Di Paola
July 17, 2006 - Sidney
We landed in Sydney after 22 hours of flight and strangely
are not upset, as always happens after a long trip ... definitely will be the enthusiasm for this adventure has just begun! are just after 6 am and the city is still asleep .. but neither the deserted streets or discourage us from going cold in the famous bay. Charming! We stopped to look at the Opera House and The Arbour Bridge. After having seen so many videos and photos barely hardly believe to be there in front!
In the afternoon we go on nice monorail. The ticket for each journey costs 4.5 AUD while the daily 9 AUD. You will be tempted like us to take the second but the hard you use a circular saw that runs in only a small part of the city.
obligatory stop at Paddy's Market where I recommend you do the majority of vs. buy ... the only flaw is that it is only open from Thursday to Sunday. The market on the ground floor is packed with stalls that sell Asian (as always happens in the world) exactly the same stores across Australia at a price much lower .. For example, the classic tee with a written AUSTRALIA 12 AUD (€ 7.2) while in the stores will pay 29 AUD .. 10 AUD shirts instead of 24. I came across a nice vendor that just to make me buy a pair of glasses it has made me feel a score showing the same face every time I am excited about how good they were (while behind her, Sara and Danny shook his head in disgust faces !!!). Obviously after having lowered the price from $ 5 to 20 have succumbed to the lure and I've got a couple!
July 18, 2006 - Sydney (Taronga Zoo + Aquarium)
Optimists for the glimmer of the morning sun
decide to take the ferry to the classic tour of the bay with a stop at Taronga Zoo (AUD 45 total). But immediately after buying tickets optimism has given way to a subtle but heavy rain. a pity! That show deserved to be enjoyed with a nice blue sky as
background ... A few hours later we return to the bay and we decide to find shelter from the cold and rain coming to visit the famous aquarium (entry costs AUD 27.50). Spectacular immersed tunnel in the shark tank, although I hope that it remains closer than ever to the meeting I will have with these fantastic creatures.
back to the hotel and how
happen often in this first week, Danny and Sarah collapsed from exhaustion and will recover only after their hour of sleep ... July 19, 2006 - Sidney (Blue Montains)
We got up early to go to Blue Montains a few kilometers from Sydney. The train
Sidney / Katomba round trip costs 16.20 aud. Unbelievable but despite being winter and there are only 15/20 degrees here the air conditioning is at most and will be even worse on the return journey .. even my head will freeze!
Once in Katoomba you can have a good half-hour walk to the entrance of the Blue Montains or take the bus that will take you there in 10 minutes. We have preferred walking leg
... Because of the time, what
had to be a natural show only proved a disappointment ... taking some pictures of the Three Sisters and look out on the balcony of Echo Point to see the view clouded. Who knows why they call it; I tried to scream but even the shadow of eco ... I only have remedied the looks of the people around me and the laughter of my friends who I hope are not too ashamed!
the evening we follow the advice of the Lonely and we go to eat at Pizza Mario. " Choice fits perfectly ...
July 20, 2006 - Sidney
Because of bad weather we get up late in the morning after the classic chocolate and take away (obviously with Marsh Mallows) decide to go around the city to do some 'healthy and tonic shopping!
For those wishing to buy Didgeridoo recommend a shop stocked in The Rocks area (do not remember the name but it is in St. George) We thought himself to dozens of similar places in Central Australia and along the coast we have not bought there. Too bad! The prices are among the lowest we have seen and the choice is undoubtedly the most assorted!
the evening we stopped to eat for the second time from "Zia Pina." The owners are Italian moved here several years ... very friendly and happy we have recognized when you enter and when it happens while you feel 'at home;) Prior to retrace back to the hotel for the last time the streets of Sydney and we Arbour head towards the bridge ... the more than half walk with his eyes still fixed to the bay lit. Sara and I we We already take the sense of melancholy, in a few hours we will leave this wonderful city! Less traumatic for Dany not wait to leave for somewhere at sea. ;)
July 21, 2006 - Adelaide (Glenelg)
At 08:30 we take the flight to Adelaide ... and after 1 hour and 40 flight we are in a quiet town with very slow compared to the frenetic rhythms Sydney.
They are the same but the lights that emit sounds identical to the missiles of video games. The green here is for pedestrians only for a few seconds and then starts flashing red. The first day we took the suspense! In short, you're ready to shoot as soon as you as you walk through the green and then you think not'll never make it to reach the other side in time ...: D compared to Sidney
here's a time zone half an hour back! Ever heard of a time of 30 minutes .. but along the way I realize that here is a rather frequent .. disorientaci right for a bit 'of +:)
stroll in the central streets full of shops and wondering what to do for the rest of the day until we meet a lady of Italian descent who advises us to take the bus free (99C) to Victoria Square to Glenelg and then continue by train.
