tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69886706147913267992024-03-13T08:49:52.484-07:00South Pacific Adventures!Come along as we start our journey to the South Pacific, including Australia, New Zealand, a quick stop in Fiji, and then on to Honolulu. Posted are some photos from an earlier trip, but stay tuned! There will be lots more to share!Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988670614791326799.post-65270351980700033592015-03-05T05:52:00.002-08:002015-03-05T05:52:46.200-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>Fiji: July 29, 2011</b></div>
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Our first stop on the way to Honolulu was Nadi, Fiji. We had a @5 hour layover and we arranged to take a quick tour into Nadi but it was not to be. Customs makes it a lengthy process and in order to leave the airport we would have had to collect our luggage and re-check in for our flight. Round trip to Nadi is @50 minutes and...well, time was not on our side! Another time...the steward told me that July is a perfect time to visit Fiji and that when you do go to Fiji, that you need to take off your watch and listen to your stomach! </div>
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So we stayed in the airport, did a little shopping and had a meal. We created our own little library area to read, as well, and then Mater and I made some friends. There was a church group waiting for the same flight all wearing blue patterned wraps and t-shirts with their logo, South Seas Christian Ministries Savaii 2011. They were a group from Utah on a mission trip to Samoa and were very friendly and chatty. They do these mission trips every year to help build homes and schools and to work with the children, as well. They had instruments with them and lots of smiles to boot and were generally an easy-going and people oriented group. The youngest was 9 years old, having made his first trip when he was just 7! What a wonderful opportunity for them all, giving them a chance to meet people unlike themselves living lives worlds apart from what is familiar to Utah! Tony was their "main guy" so he had the honor of holding Mater for the photo.</div>
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Mater spent some time shopping around and making friends. The men in traditional Fijian dress were security guards in the airport and Vike was a very nice woman in the Pacific Art store in the airport, as well. They all loved our little Mater and thought that the pictures were a fun thing to do and readily accepted the invitation to pose with him. After all, who can resist Mater?!</div>
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We finally boarded our flight for Honolulu but had a quick refueling stop in Apia, Samoa. Those continuing to Honolulu did not disembark and the layover was for @1 hour. This flight was filled with lots of sturdy Melanesians, Polynesians, and Micronesians draped in hibiscus fabric and tattoos with skin tones ranging from apricot and sepia to cinnamon and mahogany. They really are unassuming, approachable people in this part of the world with welcoming smiles and happy dispositions and our plane was a collection of humanity with enough Oceanian languages being spoken to crash the Babelfish site! I cannot tell the difference between Maori and Fijian or Tongan and Hawaiian but they were all being spoken! I just love listening to it all and thinking how far removed my life in New Jersey is from their lives on these unfamiliar, remote Pacific islands. I do wish we could have done a little bit of exploring in Fiji. Hey - we'll just have to return some day!</div>
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Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988670614791326799.post-86203778494786500032011-08-04T19:50:00.001-07:002011-08-05T19:50:19.212-07:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MODm4bc6Y3g/TjyrsBnSvoI/AAAAAAAACc8/lvAPi-lhksY/s1600/DSC_0540.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 262px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MODm4bc6Y3g/TjyrsBnSvoI/AAAAAAAACc8/lvAPi-lhksY/s320/DSC_0540.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637569606396853890" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Our final aloha - Sunday, July 31, 2011</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We left Waikiki at 5:00 AM for the beginning of our 11 hrs. of flight time home. <span></span>Hawaii is invigorating and peaceful, at the same time, offering relaxation and unlimited opportunities to either separate oneself from ones money or to “party ‘til the cows come home“!<span> </span>It’s a place full of choices.</div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">After checking our baggage, we bid our farewells to David,our excellent Honolulu guide, and proceeded to the gate for our early flight in the hopes of making our LAX connection in time. <span></span>FYI, American Airlines does not serve any food whatsoever on their flights, including those of extended duration.<span> </span>So, we fortified ourselves with bagels and boarded the plane. Branden, another veteran friend from the waiting area, told us he has never left Honolulu on time...so we waited. Naturally, Branden and Mater became fast friends!</p><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CCOsUuBMt0k/TjynrHpCQBI/AAAAAAAACc0/DFWWbZaRTEw/s320/DSC_0872.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637565192788394002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 207px; height: 320px; " /></div><div>Lo and behold, the children sitting next to us on the first flight are playing with…drum roll, please… none other than…MATER and some of his friends!<span> </span>I struck up a conversation with the mom explaining our travels with Mater and asked permission to take some photos.<span> </span>She loved the idea and, as the very active children sitting behind us joined Tyler and his trucks, I took some photos to add to Mater’s memories.<span> </span>It’s simply serendipitous that our little tow truck companion is among his peers once again - a reunion of sorts, really! - as his human companions also return to family and friends who have never left our hearts and minds and whose familiarity brings warm comfort to our hungry, wandering souls. Tyler had a hard time saying goodbye to Mater but, in the end, all was well!</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--jdMcNkRViY/TjyjLs-vOcI/AAAAAAAACcU/0F-B77Q9_Dw/s320/Flight%2Bhome%2B-%2BHonolulu-LA-NY.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637560255009208770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><div><div style="text-align: left;">While the hosts and hostesses on the flights were less than friendly and accommodating, this first leg of our two flights home was uneventful and, as expected, barren of nourishment. We left Honolulu<span> </span>@10 minutes early, much to Branden's shock, and arrived in LAX with limited time to race to our next departing gate, treating everyone in the airport to a “Home Alone” run of urgency s0 as not to miss the last available flight home.<span> </span>We arrived at the gate in time to board the plane and get settled in our seats.<span> </span>But Jamie was hungry and was determined to get a meal so she approached the steward telling him that unless they wanted her passed out from lack of food, they had to allow her to get a meal to take on the plane.<span> </span>After all, it was a long time without food and what were they thinking not offering food or stocking enough on the plane for purchase?!