coral reef are dying due to global warming and pollution. We were instructed not to touch it while in the water so as not to disturb the growth. After the glass-bottom boat tour, we returned to the pontoon boat and our small group was the first to partake in the buffet lunch. The food was delicious. They served salads and seafood as well as chicken and beef. There was also fruit and warm creamy pumpkin soup to help knock off the chill.
Families used to live on the island as caretakers of the lighthouse. Now, its solar powered and no longer requires caretakers. There are 2 rotating island caretakers though. They are native men who are in charge of keeping the island in good condition and making sure that tourists don't ruin the habitat. The local guardians also perform traditional ceremonies sometimes as part of their care. This is a partnership with the government and the preservation society to maintain the natural beauty of the island that seems to be working well based on what I saw. We were constantly reminded to "Take nothing but photos, and leave nothing but footprints." The marine biologist did say that I could take a couple of pumice stones that had washed ashore from New Zealand's latest volcanic eruptions.Every little thing is gonna be alright...
8-24-14
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.
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.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Ease on down, ease on down the road...
I am off to the land of Oz better known as Australia. I'm so excited about finally realizing my dream. While I'm in Australia, I will visit Cairns and Uluru (Ayers Rock), in addition to Sydney. I packed my luggage (no checked bags), and I'm ready to go. How did I fit 10 days worth of clothing and toiletries into a carry-on bag? I used a packing list and tips that I found at http://herpackinglist.com/ to customize my list of necessities for the trip. I rolled my clothes into a compression bag, and I am also taking an extra bag that I can fill with my travel finds. The biggest challenge for me so far has been packing for different areas of the country with a variety of climates. This is the end of winter for the southern hemisphere, so the temperatures are chilly compared to the 90 degrees plus that I'm accustomed to this Houston summer. I am preparing for temperatures ranging from 50 degrees to the mid 80s, so I have long-sleeved shirts, tank tops, shorts and pants that I can layer depending on the climate. See my packing list below.
My trip will include stops at the Great Barrier Reef and Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, as well as a tour of the Sydney Harbor, and a view of the sunrise and sunset at Uluru. I plan to take lots of pictures without losing my camera this time around. I can't wait to experience the land down under and share my perspective with my friends and family.
Packing List
o
3 Basic Tank Tops
o
3 Basic T-Shirts
o
2 Nice Shirts/blouses
o
3 Dresses - 1 black
o
2 Pairs of jeans
o
1 Shorts
o
1 water proof jacket/poncho
o
1 Medium/lightweight jacket/cardi – autumn,
spring & summer
o
2 Sweaters/jumpers – winter, autumn & spring
o
5 Socks – for winter, autumn & spring
o
10 Pairs of underwear
o
2 Yoga/sweat pants – sleeping & sports
o
2 Swimsuits -summer, spring, autumn
o
1 Scarf
o
1 Sarong
o
1 Flip flops
o
1 Walking shoes/sneakers
o
1 Nice/going out sandals/heels/flats
o
Sunglasses
o
sunscreen
o
Sun protection hat
o
Mosquito repellent
o
toothpaste
o
peppermint soap
o
body oil
o
Smooth Move
o
First Aid kit
o
back cream
o
camera & flash drive
o
travel pillow
o
power adaptor
o
body wipes
o
cleaning wipes
o
snacks
o
collapsible water bottle
o
reusable bags
o
toiletry bag
o
phone charger
o
rolling duffel bag
o
watch
o goggles
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