Unfortunately the bad weather does not give us rest here and even as the Blue
Montains again the view shows that there is nothing that ... 's still early to eat so we decide to stop for a drink away from the cold wind got up.
Dany and Sara opted for a hot chocolate, I ... But a chamomile while we sat me enter both comatose and start straparlare and laughing. Effort to lose the little strength they have, run on the benches and almost fall asleep there. But people who go around??
After the crisis we are going to eat spaghetti in a beautiful restaurant overlooking the sea (but it's pitch dark and you can not see beyond the glass ...:)) .. and then we take the train to Adelaide. Will that
chocolate drink before the spaghetti to the fish slowed digestion (otherwise it would be strange) but just touch the seat collapses ready to sleep!
July 22, 2006 - Kangaroo Island (Seal Bay)
Let's go to Kangaroo Island!
There are two ways to reach it (unless you have already rented the car along the coast):
1 - Coach from Adelaide / Cape Jervis / r AUD 40 per person (2 hours and 15 minutes) +
ferry from Cape Jervis / Penneshaw rtn AUD 74 per person (30 minutes)
2 - With the plane of the Regional Express takes 35 minutes and costs per person round trip AUD 126! If you opt for this choice, remember that one of the few cases where it is allowed to ship up to 15kg of baggage.
arrived on the island we rented a 4x4 car recommended considering the state of the roads.
The mileage is limited to 100Km per day and the cost of those made in + is 0.25 aud each. We'll get off
exceed only 48Km from the 300 provided for 3 days.
To drive here, you must have an international driving license. The maximum that is 3 years but
if your Italian license has an expiration date then the one nearest you as a reference. My expires in November and would be better to renew it before you do that ... international It 's the first time we drive on the left but the automatic transmission is much help .. at least I am told Sara and Danny because I will be scarrozza both here and in Central Australia, and get hold of the steering wheel only in the last two weeks on the coast)
Among heavy braking (given the super sensitive compared to brakes on cars we are used), and wipers made by mistake instead of arrows to shoot (the arrows are right here!), we reach our beautiful cottage. All in warm wood and comfortable, very spacious with a fireplace and including us ... we would spend even more than the expected three days.
The first day we decided to make the trip to Seal Bay to see the sea lions. E 'can make the trip only if accompanied by a guide but is not required minimum number of participants.
accompany you on the beach a few meters from the sea lions and dwells in detailed explanations. A habit of all Australians ... never heard so much! Well usually the guides should also breathe and take a few minutes of silence ... well almost never happens here
not! My cold, which started in Sydney has dramatically worsened in the meantime .. but the upside is that I do not feel the slightest smell of the sea lions that are within walking distance. By dint of
sneeze I stuck some seeds of them and I did start an epidemic on the island?? Let's hope not ... but above all I hope not to attack the influence also to Sara and Danny!
Before returning to the cottage we stay in the only shop in the neighborhood to shop. Tonight, spaghetti with tuna
... Before dinner, however, fall down from his sleep and we fall asleep on the couch ... just a pretty picture.
In this cottage so cozy, comfortable lying on this couch under the blanket like I even have a fever ...
July 23, 2006 - Kangaroo Island (Admiral Arch and Remarkable Rocks)
What's better than waking up in the morning and prepare a good Cake Pan Australian in style? Well there is better prepared with the right pan! Sara is very excited about this ... at least until breakfast time when we realize that you can not remove the pan from the cake pan (but give in
included a non-stick is not it?), And so after burning the first part of our pan cake we can remove it from the pot by making a considerable pressure with the blade ... but since plastic melts .. so we did that out too .. : D Done run in the other pan cake does not come out too bad ... and the smell has also inviting all to gather around the many small cottages Wallaby (two of them continue to argue that this was kangaroos ... but it's just a detail).
After a careful book of photos with these animals around the island ... we are ready to
Shows natural and Admiral Arch (natural colonies of sea lions) is the Remarkable Rocks overlooking the ocean.
course despite the many beaches, swimming here is not permitted for the risk of shark attacks (but to be honest, I'm cool with those who would want to dive?).