<span> </span>He informed her that she had exactly 9 minutes and she took off in pursuit of the “spot-on”<span> </span>“last supper“.<span> </span>According to Jamie, she tore through the terminal toward Burger King yelling, “Coming through! Excuse me!<span> </span>Excuse me!” and finally hit her mark.<span> Running to the front of the line and relocating those already in line a bit further back, s</span>he informed the BK employee of her situation and ordered hamburgers and French fries for all of us!<span> </span>Thank goodness<span> </span>for some understanding patrons!<span> </span>Grabbing the bag, she repeated her pleas of “Coming through! Excuse me! Excuse me!” to those in her way, finding more aggression in herself than she realized she had and returned to the gate agent in…8 minutes!<span> </span>Meanwhile, I was counting people and knew I had seen Jamie board the plane but couldn’t find her now.<span> </span>I was not concerned because her daughter’s seat was<span> </span>next to her and she did not seem concerned of her mother’s absence and then we saw her…Jamie busily working her way down the aisle triumphantly carrying bags of Burger King with burgers and fries for us all!<span> </span>What a welcome and generous surprise she offered!<span> </span>We greedily consumed our<span> </span>gifts as the passengers around us simply oozed with drooling envy! Leftover French fries were offered to our group and with no takers (after all, we were full now!), Jamie announced their availability to the entire cabin.<span> </span>While I am certain most of those hearing this wanted to take advantage of the offer, none did until I spotted the young man sitting behind Jamie with a longing look.<span> When asked, h</span>e happily accepted them and all was right with the world.<span> </span>Thanks, Jamie for your heroic and entertaining efforts!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-41szprUwSNM/Tjylv2Rkz5I/AAAAAAAACck/UD536WLblzQ/s320/DSC_0916.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637563075002683282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 320px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">The LAX to JFK flight went quickly for me while chatting with friends remembering our adventures and reviewing the blog and photos.<span> </span>Such wonderful memories we all have!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXdn78xKTkU/Tjymy-Ak8YI/AAAAAAAACcs/dK-ShMmsYT0/s320/DSC_0917.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637564228130107778" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 210px; " /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">We arrived in NY on time, collected our luggage and found our driver to take us home, but not before meeting Heather‘s daughter, Jocelyn.<span> </span>Heather’s husband, Chris, was picking her up to take her home to CT and brought their little treasure to welcome her mommy home.<span> </span>Jamie had the bonus of a short reunion with her granddaughter and well…Does it really get any better than that?!<span> </span>It was yet another moment to remember!<span> </span>Animated conversation accompanied us on our trip home.<span> </span>Karen and Ken left us first and we went on to join our cars that would take us home.</div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I, for one, take from my wanderings the gratification of exploring new places and discovering bits and pieces of the human spirit (including my own) that was previously unfamiliar while having made some new friends along the way.<span> </span>These are memories that have become part of who I <span class="Apple-style-span" >am</span> along with friends who have<span> </span>enriched my life. <span> </span>No worries, no regrets, hakuna matata, kaore he aha ki a au, 'A'ole pilikia. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Welcome home, my friends.</p></div>Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988670614791326799.post-70060561895842263082011-08-04T16:51:00.000-07:002011-08-06T08:14:18.853-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Luau and Aloha - Saturday, July 30 … July 31st</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our final full day was spent in Honolulu with our group pursuing personal interests ranging from shopping to helicopters to recuperating/rejuvenating on the beach.<span> </span>It was an excellent day to unwind, perhaps even reach nirvana! - not terribly difficult in this Hawaiian Paradise, mind you<span> </span>-<span> </span>and prepare for our final flights home. Thanks for these photos from your helicopter tour, Jamie! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ec_Ye0mB09U/TjxOWWwIRGI/AAAAAAAACcE/wdrk-rnygng/s320/Honolulu%252C%2BNuNu%2BMt.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637466979532555362" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_F3jUMYRcnA/TjxPpJM_CoI/AAAAAAAACcM/L8S5zlLRdNM/s320/Honolulu%252C%2BNuNu%2BMt1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637468401824631426" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><p class="MsoNormal">We had an awesome luau on Paradise Cove for our last dinner together.<span> </span>Paradise Cove is an area of almost 100 acres that includes beaches, canoes, Hawaiian crafts, live performances, shops, and temporary tattoos painted on by scantily clad Samoan men (this line went on forever...mostly women, mind you!).<span> </span>After more than an hour or so of taking advantage of all there was to offer, we were seated for dinner with the main performance by the Paradise Cove dancers backed up by a Hawaiian musical group that played typical Hawaiian instruments and sang.<span> </span>It’s pretty impressive what these young people can do with their bodies, conjuring up some fond memories for some of us!<span> </span>They did dances from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, New Zealand, and, of course, Hawaii.<span> </span>It was fast moving and, often times, told a story that was all based on traditional ceremonies and ancient history.<span> </span>Audience participation enhanced the experience for us all , as audience members got on stage to learn a traditional dance and interact with the performers.</p><div><div style="text-align: center; "><div><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VBCHudJf4tI/TjtHYXyetqI/AAAAAAAACbM/UEzUbEiKn1M/s320/Luau.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637177842612483746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6ztzZp5w-E/TjtI8CAlFSI/AAAAAAAACbU/5kFu82KHQSY/s320/Luau1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637179554752959778" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MdsRwJTYa6U/TjtLwa4Ej0I/AAAAAAAACbc/_3ItjTh3iHQ/s320/Luau2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637182653804613442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RYtc-T-9PgM/TjtZ6ubhc2I/AAAAAAAACb8/EhnuzYicx3I/s320/Paradise%2BCove-Luau.