Onward, and Upward!

Saturday we set out early for the Hunter Valley, New South Whales best wine region. We scheduled tastings at three small boutique wineries. Although grapes are not native to Australia, and all of the vines had to be brought in, this region is known around the world for its Shiraz. I think I missed out on the best Shiraz at the first stop, but I guess I'll have to enjoy the one I did purchase. With my arms loaded down with wine and the question of 'how am I going to get all these bottles back home???', we returned to the hotel. Our guide decided to go off script and drive us home a more scenic route. We stopped off at a farm where he spotted wild kangaroos (and a little joey in momma's pouch) grazing in the cow fields. Seeing kangaroos to Australians is like seeing deer for Americans.

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!

Serenade for Strings

Last night we arrived in Sydney and I could tell I was going to like this city. Unfortunately, we have a busy schedule and little free time. We did manage to get in a pint at Sydney's oldest drinking establishment Fortune of War. Established by a released convict, it dates back to 1801.

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.

I Got That Boom Boom Pow

We started our morning by taking a train ride through the Barron Gorge from Cairns to the village of Kuranda. The railroad was built in the 1880s after gold was discovered in the area and a route needed to be made. It was all built by hand, the tracks, the bridges, and the tunnels. We got a spectacular view of Barron Falls. The village of Kuranda is nestled in the tropical rain forest with quaint shops and cafes. Our return was on the Skyrail that runs almost 5 miles. Upon our return we stopped at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park (jah'-bu-guy) to learn about only one aboriginal tribe. Their name means 'rain forest' and they call themselves bama (people). We learned about their creation stories, dancing, music, food, hunting, culture, and history. I learned to throw a spear. I could certainly cause a minor flesh wound to a kangaroo...if I could get my aim that close. I do have mad skills at boomerang throwing. I think I could knock a bird out of the air with one of those things. And, yes, they actually do return! If only they would have let me get my lips on one of those didgeridoos! It is a fantastic sound, though. I found it interesting to learn that, along with entertainment and ceremonial purposes, they are used to put them in a trance (the same idea as meditating in yoga, reaching another dimension). Their history is a sad one. Unfortunately it's the same story that has all but extinguished indigenous people around the world. White men and progress.

Tomorrow we head to Sydney.

Great Barrier Reef

I think the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most beautiful natural things I've ever seen with my own eyes. I can only compare the unique beauty and vivid colors to the glaciers I saw in Alaska. We spent the perfect day out on the reef. I've been looking forward to my scuba experience, but unfortunately, my sensitive ears would not let me get farther than 6' under the water before I had to give up. Disappointed as I was, my spirits were quickly lifted. If I couldn't conquer the reef by sea, I would conquer the reef by sky. I took a helicopter ride to get an aerial view you only see on postcards. Well, now I have my own photographs to remember it by. Simply beautiful. It was followed by sunning on the deck and taking a glass bottom boat tour. Although I didn't see the sea turtles and the gigantic 'local' fish Wally, I did get to see a shark. Of course I finished my day with snorkeling.

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.

The Australian Trio

Sunday turned out to be an enjoyable day despite the previous day's cancellation to Moreton Island. There was no blue lagoon or light house or dolphin feeding, but there was sand sledding! We opted for another tour offered by the company with a slightly different itinerary. We started the morning off in The Desert tobogganing down the sand dunes. The sheer fun of it was worth the five minute 87 degree slope climb back to the top for another run. Well, it was worth it to climb up that god forsaken dune twice. There's no other fun quite like waxing up your particle board with a candle to hit the sand slopes. After sledding we went to snorkel the shipwrecks. Very cold, very choppy.
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.

Brisbane. Still not feelin' it. I woke up at 4:50 am this morning to go on a really cool tour to sandboard, snorkel a shipwreck, and see a blue lagoon on an all-sand island. Our tour was cancelled and we didn't get the message. We rescheduled because I can't imagine what I can do in this city for another day. It is a beautiful, bustling city that I'm sure would make a really cool place to live...if you can afford it. But I've missed the culture and the history that seems to be lacking. I just feel like I'm stuck killing time and spending a lot of money without a rich return. We did spend a beautiful day literally putting around the city. We made a stop atop Mt. Coot-tha where we could see the entire city all the way out to Moreton Bay. It really was a gorgeous view. The river runs through the middle of town, so catamarans are running nonstop all day to shuttle people from one side to the other. We hopped on a City Cat and soaked up the sun as we enjoyed the scenery that passed by.

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.

Crikey!

After two full days in Brisbane, I've adjusted pretty well to the time change. We arrived early yesterday morning with a full day on our hands. Our hotel was kind enough to have our room ready at 9:30am. We spent the day visiting the museums at the Cultural Center down on the South Bank where most of the art was from national artists. It was a great day and a nice walk along the Brisbane River. They have beautiful architectural bridges that connect the two sides of the city. I do have to admit that Brisbane has been very slow to grow on me. Either we're not staying in a convenient location or this just isn't a pedestrian city. I don't feel like I'm connecting with the city.

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.

G'day Mates!

G'day Mates! Follow Mom and me on our adventures Down Under:

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