Today we go home soon. not advise anyone to drive in the dark here ... most of the animals it comes out at dusk and the investment risk is really high!
the evening we opt for a quick toast and find that supplied the toaster is not the classic toasted sandwiches but just to toast each slice of bread for breakfast! But with a little 'insistence of and near to the maximum we were able to prepare three delicious flattened and burnt toast! :)
After dinner, while I was smoking, in the quiet of the porch in the dark and in the vegetation, I found a few feet away, two enormous glowing eyes ... that scared the hell! He was a wounded possum!
here is strictly forbidden to feed any animal .. so we simply observe it until it goes away in the trees.
July 24, 2006 - Adelaide
During the small shift towards Kingscote (where he will resume the trip to Adelaide) we stop in one of many beekeepers on the island where they sell all products made of course.
Bees island descended from a hive imported from Liguria to the end of 1800 ... since then the island is forbidden to introduce other bees ... in short, is a paradox, but we end up in Australia buy honey produced by Italian bees. In the afternoon
distributed by Adelaide ... fast spending at the supermarket and spend the night in ns. apartment.
If you are looking for accommodation around 25/30 € per person you recommend the flats .. the price is identical to that of hotel rooms and they also rent single night. They are usually equipped with a large open plan living room and kitchen .. so you can save on dinners;) and in principle you can use a washing machine and dryer!
July 25, 2006 - Alice Springs
In the morning we fly to Alice Springs.
It's like arriving in a different country! A journey within a journey ... Here to rent a car but we trust that unlike the Avis Hertz gives us unlimited mileage .. in these vast expanses of nothing you can do differently.
Alice Springs is a nice town but where it can do an afternoon of wandering .. We expect several more stores Aboriginal art ... but even here we can indulge in shopping.
The downside is the hotel (Desert Rose Inn) that we looked so cute from the site but in reality there has disappointed a lot. The nights are really cold and the heating fan is so noisy that it is impossible to keep it burning all night ... so the next morning we get up all frozen! Thank goodness that aspirin blocked the influence ... but that suffering!
July 26, 2006 - Kings Canyon
The goal now is the Kings Canyon ... and for the happiness of Dany, Sara and I will spend all the time in the car singing out loud:)
hours spent driving in the bush (for me one of the great symbols of Australia) on straight roads asphalt and desert in the middle of nowhere.
All around just endless stretches of red sand and small bushes that always seem on the verge of catching on fire .... And an indescribable feeling of tranquility, well-being.
When I go back to Italy, in my days no, that's where I'll fly with the fantasy that feeling of trying to find balance when you know you already have everything you need.
The same feeling I have here now, in this car, while traveling to Australia, when you're in a hurry to reach the goal because you are already satisfied by the journey itself and when you look at the side and realize they are sharing that magic moment with best companions you could choose. But before you end up sad and pathetic tones back to the story ...;)
Every now and then appear out of thin small oasis equipped with a dining table, a bench, the inevitable barbecue and nothing more.
Here the barbie is just an institution and there is even in the parks or to the side of the hotel pools! You can also toast the bread or just an ear. But more than the convenience of cooking anywhere, is a way of life. It is, in short, an excuse to stay with friends outdoors.
Once at Kings canyon walk a little way on foot
... I love these red rocks and polished so so as to be completely smooth by the wind ... even if my phobia will be taken around the rest of the holiday!
The sunset view from the vantage point we decide to place just outside the resort where we stay the night ..
July 27, 2006 - Ayers Rock (the Olgas)
We put ourselves back in the car to get to Ayers Rock ... once again surrounded only by the Bush administration and its various shades of color. The only bitterness
damage the numerous bodies of kangaroos at the side of roads. We have crossed all times during all trips in the car, but also here in Kangaroo Island and the coast).
We fortunately never having driven after sunset we run the risk of investing ... At the resort we decided to go first to visit the Olgas to spend the whole day tomorrow at Uluru in Aboriginal language ... that should be read with the accent on the U ... strange no?
The park entrance is 25 aud and is valid for three days.
We decide to walk the short route of the proposed two .. The Gorge Walk Walp .. more or less an hour round trip and stopped in the middle surrounded by the rocks round to admire the spectacle. Dany
Back at the hotel decided to exploit the
beautiful resort pool while we relax in the room! July 28, 2006 - Ayers Rock
We woke up too late! And so we have not had time to watch the sunrise. Set your alarm early tomorrow ... we can not leave without tasting this show!
We decide to visit Ayers Rock.
asked several times if I had to climb Uluru against the wishes of Aboriginal people it was worth it .. but soon I found myself in front of the path fraught with doubt and without any protection is gone .. Long live the sincerity! In addition, access was denied because the strong winds.