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637198224015061858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While standing on line for our grease pencil tattoos, we met a very confident and well-spoken 6th grader. He was going to get a "tattoo" and then send a picture of it to his dad in Puerto Rico to try to "freak him out". He was so excited to be playing this little joke on his dad (with his mom's permission, we found out), to be enjoying all there was to offer at the luau, and to just be here and then the source of all his joy showed up - his mom. She was dressed in a beautifully beaded long white dress with a megawatt smile and twinkling eyes that matched her son's. There was no question where this young man got his looks and open personality and that he and his mom shared a very special bond. He introduced us and then casually told us that his mom had just gotten married, hence the white dress that I thought looked suspiciously matrimonial! Her new husband was there and so, of course, Mater had to get in on the action and photos were taken. Their wedding photographer took photos as well so there is a good chance that Mater will end up in a wedding album to boot! More happiness to add to this beautiful evening!</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R5fChOh4MJc/TjtMmYVGZyI/AAAAAAAACbk/MTSEH2dNmoY/s320/DSC_0671.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637183580833998626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 253px; " /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jFYD1_X_uTo/TjtWRmliCWI/AAAAAAAACbs/7vtT7svRlAc/s200/DSC_0652.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637194219000039778" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 164px; " /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On our way into Paradise Cove, we had pictures taken as a group or individually.<span> </span>There was a young Marine from Alabama right behind us in line and we spontaneously adopted him for the night as he readily joined in our group photo therefore becoming our “cousin”.<span> </span>Everyone in Hawaii is a cousin, if not by blood but my the mere fact that they live in Hawaii, or at least Waikiki, or are simply mahini, or tourists.<span> </span>Our new relative, Matt, managed to go onstage, thoroughly in line with his personality! He was outgoing and friendly with the gift of southern gab and a willingness to share that immediately endeared him to us.<span> </span>He loved<span> </span>being a part of our “family” enjoying the camaraderie and uniqueness of being the African American cousin to our lily white Caucasian group!<span> </span>He was the perfect new friend to make on our journey through the South Pacific.</div></div><div><div><div><div><br /></div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A-pJI6iY07w/TjtXkl_HiwI/AAAAAAAACb0/cB6PT4UJp9g/s320/DSC_0751.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637195644768062210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 320px; " /></div></div><div>The luau food was appetizing and plentiful, we were all happy with our photos and, all in all, we enjoyed another flawless evening.<span> </span>It was a meaningful way to end our journey together,<span> </span>accompanied with unfettered laughter and camaraderie and created more memories of<span> </span>our shared adventure.</div> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We returned to the hotel @11:00 PM to get a few hours sleep before meeting in the lobby at 4:45 AM four our 5:00 AM airport departure.<span> </span>While we are satiated with our travels and happily exhausted, it will be good to get home to our families and familiar routines.<span> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p></div>Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988670614791326799.post-48265409011489265422011-08-02T20:35:00.000-07:002011-08-03T19:13:00.011-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>Aloha, Hawaii: Friday, July 29, 2011</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NoLYQo_S0Ls/TjnRxecC35I/AAAAAAAACaE/a0DlRKBHZ2o/s320/Honolulu%2Barrriving%252C%2BDiamond%2BHead.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636767056545374098" /><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7bOXsEjFuKo/TjjCnZYW_0I/AAAAAAAACXc/F7ApwPNafOw/s320/DSC_0094.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 91px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636468915737919298" /><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--M7GPD2jTRI/TjjD94r8YpI/AAAAAAAACXk/eQhUICW6Ac8/s320/DSC_0095.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 182px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636470401610310290" /><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xU5DHx5Izic/TjjEP0DAULI/AAAAAAAACXs/sYWoi1CafYs/s320/DSC_0088.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 221px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636470709602504882" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><o:p></o:p>As we approached Honolulu, the sunrise created a color rich horizon of reds, oranges, and deep blues that changed and brightened as we got closer. When we arrived in Hawaii, we were greeted with a rainbow! How could this possibly be a bad sign?!</div><div><p class="MsoNormal">So, we are in yet another Paradise here in the Waikiki Beach area of Honolulu.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We are in the Ka’a’awa Valley<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>where towering palm trees, turquoise skies, and crystal waters provide the background for the last days of our wanderings together.</p><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fOhuSo0-evM/Tjm44qqHvkI/AAAAAAAACZU/61x5HGK7X4Q/s320/Honolulu%2Btouring-Nu%2527unanu%2BPali.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636739692294028866" /><p class="MsoNormal">The Hawaiian language has only 12 letters in their alphabet: the vowels “a, e, i, o, u“ all pronounced as they are in Spanish and their consonants, “h, k, l, m, n, p, and w”.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> There is also an 'okina, a glottal stop in pronunciation that helps to differentiate words. </span>You pronounce all the letters individually, barring some exceptions, and it is all sounds very<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>melodious and singable.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Aloha” can be used as a hello, a departure, or simply a greeting.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Alo” means “face to face” and “ha” is “breath of life”.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So much of this culture is about connections with others, through their language, their actions and their general approach to life, something we have found throughout this journey.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>While Hawaii is a part of the continental US, it is the most isolated island in the world with a decidedly different philosophy than the east coast of the continent.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not better - not worse - but definitely different.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is so gratifying to get to know more of our own country and our countrymen…and women!</p><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iKo-KlVlcp8/TjnQcQwUy2I/AAAAAAAACZ8/6ji9KO-97LQ/s320/Honolulu%2Btouring-Nu%2527unanu%2BPali1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636765592583457634" /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>W</o:p>e were met at the airport by David, our Honolulu guide and proceeded to our hotel where Jane and Ken finally got to play golf on the most difficult course in the United States, Ko'olau Golf Club. Talk to Jane and Ken about their games! ...and that 's Gilligan's Island just right of the top center nearest to the coast...a 3 hour tour!</p><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_SYLdR2vJE/TjnfUUr9UXI/AAAAAAAACaU/cdD5ifJ37zM/s320/DSC_0441.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636781948874346866" /><p class="MsoNormal">The weather was questionable but ultimately cooperated (as it has done throughout our trip!) as the rest of us went to Pearl Harbor.