June 13, 2010
Onward, and Upward!
We finished the evening at the Sydney Observatory. It's not that we're into stargazing, but it was an opportunity to view starts and constellations that we aren't able to view in America. We saw Saturn and its rings through a giant telescope, and viewed the Southern Cross, Mars, and Saturn outside on the viewing deck. A cool way to spend an evening...and keep my mind off of my Bridge Climb early the next morning!
The Bridge Climb was certainly a unique way to view Sydney 134 meters above sea level from the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. And as soon as I figure out exactly how high 134 meters is in fee, I'm sure I'll be scared! (that's 440 feet!!!) I had the safety and security of stairs, ramps, handrails, and security cables, but those men who built that bridge didn't--an amazing feat and a beautiful bridge.
Our trip is coming to a close. I've conquered Australia by air, sea, bridge, sand, land, and about everything else in between. It's been a fun trip!
June 11, 2010
Serenade for Strings
I've been looking forward to seeing the iconic Sydney Opera House. We set out on an early morning tour, and I have to say it's a very interesting building with a very interesting history.
- Original plans: construction began in 1959 as was to take 3 years to complete with a cost of $7 million.
- Bottom line: construction completed in 1973--it took 14 years to complete and cost $102 million to build.
- the original architect left the job and never returned to Sydney to see his vision completed. He died last November at the age of 90.
- Made of concrete but covered with small white tiles in a chevron pattern.
- There are 5 performance halls (Cate Blanchet is the creative director for one of the theaters)
We saw a symphony performance by the Sydney Symphony called Serenade for Strings. It was a short performance of Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Shostankovich. Some of the pieces were performed on a Steinway piano that cost $280,000. It was exciting to say that I've not only seen the Opera House, I've heard a performance.
We rode around town today, too, visiting the Botanic Gardens and the Queen Victoria Building. For dinner we took a harbour dinner cruise. The skyline was beautiful. Some of the buildings are lit in different colors. It adds a little to pizazz to the night skyline. We also have the treat of seeing this same view from our hotel window each night.
June 9, 2010
I Got That Boom Boom Pow
Tomorrow we head to Sydney.
June 8, 2010
Great Barrier Reef
Some facts about the reef:
- it's one of the 7 natural wonders of the world
- it can be seen from space
- it's larger than the Great Wall of China
- it's 1800 miles long with 400 species of coral and 1500 species of fish
P.S. I was browsing in a shop when I spied something interesting...a kangaroo scrotum bottle opener. Too bad I'm in the market for a wine opener.
June 7, 2010
The Australian Trio
Moreton Island is an all-sand island with three small townships and one resort. About 500 people live on Moreton Island, a 1 1/2 hour ferry ride out from Brisbane. The only way around the island is by 4WD because there are no paved roads, only sand roads and the beach. It was originally inhabited by the aborigines. Of the original inhabitants only 11 families remain. Our guide gave us some interesting history of the indigenous people.
We left Brisbane behind early this morning to arrive in Cairns. Our $98/night 'penthouse' faces the water. It's a lovely view, but it's missing the beach we were expecting to be sunning ourselves on today. There is a beautiful boardwalk that runs the length of the shore with shops and cafes. We took a bus out to Palm Cove for a little beach time. The water was cold, the sun was warm, and the breeze was nice. It was a nice way to spend the afternoon.
We ate a delicious dinner of kangaroo, crocodile, and carramundi. I know I was playing with cute, fuzzy kangaroos just days ago at the zoo, but durn they taste good! I guess I'm not worth of the Wildlife Warrior title I thought I'd earned at the Australia Zoo.
Tomorrow, we are heading out the Great Barrier Reef for some scuba diving. I hope the water is at a comfortable temperature to make the dive enjoyable...it's my first dive.
June 5, 2010
Brisbane was established as a penal colony for the "hardest cases" in 1825. Trying to forget its roots, the population is 2 million and growing.
Because there's not much to do here it seems, I am beginning to learn the finer points of rugby. If I stay here much longer, I may find myself trying out for the Nashville Women's Rugby team when I return home.
June 4, 2010
Crikey!
Today we spent the day in Beerwah at the Australia Zoo. The zoo has been owned and operated by the Irwin family for 40 years. Along with some amazing native Australian and Asian animals we were told there might be Irwin sightings. There were! And of course I missed them...durnit! I did get to feed an elephant named Bimbo, though. I also got to hold a koala and chillax with a kangaroo, too. Not only did we get to watch to Wildlife Warriors presentation, Mom was selected to participate in the portion with the birds (I took a picture of her close-up on the jumbo tron). There were some beautiful, amazing, powerful creatures at the zoo where the message is always conservation. The Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, is an icon, and his legacy lives through his work that continues. I saw dingoes, but unfortunately, a dingo did not eat my baby.
What I've learned so far...Australians really do say g'day and no worries. Although I probably won't start using crikey, I may start calling breakfast, brekkie. I've got to figure out how to wash elephant snot out of my pants...I have to wear them again on this trip.
June 1, 2010
G'day Mates!
Brisbane
June 3: sightseeing
June 4: Australia Zoo
June 5: Moreton Island
June 6: more sightseeing
Cairns
June 7: day at the beach & Cairns night market
June 8: Great Barrier Reef SCUBA
June 9: Skyrail to Tjapukai Aboriginal Park
Sydney
June 10: sightseeing
June 11: Sydney Opera House performance & Harbour dinner cruise
June 12: Hunter Valley wine tour & Sydney Observatory night viewing
June 13: Sydney Bridge Climb & more sightseeing