We opt for the longer route around the monolith. More or less 10 km!
But how does one have come this far and did not want to see every facet? The walk is
lasted a few hours (at least 3H) .. and I recommend it. Back at the starting point and after a while 'relaxing on a bench we went to the heart of Aboriginal culture (usually recommended to visit it before ...). For me it is quite disappointing, should be introduced to the thought and philosophy of the aborigines .. shame that everything is projected on video and Aborigines in the flesh even the shadow. So it is a stage that if you want you can skip.
The tour is over ... when we return in the evening to watch the sunset.
July 29, 2006 - Brisbane
wrong to my traveling companions decided alarm times for different depending on the speed in preparing for the ... and so I have to wake up at 5:30 ... twenty minutes later, while Sara will be the turn of the lucky Dany
will be granted the awakening at 6:00! All is hard to find that the sunrise was at 7:00 today !!!!! Heck we have frozen out there!
Not even a blanket carried by Dany to repair a bit 'more is served (one of the few niceties that made it to him .. but know you well;))
After 40 minutes of ice began to gather a small crowd of spectators (very harnessed less of us and a lot less chilly ... but anyway how the hell do they do?). The
ns. heel elevator is not rewarded ... the colors of the sky blend of beautiful colors that we expect and we are confident that we are in the clear days ..
lay down again a bit 'before driving towards the airport for the connecting flight to Alice Springs to Brisbane and the next.
I was worried at first the idea that there was a small flight baggage allowance of a few pounds ... but fortunately we discover that all flights in Australia as the ceilings are really high compared to European royalty. 32kg for baggage and 7 for the hand. Amazing!
In the afternoon we arrive in Brisbane and the retreat from Italy with Hertz rental car. Given the planned 17 days of hire, we prefer to pay the cost of insurance add (without the slightest blow to this body would be charged for 2500AUD irrespective of the damage.)
From now on we do not have hotel rooms booked from Italy ... and so we begin to turn around the city looking for a hotel. But what seemed obvious to us (in travel bookings for the past rarely had to sleep and never had trouble finding them locally) has been a big problem. In town there is a great football event and all the structures in Brisbane are NO VACANCY!
After hours of ups and downs of the car and despite the help of the lovely lady's Shandon Inn of the Year (B & B very characteristic that you should) we are in pieces and somewhat 'pessimistic about what to do.
start calling the hotels listed on the rails ... and there's eye falls on a Lonely Motel that describes particularly well. The problem is that it is in Surfers Paradise .. that seems far away. But Dany reassured by claims that certain tone that is only 20 km away we book them.
The truth is that we shoot more than 70 km drive to the south (the ns. Route was north to Cairns) and we find ourselves in a composting dirty and not at all comfortable (The Lonely this time was wrong bad!)
But at least we made a bit 'in the main streets of Surfers Paradise which is recognized as the entertainment capital of Queensland (not that it is our kind of destination for a night but that's okay).
Fortunately back in the motel are tired and we fall asleep right away.
July 30, 2006 - Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Hervey Bay
Sara has heard of a beautiful natural park, close to Brisbane (where we were yesterday) that seems to really be worth to be seen .. the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. After
already booked two nights later in a B & B we can afford to stand quietly for a stroll, and so walk the streets the night before and after more than two hours (we could not find the right way) we arrive at ns. goal. Spectacular! The park is huge and the opportunity to stay in close contact with kangaroos hopping all around us .. or better than jump walking weary! Visitors are allowed to feed them (of course the food is just for them and sold inside the park) and so these animals if they are quiet to eat and sleep all day ...
Sara and I pay the absurdity of 15 AUD
for us to take a picture with the koala in her arms. The photo you pay expensive but you can take as many photos as you want with your machine. Among other things, I lose my prepaid ticket ... and almost risk of not being able to make me do ... the same old! :) Let for the first time the animal's favorite Dany: the Wombat.
Actually we do a little 'impression ... it is a marsupial such as koalas and kangaroos, but there seems to be so sweet. Mah's taste!
Sorry can not see the Tasmanian Devil which tell us is dead .. that bad luck! : §
But I want to see the true and only Red Kangaroo ... he is the king of the marsupials!
So I repeat again around the park to see him and once again I must be bad! The Red Kangaroo is bound by a cage separate from the rest of the small kangaroos that I mentioned before, is there in panciolle and none of it to stand up for himself gazing into his size from culture ... does not give us their satisfaction !!!!! Patience ... we have to go now.