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Here we found displays on the history and chronicles of the attack which depict the events through the eyes of both the Japanese and the Americans.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There was a movie about the series of events leading up to the attack and it was a very sobering moment to be reminded so graphically of the horrific surprise that met our soldiers on that December morning not so long ago.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>From the film, we were ferried out to the memorial to the SSS Arizona.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was here we could honor the list of names of the victims of this pivotal event in WWII. It was here we could smell the oil that still leaks from the wreck swirling in oily rainbows among brightly colored fish and slow, innocent sea turtles.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was here we saw veterans of all ages honoring their comrades.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>With our flag waving above us, it was a sobering visit.</p><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dYPqsP19yZA/Tjn8hv3p6oI/AAAAAAAACbE/8h7o5P5N5Jw/s320/Pearl%2BHarbor4.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636814065346669186" /><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IuVk6w88b9Q/Tjn4mk3vmpI/AAAAAAAACa8/WrzAMhAKhSo/s320/Pearl%2BHarbor3.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636809750247086738" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span></p><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zdze0NH3dL0/Tjn2qgOCXzI/AAAAAAAACa0/v7jYhBCkPF4/s320/Pearl%2BHarbor2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636807618694635314" /><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eDWCq7ihdUw/Tjn0tl-XGFI/AAAAAAAACas/gqnRjP2qG5I/s320/Pearl%2BHarbor1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636805472755849298" /><p class="MsoNormal">I met Daniel and his friend from Michigan who were there to find the name of a friend’s father.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They were veterans, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I struck up a conversation, took a photo of them with Mater (of course!) and they asked me to photograph the name of their friend, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I happily took the pictures and promised to send them to Daniel's email. (I did just that!)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ONEUHOW8NEc/Tjnjo_3uV4I/AAAAAAAACak/Gd07GX8x3NM/s320/Pearl%2BHarbor.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636786702110316418" /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span>While at Arizona Memorial I saw a young man with two prosthetic legs wandering around the monument alone.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I knew he had to be a veteran, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He confirmed that he was a veteran and offered that he had lost his legs in Afghanistan.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I thanked him for his service and sacrifice and he happily agreed to a picture with Mater.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is one of Mater’s favorite pictures!</p><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KOsNCk1IZwA/TjnikqRmi9I/AAAAAAAACac/7MGlmo1KOy0/s320/DSC_0276-1.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 177px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636785528082172882" /> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>We proceeded to a tour of Honolulu and went up to Nu’uanu Pali, a lookout that offers a view of the valley, the golf course, the water, the site of a number of movies (Mighty Joe Young, included!) and…Gilligan’s Island!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The theme song from that show has followed us throughout our trip so it was particularly fun that we could see the place where it was filmed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> Ken even knows all of the words to the song, BTW! </span>In reality, it is actually called Coconut Island.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> The view</span> was beautiful, it was incredibly windy and we found lots of wild chickens and baby chicks living there, as well.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span></p><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cRj_WYOelvk/TjneHMeWdaI/AAAAAAAACaM/bKyAN1JGCJM/s320/Honolulu%2Btouring-Nu%2527unanu%2BPali2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636780623819863458" /><div style="text-align: left;">Tomorrow is our free day in Waikiki and then...the luau!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988670614791326799.post-41008614754943088622011-07-30T01:09:00.000-07:002011-08-06T19:21:21.243-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Tuesday, July 26, 2011:</b> <b>Jade, Stea</b><b>m, and Livi</b><b>ng on </b><b>the Edge!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Another very busy day! We started out by visiting the jade cutter, Nick, learning about the origin and types of jade (nephrite and jadeite) and walked away with some beautiful and meaningful pieces. BTW, Nick loved "Travels with Mater" and helped me take some photos! I love the significance of shapes and designs that help to tell the story and beliefs of the Maori people. The nature of each design is representative of a character trait, worn for protection, or to help fortify or support a relationship. Strength, determination, prosperity and good health are included, along with courage, harmony and growth, to name a few. The promise of safe passage over water or a meaningful relationship is important in these patterns, as well as protection from evil. They have fascinating and unique names, such as heimatua, koru, toki, and manaia, and everyone in the Maori community seems to know them all. The Maori are a naturally spiritual people and they are all connected to each other, either by blood or by life force.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EZskTGyFJDI/TjPChXda9FI/AAAAAAAACUs/iX7DtH-DPYs/s320/Jade%2Bcutter%252C%2Betc.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635061437259510866" /><div style="text-align: left;">We headed over to Whakarewarewa (remember the full name you’ve been practicing?! How’s it going?). This thermal Maori village gave us a personal insight into the lifestyle of the Maori that reside there. Overall, I found them to be deeply respectful of their elders and their history and this seems to help guide their current lives and the decisions they make. The hot springs, boiling water, bubbling mud, and sulfuric steam all play an influential and meaningful role in the every day life of the resident Maori. They bathe in the naturally hot water, heat their homes, and cook their food using the energy provided by Mother Nature. Throughout the village were four recessed underground communal “ovens” where the village residents cooked their food using the heat from the earth’s steam. Meats, vegetables, and breads were all included and the ovens were shared by one and all. Wrapped in foil or in pots, food was placed in these “ovens” and cooked throughout the day with the family retrieving their meal when cooked to perfection! There were spots where you could feel the heat through your shoes and where the ground was quite warm and, of course, the sulfuric smell was never far away!