We expect several miles before arriving in Hervey Bay.
The town is quiet and nice ... but it is looking at the B & B booked that we remain open-mouthed. I think it's the best place we've been. Managed by a couple of other very reserved and very kind that made us feel instantly at home. And what a show home! A little 'those dreams ... with every detail taken care of. The place is called Bay B & B (also recommended by Lonely). July 31, 2006 - Fraser Island
Through the B & B we booked the excursion today to Fraser Island.
The bus comes to pick us right in front of home at about 8:00 in the morning to accompany us to the port.
We'll find another, this time 4WD, fresh off the boat to Fraser Island.
Sull''isola there are no paved roads and the trail is almost swallowed up by the branches of trees that form the lush rainforest. I could hardly move on with the bus and when we meet in the other direction of the jeep,
latter are forced to slip sideways between the trunk and the other for cederci pace. Throughout the course ns. zealous guide elaborates on the detailed explanations of everything that surrounds us ... (we are only in the early hours of travel and this thing did not seem so bad ...).
The most beautiful part of the bus trip will, however, along the eastern shore ... particular to the fact that I had never gone with half 4WD on the sand.
... The sea is beautiful but not swim because of sharks ...
The first stop (we are told will be 15 minutes) is next to the wreck of the ship Maheno and a few meters from the rocks made of sand ... very special.
The second stop will be 40 minutes instead of near Eli Creek, a stream of fresh water
leading down to the beach. But as is done in such a short time to be able to lie down a bit 'to relax? In less no time so we are still on the coach to retrace the path immersed in the forest ... and the leadership keeps talking and talking non-stop ... but when he breathes? To us the headache is coming .. and then it will still have to say? These things we told her during the journey ... okay to be diligent in their work .. but it seems to us exaggerated.
After a brief stop for lunch and off again towards the marina at all sincerely applaud the guide (we think the applause is due to the fact that last no longer hearing her voice ...;))
Ultimately, Fraiser Island deserves to be seen if you have one or two days on their hands but if you chose to do it 1 day organized tour with as ns. be prepared to spend € 80 each to pass almost all the time in minutes counted bus and have to enjoy the beauty of the place.
the evening we are looking for an internet café to book two nights later at Heron Island. The only resort on the island coast aud 212.00 per night per person while the ferry 100aud way ... total for two nights and then transfer 624Aud more per person (€ 376.00)
August 1, 2006 - Heron Island
Given the miles do not miss the ferry booked this morning, the early rising not only affects us but also the renunciation of the wonderful breakfast that we would prepare the ns. landlady ...
Patience .. finally start to enjoy a little 'sea!!
arrive in Gladstone with an hour ahead of the ferry ..
Heron Island is really beautiful ... crystal clear sea, small and harmless sharks that swim to the shore (but of which I am afraid the same:)) and white sandy beaches that because of the low tide exposing part of the reef.
last two days of relaxation!
August 2, 2006 - Heron Island
is perhaps not just two days of relaxation
.. as we finish this morning on board valuable Dany, in Shark Bay ... which is beautiful here but pulls like a bora wind, which is equivalent to a chilly like me a tragedy. short, while Sara is sitting on the shore with the feet wet (and shudder) and Dany dives to take a bath, I stay sull'asciugamano covered with all that I can pull out of the bag. This is not relaxing! ;)
decide then, a little 'for my well-being and a bit' not to feel regret for the rest of the day, to move alongside the beach and .... miracle! It seems to be on another island. No wind and a beautiful sun slowly warms my bones. Now that you're right!
the evening buffet at the mega resort. We feel a bit 'of everything from kangaroo meat to raw fish ... and as always fills most of the pot and then had to waste a lot of stuff that we do not like!
Not to get straight back in the room decide to play a game of billiards. The Australians seem to all experts in this game while I, having never picked up the cue, I just try to aim the ball.
almost a shame that risk to gouge an eye on poor Sara who was at the side of the table ... but I was warned to be dangerous.
August 3, 2006 - Rockhampton
spent all morning at the beach hoping for a few hours the clouds do not reach to cover the sun.
After lunch we reach the boat and returned to Gladstone to Rockhampton are ready to go. In the evening we see the
made a big mistake to follow blindly the advice of the Lonely, which described the "Criterion Hotel" where you are staying in this way: "Designed as an exclusive hotel and built with quality materials, Criterion is the most elegant hotels do many renowned. It offers rooms full of atmosphere. "
But what atmosphere?? The shower is placed next to the bed surrounded by carpets rotted because of water ... and the precious material is likely to break it just touches .. in short, to go out on the balcony there was the possibility that there remain in the hands of the door window! Sara and I
usufruiamo the pub on the ground floor of the bathroom (clean and fragrant) to freshen up a bit '....
August 4, 2006 - Great Keppel
Not finding a sink worthy of the name
where brush our teeth and having a little 'sick of the bad state in which they are kept in the bathrooms of the hotel, me and Sara go down today in the toilets of the pub ... so it's early and it's still empty) Today we're going to Great Keppel, where to stay for one night.
If you have not read anywhere, it is very unwise to go on this island with the usual heavy and overflowing suitcases on wheels. In short, like mine! ;)
It landed directly on the beach where it is already difficult to walk normally, but imagine having to carry 20 kg of luggage;)
This time the island is a show .. completely surrounded by white sand beaches where you can make even semi-desert excursion on a camel at sunset. Small birds are
problem ... actually a bit intrusive 'across Australia but here the film becomes even Hithcok!
burger and fries for lunch ... and we begin to find ourselves surrounded by colorful parrots .. but just as I am about to bite into my burger I see a bird that looks so disturbing to me and leave me with no time to react to me in full speed and slingshot against him before he bites me a sandwich! Result
a bit 'before you start to eat again Dany and in the meantime, just to play down, take the burgers and rises to the top. And now the same bird sling him back to us. But now we're prepared and we lie on the bench instinctively dodging.
After that I stop laughing and willingly surrender their lunch ...
August 5, 2006 - Rockhampton
Today is the last day in the life of Danny ... that will leave tonight by coach to reach Townsville and embark on the first of four flights that ahead. The moments of melancholy who in recent days began to be created today seem to spend more.
spend all day at Great Keppel and late afternoon we return to Rockhampton. This
Once we find a great hotel: the "Motel 98". Entertainment! Too bad it does not even booked two days ago!
assist preparations for the departure of Danny is really bad ... but he keeps saying not to sad faces and mica that goes to war disguised ... so a little 'mood and expect to be able to accompany the bus station ... I think
Poki had a farewell like ours, worthy of the best movies ... with a lot of scenes with Sara that clings to the leg to not make it go away and then waving handkerchiefs to greet the bus and slowly goes away!
But when the bus rounds the corner and he no longer sees I do what I knew would give him trouble .. ... or cry:) Sara
already expecting it .. are precisely predictable .. or maybe I know too well;)
She made time for dinner and try to go out to eat at Ascot Hotel where they know they do excellent meat that you cook at your leisure on soapstone.
When finally we need, we find ourselves in front of more than half a kilo of meat per person! From sick to the quantity but good!! ;)
August 6, 2006 - Arlie Beach
Today we expect the first long journey to get closer to Cairns where it will end on ns. travel.
The line is from Rockhampton to Arlie Beach.
We arrive early afternoon in a beautiful town on the sea packed with delightful shops ... you light up your eyes!
Before you start to shop, we stop at a travel agency to book the excursion at Whitsanday for the next two days.
The guy who works there is a type quite funny because of too many people coming, panics at the point of answering the phone, hold the person and forget it! Mitton, our Mr Bean! :) Now
finished the practical part we help eachother with enthusiasm and credit card and get in the shops of the long main street ... but nothing! Nothing distinctive or cute or worth the buy as a memento of this fantastic travel ... it is not possible! We give evidence only after the second time retraced the path back to the hotel, tired and fall down dead asleep from 17 to 21 even bet the alarm has moved from the bed first!
We go out to eat and after preparing the bag to take Whitsanday (here we will leave heavy luggage in the hotel) we go back to bed.
August 7, 2006 - Whitsanday
leave the car in a car park opposite the port of Shute Harbour to Hamilton Island and we board.
After checking in at the hotel, we lie to get a little 'sunshine. Unfortunately, even if the temperature can be in costume, not even today able to enter the water. The ocean is really cold and if we consider that it is winter here and we can not mute the company is really hard! Towards the sunset time, we realize that we are surrounded by so many kangaroos hopping along the beach. We got up to take some pictures and was shocked to see that even in front of the rooms from the resort is full .. In short here have nothing to fear man and it's nice to see them again so close.
August 8, 2006 - Beach Whiteheaven
Today, we organized an excursion to what is considered the most beautiful beach of Whitsanday .. or Whiteheaven Beach. We spend almost all day on the boat to move and the obligatory steps you are doing on other islands. But the spectacle that we present offset flapping!