</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3cw8upb6xFw/TjO-AcE1WiI/AAAAAAAACUU/xlg7-AgsHoE/s320/Whakarewarewa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635056473516366370" /><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A03irPUJlkY/TjO-hLVvEQI/AAAAAAAACUc/MMmmj6pFths/s320/Whakarewarewa1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635057035959537922" /><div style="text-align: left;">We walked through the village to a spot where we could witness the geyser erupt into the blue skies, at times being obscured by the steam that accompanied it. While not the magnitude of Old Faithful, it is still a powerful display of earth’s capacity to slowly change its face as minerals and other colorful elements spew into the air slowly leaving their mark on the rocks and soil surrounding it. Naturally we waited for it to erupt and, collectively, took an obscene number of photos!</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4PhqBf_U77o/Tj2QhMV8kjI/AAAAAAAACdc/NPYPRc2Pm_4/s320/Whakarewarewa2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637821208461087282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We then went to Mt. Ngontongaha, taking the gondola to the top where we rode the luge (some more than once) partially down the mountain. We were treated to a panoramic view of Lake Rotorua and its surroundings as we stopped for lunch in the café enjoying the view. I have to say that we have been incredibly fortunate in regard to the weather. While the temperatures are a bit chilly in the morning and evening here in New Zealand, the sun has been shining in Rotorua and the snow and icy conditions have stayed in the South Island.</div></div><div style="text-align: center; "></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7OK6acYcY9Q/TjPGM3gKpRI/AAAAAAAACU0/uR3-JMUFp9A/s320/Nt.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635065483130217746" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Agroventure was our next stop today where we were able to take advantage of some risk-taking, adrenaline producing endeavors! There was the Shweeb, Free Fall Extreme, the Agrojet, Swoop and Bungy. Shweeb is a human powered monorail that you pedal while sitting in a pod racing another “shweeber”. Apparently, you can reach speeds up to 45 mph but we don’t know that for sure because none of us did that! Brendan and Billy did Free Fall Extreme where they were suspended on a giant column of air flying up to @12 feet off the ground. Our group “superheros” loved every minute of their weightlessness. They also did the Swoop free falling towards the ground at 130 MPH, pulling 3 G’s on the way after being cocooned inside a harness before soaring through the air. Lots of us did the Agrojet. This is a 13 ft. sprint boat powered by 450 HP engine that pumps through 11,000 liters of water per minute! They strap you in, buckle you up before taking off in a jet sprint boat that reaches 100 MPH in just 4.5 seconds! Our driver, Matt, was excellent and provided us with a ride of screaming and laughter as he treated us to a 360 degree Hamilton jet spin! That guy has a great job!</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L6aH9ZJGxJg/Tj18RM5-VkI/AAAAAAAACdM/_xHOndn6VS0/s320/Agrodome%252C%2BHangi%2Bdinner-Hintzen.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637798943501735490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_xs10sbrpbk/TjUkZSE-cSI/AAAAAAAACWk/VqqfZmesAJc/s320/Agroventure%2Band%2BOgo1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635450525492080930" /><div style="text-align: left;">Anja suggested we stop at Ogo for some more fun! This time, Anja, Heather, Brendan, and Billy took on the Zorb, a huge ball within a ball that is filled with water and sent hurtling down a hill with a human inside of it! Keep in mind that the temperatures hovered near 50 degrees F. Even though warm water was put into the ball and its occupant emerged soaked to the bone, they loved their rocking and rolling down the green, green hills of New Zealand!</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gWjKHn9XEsA/Tj19KnW9pwI/AAAAAAAACdU/FMVX6BSLL0I/s320/IMG_2037.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637799929855190786" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hHAzEmnR2A/TjUnY0ZQ63I/AAAAAAAACWs/XWV_HdipxGM/s320/Agroventure%2Band%2BOgo2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635453816058997618" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">We returned to the hotel and went to the Hangi dinner, a traditional Maori feast complete with music that accompanied the time-honored Maori dances and performances. It began with a customary greeting and accepting of peace between the clans, in this case the Maori and the audience. Our “chief” was Bradley, chosen from the men in the room. It was also an audience participation event and many of us ended up on stage along with the performers and a good time was had by all. I left the evening believing that the Maori are a happy people, even though they shared with us some traditional warrior customs. Listening to the music, one can hear a Hawaiian influence (or vice versa with the Maori influencing the Hawaiian songs!), and seeing their joyful smiles as they perform, I left the performance feeling that perhaps it is the simple lifestyle the Maoris live that makes them so happy and content. Either way, they are a joyful and satisfied people and it is a delight to spend time with them and to get to know them and their culture better.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7BVGLlCmuH0/Tj30nuUogVI/AAAAAAAACd0/QsYidXD85X8/s320/Hangi%2Bdinner1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637931271824376146" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cbx94iGiN_A/Tj31M1MfkbI/AAAAAAAACd8/c0jJrMrpGQ4/s320/Hangi%2Bdinner2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637931909324444082" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 226px; " /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>This is a visual test. Can you pick out the genuine Maori native?</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_PR-Udet2M0/Tj2r70FJpJI/AAAAAAAACdk/S2VajuCrjb0/s320/Hangi%2Bdinner.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637851352618607762" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988670614791326799.post-68829418058024535322011-07-30T01:06:00.000-07:002011-08-06T10:20:02.071-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Wed., July 27, 2011</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lots of steam, a nautical </b><b>rodeo, from Thailand to la Dolce Vita</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Ok, people…RUN, don’t walk, to the nearest opportunity you have to visit White Island, a submarine volcano, off the coast of Whakatane, New Zealand! Not kidding! So inconceivably awesome! It was like walking on the moon with giant spewing fumaroles and steam puffing out of holes and fissures on this barren landscape almost devoid of vegetation. Here are some words from our group to describe today…almost all of them referring to White Island: amazing, gaseous, unique, outrageous, yellow, stunk (in reference to the sulfur smell, which was quite strong at times!), thought-provoking, volcanic, steamy, eerily breathtaking, sci-fi, serious, caldera, sweeeeeeeeeeet, rock-n-rollin”, and “craterrific”!… and then there was "abduction" and "conspiratorial" but more about that later - and fattening - later!