Whiteheaven beach is a long spit of white sand and pristine (the island is not inhabited, we can not stay and the only way to see her are like our excursions.).
So there's not much to tell ... just sand, sea and anything ... practically a paradise:)
Today the sky is half covered with clouds, blacks and the other half is a clear blue. So taking pictures from both directions seems to be simultaneously in two different places ..
Hopefully the wind carry away the clouds ... and blacks are really a sign of storm!
Towards evening we return to the port of Arlie Beach where she awaits the first setback of the holiday. The car will not start!
Indeed, not just signs of life, not even a little rumble of the engine. We realize there
forget
documents of Hertz in the luggage left in the hotel ... and then be without a phone number to call for assistance. The custodian of the parking lot trying to jump-start attaching wires to the battery but does not conclude anything. Boy, was bound to happen now that we are left alone?
decide to take the bus to the country (which is 10Km) and enter an office Herzt to ask for help.
We are told that someone will send us aid, but only that one of us will go with him to return to the car.
the end comes a couple of guys on a truck-looking and so very soothing, and I'm going with them to see what happened to the car, you go back to the hotel with luggage.
Conclusion: The machine immediately put in motion with the cables to the battery (the custodian of the first shows that knew how to use them !!!!) and anxiously ask naively if the car could still leave on foot ... the answer is spontaneous was: If you leave the lights still turned on two days!
Heck all this for a little distraction .. but at least you have fixed everything;)
Even today it's over ... and we lie in bed destroyed.
As I relax I read all the brochures left in the room and make myself intrigued by the publicity of a shop specializing in the production of Didgeridoo ...
The only models that were liked were in Sydney ... and disappointed that we had not even found in Central Australia of beautiful we decided that the return journey, during the many hours of waiting at the airport, we would be back in central Sydney to buy it ...
tomorrow morning before leaving we must necessarily stop to see if the store is so much of the leaflet provided .
August 9, 2006 - Arlie Beach - Mission Beach
At 8:30 we are already waiting in front of the store to open ... and peeked inside and attached to the glass, we read on a sign here that the Didgeridoo are painted according to the requests of each depicting a maximum of 5 subjects to be chosen to reflect the experiences made during their trip ... This thing we like! But when it opens??
While we wait we decided to call to book the night Undaria ... must be a unique experience to stay immersed in nature on a historical train wagons resigned and has been specially renovated for overnight. And then we'd also visit the famous conducted Lava that are nearby.
The shop only opens at 9:30 but the wait will be rewarded. The owner shows us a wide choice of woods located behind the store and helps us to make the design according to our preferences ... In the end neither bought 4!
wonder how come out ... the only bad thing is that in fact the drawings we saw them scattered on the ready-made templates that were in the shop but the work will be finished somehow.
The cost varies a lot depending on size and type of design, cmq a large model for the figure is at least € 260 including shipping in Italy. (If you just want a memory can find even simple + deals from 60 € + shipping).
Before leaving the Aboriginal then we paint them, gives us a mini lesson on how to play them ... and how many laughs! Sara and I not only fail to deliver a sound that remotely comes close to the original but we end up totally knackered from the effort. And then with all the wax around the lips seems to be the beautician for waxing! : D Do we have to refine the technique ... but how many laughs!
We leave the shop that are past the 11 (but spesona took time) and boarded the car ready for the long journey that lies ahead for Undaria (at least 7 hours).
The surprise comes when, after 5 hours we arrive at Ingham and stopping to ask for information on the way forward for Undaria, we discover that what we thought of doing is unpaved and is therefore not feasible with ns. Corolla. To get to Undaria following the recommended route, hours are missing 7 !!!!! Cavolooooo!! Now what? Know we can not shoot 12 hours in a row of car driving even at night!
We must give up and try on the way to Cairns where to stay somewhere. What a disappointment!!
We end up in Mission Beach ... the first thing that puzzles us is the latte-colored sea ... where is the crystal clear water we could find on the rest of the coast?? Well no matter ..
here we just have to spend the night. We are dead tired and wanted to find a room we did not, so we sneak in the first place that we find is a hostel. 22 AUD per head we won a tiny room that had it not colored blue for the walls would be equal to a cell in Rebibbia! ;)
August 10, 2006 - Cairns
We wake up early (not that we slept crabs because of the fear of insects) and head straight for Cairns. To me after an hour's drive starts going down the eyelid and then we stop for a "healthy" breakfast at Mc Donald's Cafe. Marsh Mallow muffins and chocolate! If there came the acetone during these holidays there will be more ...;)
But I can not recover, and so sets off to help Sara ... I hope to help with the maps to search for hotels !!!!!