</div><div><br /></div><div>We loaded onto the boat this morning where we received some safety tips along with the location of the life jackets…just in case, you know! We then started our almost 2 hour trip out to White Island in the Bay of Plenty through choppy waters and large swells. White Island, New Zealand’s only active volcano, is believed to be between 150,000-200,000 years old It was once the site of sulfur mining activity but in 1914 an eruption killed 10 men when ash and a lahar collapsed the building they were in (no trace of them was ever found) and mining was finally curtailed in 1923. BTW, a cat named “Peter the Great” survived. Legend has it that he sired all of the cats in Whakatane today! But men did come there to work, especially during the Depression when employment was almost impossible to find. This is the kind of place that you either love or hate. One man came for 2 years and stayed for 8 while another, upon seeing the island, climbed the mast of his ship, tied himself to it and refused to come down until the ship was on its return journey away from the island! Apparently he had a different idea of an island in the South Pacific!</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h5PhykJ06iA/TjSQ7jTSVRI/AAAAAAAACV0/kfFsOKfFNuc/s320/White%2BIsland.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635288386510148882" /><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wc5ICS82sHQ/TjSSmZYXOfI/AAAAAAAACV8/xxraUiJobZ4/s320/White%2BIsland1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635290222093089266" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Just before arrival at White Island, the crew took out yellow hard hats and gas masks for us to wear during or visit , a real fashion statement for sure! We left the boat and climbed into an inflatable dingy that took us to a crude ladder which we climbed to a landing and then navigated our way across a garden of boulders to the beach. More safety tips here as we were informed that today was the 11th anniversary of the last eruption but not to worry. They had plans - sort of - just in case - and that as soon as our boat had a chance to return safely from fleeing the falling ash and debris from said explosion, it would be back to pick us up. Of course, since it was already so awesome to be there, we ventured forth and never looked back! Seriously, the pictures tell it all and just as soon as I have an internet connection, I promise to share them with you but suffice it to say, “IT WAS AWE-INSPIRING!“ The power of the earth is not to be understated.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VXzhaEmf33k/Tj13GGaL8XI/AAAAAAAACdE/OV7Pr2oPSQQ/s320/IMG_2092.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637793255221096818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>So much color in the rocks here. The sulfur, gypsum, and iron ore all contribute to the rainbow of hues that can be found, as well as the sun, rain, and cloud cover. Again, Mother Nature, thank you!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g7m3VP27QQM/TjSmLh5WdjI/AAAAAAAACWc/sAIQ3oDJ4eM/s320/White%2BIsland5.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635311750755022386" /><br /></div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W6jh8P2L3as/TjSVE1tjp5I/AAAAAAAACWE/D6KagQP0SSQ/s320/White%2BIsland2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635292944117507986" /><br /></div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ea78Tpbg3Fg/TjSXffuyngI/AAAAAAAACWM/7Q0iJOzu-qE/s320/White%2BIsland3.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635295601096826370" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>Ever heard of a nautical rodeo? Me, neither, but we experienced all the bucking and excitement of a land rodeo cowboy on our return trip to Whakatane. The captain told me he expected it to be windier on this trip and his prediction did not disappoint. While he thought the swells were only about a meter high, the water was consistently washing over both the lower and upper decks of the boat and the windows, blocking all visibility. Being a passenger on this boat was like riding a bucking bronco and was yet another example of how powerless humans really are, despite their belief of just the opposite! I loved every minute of it and it the perfect end to a flawless excursion! There were times that the waves we encountered, washed over the TOP deck of the boat! Some of us were invoking the protection of a higher power!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yty9OCqbcIg/TjSjRsrWwpI/AAAAAAAACWU/VyhiCcpvf2U/s320/White%2BIsland4.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635308558193443474" /></div><div>As I was getting ready to meet everyone in the lobby for dinner, I realized that Mater was missing! I tore through my pockets, my camera case, my suitcase and then my memory trying to remember when was the last time I saw him! Good grief! What will I tell Liam if I can’t find our lovable little tow truck?! I realized that he must have fallen out of my pocket either on the boat or on the bus and now my mind was in full blown problem solving mode! When I told Anja she volunteered to call the boat company and send him home if that was where he was but assured me he must be on the bus. Donna and Branden were shocked at Mater’s absence and Jane appropriately expressed her dismay, as well. The rest of the group joined in my anguish, as well,which, as it turns out, was all an act! .. and then…on our way to dinner…I was called to the front desk of the hotel and was given a note…FROM MATER! It read: “NuNu - Awhina! (Help!) Kia Tupato! (Be careful!) You forgot me! You will be “towed” what to do. Mater”…then on the bottom was written: “Kitonu tak waka topaki I te tuna.” I will ask Richard, our bus driver, for a translation tomorrow. (My hovercraft is full of eels!) This is where “abduction” comes into play. Poor Mater! He must be worried that he will be left behind in New Zealand but not me! I know he must be well cared for and will patiently wait for his return while doing whatever the notes tell me to do! Stay tuned…..</div><div><br /></div><div> Since we did not want the hotel food again we ventured out to a local Thai restaurant. Excellent food (an opinion shared by most of us, anyway!) and lots of fun. Of course, I missed Mater but when I looked at the pictures on my camera….THERE HE WAS! Such a mystery! They had these little funky animals with propeller navels with clips sticking out of their heads that were used to hold the table numbers. One was a cow and I decided I needed to have it for Amy. The woman at the desk was a bit taken aback when I asked if I could purchase this little cow but I was able to broker a deal and left with the cow…but not Mater!</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jSjgSePhIlI/TjRqDIP0BZI/AAAAAAAACVs/yomZfznnLtg/s320/Collages.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635245635733292434" /><div>We then went to an Italian restaurant for dessert - la dolce vita! OMG! There was caramel chocolate cheesecake, Donatello fudge ice cream concoction, little chocolate covered pineapple cake pops, and it all was scrum-diddlee-umptious and quite beautiful to boot! All this food left us in a food coma! Good thing we’ve been doing lots of walking!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5blLAC3UpY/TjRTtNS2bkI/AAAAAAAACVc/ChaRod9LwN4/s320/Thai%2Bdinner%252C%2BItalian%2Bdessert.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635221069875277378" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Tomorrow we leave for Auckland and then we are off to Fiji!</div><div><br /></div></div>Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988670614791326799.post-25701688778125153612011-07-30T00:07:00.000-07:002011-08-03T19:25:35.147-07:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4xFjlUVIJKI/TjRLS9dEiQI/AAAAAAAACVM/aF9xGEgN5F4/s1600/NZ%2Bcountryside.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4xFjlUVIJKI/TjRLS9dEiQI/AAAAAAAACVM/aF9xGEgN5F4/s320/NZ%2Bcountryside.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635211822853556482" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Auckland to Rotorua: July 25, 2011</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>Nau mai, Haere mai ki Aotearoa</b>! Welcome to New Zealand! Kia hora! After a bit of a delay due to snow in the south island in Wellington, NZ we arrived in Auckland, NZ, the Land of the Long White Cloud. New Zealand is quite serious about their airport security and searched a number of bags in customs looking for whatever it is that threatens homeland security but also for food! It must all be claimed upfront. Meats, fresh fruits, breads are not allowed and dirty golf shoes that are not claimed could all get you a fine of $400.00! It’s the bacteria, etc. that could be in the food and the dirt on the shoes that could be carrying an environmental threat to this beautiful and pristine environment. Years ago they introduced possums to help rid the country of something else and now those possums number in the millions and the saying goes, “The only good possum is a dead possum!”. Being the inventive and creative people they are, the Kiwis have learned to use possum fur mixed with merino wool to create a soft, warm garment so those deceased little rodents don’t go to waste!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y1Am49phCHs/TjO6imrAcQI/AAAAAAAACUE/jVgY87l2ez0/s320/Rotorua%2Bshopping%252C%2Betc.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635052662429872386" /></div><div>I love flying into this country with its rugged coastline and its lush green gently rolling hills and flowering plants, even in the winter! The North Island is not home to the glaciers and higher mountains but is the island with the bulk of the Maori population and history. It’s all beautif</div><div>ul with some of us commenting that it reminded us of Ireland or even Sussex County!</div><div><br /></div><div>Richard, our coach driver and of Maori descent, took us to Rotorua, a trip of @3 hours and we were able to see more of the countryside as we left one of the only multi-lane highways on the island for a double lane road for most of the trip. Rotorua means “ 2 lakes” or “second lake”, with “roto” signifying “lake” and “rua” meaning “2” or “second” and is the spiritual home to the Maori. It was given this name by the Maori explorer, Ihenga around 1350 AD. Rotorua sits on one of the most active geothermal and volcanic regions in the world. This geothermal field contains 1,200 geothermal features including geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pools and fumaroles, silica terraces and flats. The people population of New Zealand is @4 million. The sheep population is @40 million! So it was sheep we saw along with cows grazing on the hillsid</div><div>es as the sun set on our first night here and Richard told us a bit of New Zealand and Maori history. Rotorua is the center of Maori language and culture as well as an active geothermal area with the distinct smell of sulfur in the air. You can see steam rising out of bushes and in parks all around the area as we drove into town. Tomorrow we go to Whakarewarewa, a Maori village and geothermal park. "Whaka" is the shortened name for a very long one which is quite difficult to pronounce. If you just say every letter with “wh” sounding like “f”, you’ve got it! Go ahead. Try it! Let me know how this works out for you!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the name in its entirety:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Tewhakarewarew</b><b>atangaoteopetauaawahiao</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>A couple of pictures from our hotel along Lake Rotorua:</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vHCeHHKW8Vw/TjRHDzLlvBI/AAAAAAAACVE/Qdc5r-rS7aQ/s320/DSC_0206.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635207164351331346" /><br /></div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xyoV3YYbjCg/TjRGbxNgpZI/AAAAAAAACU8/j9qFqj1Ujgw/s320/DSC_0228.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 148px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635206476627748242" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Haere mai until tomorrow!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988670614791326799.post-90935416871493898502011-07-25T12:20:00.001-07:002011-07-25T12:30:58.636-07:00This is what they call a "frosty" morning here in Rotorua. There is ice on car windows and it is expected to be no warmer than @48 degrees F today. You can see your breath outside! Our hotel is right on the lake where there is a constant steam cloud floating up from the water... and, of course. the sulfur smell!<br /><br />We are actually quite fortunate to be in the North Island as the South Island, specifically Christchurch and Wellington, have been hammered with snow, delaying flights, interrupting all sorts of services, and generally making life difficult while maintaining the top news story like a nor'easter might do.<br /><br />I am having some trouble connecting in my room and therefore cannot upload photos right now but will do so ASAP. It really is beautiful and there ought to be some excellent photos after todya's excursions.<br /><br />Time is up online for me so let's chat later!Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988670614791326799.post-63990200238290342542011-07-24T12:28:00.000-07:002011-07-24T12:33:31.822-07:00Good morning as we prepare to leave for New Zealand. We will be landing in Auckland and going to Rotorua in the North Island. Not sure how much access I'll have once we arrive but I will do my best to keep posting. Otherwise, stay tuned and I will update once we get to Honolulu.<div><br /></div><div><img src="http://www.thecommonwealth.org/Shared_ASP_Files/UploadedFiles/%7B776C6927-C28A-4EDB-B8C9-E743E6A74D9E%7D_NewZealand.gif" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Hooroo, Australia! </div>Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988670614791326799.post-70235467756859138312011-07-24T00:15:00.001-07:002011-07-24T05:51:37.797-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Sunday, July 24, 2011</b><div><br /></div><div>Another day in Paradise! This was a free day for us in Sydney to explore, shop, relax, climb bridges...you know...the usual! We slept in a bit today and then we went off in different directions. Some took the train to the Rocks, some went back to the Opera House, some walked to church and then to the Rocks, some went to the Sydney Harbor Bridge to take a walk - up the bridge!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The Rocks is an area down by the harbor where the convicts landed when sent from England. The youngest of these law breakers was 9 years old and the oldest was 83. Hardened criminals along with bread thieves were treated the same with there being just 2 sentences - a 7 year term of imprisonment or a 14 year incarceration. The area became one of crime and rundown buildings and the city planned to knock down everything to build high rises. There was a major uproar by the citizens to preserve the history and the buildings by the harbor and, eventually, the town father's saw the light and acquiesced to the demand of its citizens and The Rocks was born! It is now full of boutiques, art shops, restaurants and cafes. You can walk along the harbor to the Opera House, take a boat ride, both fast ones and leisurely, enjoy the entertainment of contemporary musicians and that of some aborigines...or you can just people watch. It's all good!