The search is more difficult than expected .. we can not find a hotel room anywhere because of some meetings that are taking place in the city ... and so after 2 hours of research we booked two nights in one place and the remaining two missing at the end of the holiday in another !
In the afternoon we take a stroll around the city and Alleluia! We found the paradise for shopping !!!!! For now ... we buy anything or sea excursions non-stop ... and there seems to be increasingly true of bags full in my hands! Finished
to spend money, collapsed again to the tired and so we return to the hotel.
August 11, 2006 - Green Island
Today we make the trip to Green Island with a tour organized by one day (€ 38.00 per person including: ferry, lunch and a choice of a ride on glass-bottomed boat to see the barrier or the equipment for snorkeling).
The "spectacle" that sorbate boat I assure you that is worthy of a film (I can not choose whether comic or dramatic).
After only 30 minutes by boat (calm sea) we find that, except
a dozen people, the whole boat suffers from seasickness. We look around and see only dead bodies bend repeatedly faces towards the sick bag. We spend astonished amazement at the real shit, until you get to be hysterical laughter (we imagined the scene of the ride of the movie "Dennis" ... do you remember?)
So it was absurd! A whole boat in calm waters into a frenzy!
finally landed at Green Island ... the reef here is attached to the shore and we must necessarily go snorkeling!
Two days at the start and we do not want to return to Italy without having seen it.! Fantozzi to try to find the courage ... to plunge into the icy water. Once lost the feeling of the calf we advance to immerse the whole leg ... and now we're frozen half to how it's done? We can not even bathe her belly with hands ... never mind! Sara
do not know how you can dive in and start, trembling, to my courage to go ... but I'm about to go lie down on the beach.
Making it quick it took us 20 minutes to go in, we saw a bit 'of beautiful fish, but due to freezing after 15 minutes we gave up the business.
We spend the rest of the afternoon in the sun and prepare to embark again to return to Cairns. Hopefully there will be the same scenes of delirium of going !!!!!!!!!
August 12, 2006 - The Cairns
today's stage provides Palm Cove a few miles from Cairns. When we arrived we immediately fell in love
of beautiful houses along the avenue that runs along the sea and the air we breathe vacation here.
Unfortunately it is too windy and the beach is microscopic at this time (certainly in the afternoon the sea would withdraw tens of meters) and then not being able to enjoy a bit 'of the sun as we hoped we decide to return to Cairns and spend day in Laguna. For the people of Cairns to be a paradise here ... just the immense lagoon is surrounded by a large park and got there just follow the main road towards the sea, cross a road and lie down where you want! Free admission and as always available to cook barbecue, whatever you want whenever you want! Why do not you take us even these systems?
August 13, 2006 - Cairns
Write the last day is almost as difficult as the first ... we were hoping to catch the last sun and liven up a bit 'color does not yet fully tanned .. but the sky is overcast and waiting for it to free some 'we take it easy and at 11:30 we decided to go eat ...
However, the situation does not improve and even if armed with good will, let us lie down in the lagoon, every 10 minutes we are forced to stand up for shelter from the rain that comes and goes constantly.
After a while ', chilled and discouraged, we give up the evidence and decide to make a little' shop.
In the evening, it is the hard task of being able to close the pack! In a sad silence
completed final preparations and set your alarm at 3:30 am.
August 14, 2006
After leaving the car at the office have embarked Hetz and luggage (we will ship direct to Malpensa) to discuss how to organize the final round in Sydney where we will have a long stopover. At least
we still have the joy of seeing the Opera House and The Arbour Bridge!!
But after passing control to the metal detector we face the long line for the exit stamp in the passport ... how strange. To ask
security and we are told that, starting from here (international flights) in Sydney that is considered only a connection to the next flight and then not leave the airport. What bitterness ... waiting to return to Sidney, where we saw a beautiful painting in hunting boomerang doth painting, we did not even consider buying a tourist. How do you return from a trip to Australia without a boomerang? (
disappointed and resigned bought it at the airport ... where not only the prices are higher but the selection is poor and models all ruined.
lucky that we did not wait to buy even the didgeridoo!
Sidney is wonderful ... even from the window of the salute sure that sooner or later we will return! Turn
Australia has not been an easy journey, but many coming together ... places, people, climates irreconcilable ...
always leads us in our hearts the emotions that has given us and I'm sure it will for you too!
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