</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qWMSvZwsP8U/TivK3mJ1NMI/AAAAAAAACTk/nEv8nwOuRoo/s320/The%2BRocks.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632818815440336066" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s98SPk2nUx4/TiwSi1wuXII/AAAAAAAACT8/DOCIPEu1C7Q/s320/GR%25232.jpeg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632897623689944194" /></div><div>I am so blessed to have friends here in Sydney through a variety of avenues. I had a friend who taught in Australia for a couple of years and, on her way back to the states, she went via Fiji. Graeme was on his way around the world and met my friend while he was in Fiji, as well. They exchanged addresses and when Graeme arrived in the New York area, he stayed with us for a few weeks, exploring our area, Philadelphia, and, his favorite, New York City. He then left for London but couldn't resist returning to us on his way back bringing another friend, Lorna, with him and, after another couple of weeks, we were all fast friends. That was in 1976! Graeme is one of those people with a sneaky sense of humor who can talk to anyone and does! Our laugh-fests were legendary! It was wonderful seeing him again and we plan on getting together in November when he comes back to N</div><div>ew York. We got so caught up in conversation that I did not get a new picture of Graeme nor did I get one with Mater! However, there will be pictures in November! Meanwhile, here is a picture of my friend, Graeme, from a previous post.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Katie was our tour manager when we came to Australia in 1999. She and her husband, Paul, did this work on school holidays and, typical of the Aussies we've met, they are both open and friendly and interesting. Katie was always so kind to the us on that first tour and was easy-going and full of stories and ideas to keep us all busy. We became friends on that trip and, when I came back in 2001, she and Paul had a son, Sam. We have kept in touch through the birth of their daughter, Holly, and so it was natural to see them this time, as well, getting to know their beautiful children a bit in the process.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rwjS5fwYxIg/TiwPJquIwBI/AAAAAAAACTs/M9Dr2n8qExQ/s320/Katie%2527s%2Bkids.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632893892694687762" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>It was so good to see them all, even if only for a few hours. The time apart did not lessen that connection and we had relaxed, natural conversation throughout dinner. Sam and Holly were the bonus at dinner, loving that I had Mater with me and, of course, photos were taken! Are they simply delicious young Aussies?! :)</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7yqN1ogGVRs/TiwQu-I3ZgI/AAAAAAAACT0/JWCHr5Rqvzc/s320/Katie%2527s%2Bkids1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632895633073858050" /></div><div>This was just another reminder to be kind to the friends you have and be open to new friendships wherever you go. You just never know how each new person will enrich your life!</div><div><br /></div><div>We leave Australia tomorrow for New Zealand. I, for one, will be sad to be leaving this captivating country with its life-loving people and will return again someday. One story goes that it is a traditional aboriginal way of saying good bye to wipe your hands under your armpits and then wipe the cheeks of the person to whom you are saying farewell... while this all sounds very exotic and exceptional, I will go with "Hooroo, Australia!"</div>Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988670614791326799.post-90960011225333674672011-07-23T05:00:00.000-07:002011-08-03T15:24:23.240-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Sydney: Saturday, July 23, 2011</b><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We had an amazing day in Sydney today touring the city, including Bondi Beach, visiting the opal factory, taking a harbor cruise, touring the Opera House and having dinner at the Blackbird Cafe.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Sydney is full of interesting history with the British, the convicts, and the aborigines. we hopped in and out of the coach between rain showers this morning, some heavy at times and other times simply annoying. But we remained hopeful that it would clear up and it did!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OTA-4wFFdF4/TjmsiT426rI/AAAAAAAACZE/6uSJxETuBO4/s320/Sydney4.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636726114085169842" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>The Opera House is the identifying face of Sydney Harbor. It sits out on a peninsula of land, Bennelong Point, surrounded on three sides by the harbor dominating the shape of the skyline despite its diminutive size compared to the taller buildings in the city. This icon was designed by Jorn Utzon and opened in 1973, after 16 years of construction and controversy with a 1,400 percent cost overrun. It is Australia's most popular tourist attraction with over 7 million visitors a year. It really is a breathtaking structure with its shell-like outline and glass curtain walls. The shell ribs add dimension and depth to the interior and each performance hall is created to be acoustically perfect. Simply grand!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CoWbIZe4veY/TjmoJImsOtI/AAAAAAAACYs/84qK3VsBE9M/s320/Sydney1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636721283512941266" /><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XcDvei8Mops/TjmqClt0B9I/AAAAAAAACY0/yB9_oM0fVfg/s320/Sydney2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636723370091612114" /><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-La1MTjJ9d3I/TjmrFwRGLxI/AAAAAAAACY8/jdJFVmnkuRg/s320/Sydney3.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636724523975192338" /><div style="text-align: left;">For all you Barbie fans: They had a collector Barbie designed to represent the opera house, as well! There was actually a pretty big campaign advertising her with posters and doll displays. Here is a visual in case you want to get one! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-17VZu_Ft-k0/TjnFWMOA0GI/AAAAAAAACZc/T99w47SUx0E/s320/Sydney7.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636753393658679394" /><div style="text-align: left;">Part of the history of the harbor area is that some of it is reclaimed land. They have placed markers in the walkway that runs along the water to delineate the borders of the land as it stood in 1788. Beyond that point is the reclaimed land.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OuuhhqtpDtM/TjnHOQyJQiI/AAAAAAAACZk/Ziee0Btx_aY/s320/Sydney8.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636755456468271650" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">The opal factory was our next stop. We skipped the introductory film and little chat with the staff and got right down to business! So much to choose from and so little...money! There were opals of every grade and type ranging from doublets and triplets to the coveted black and fire opals. There were necklaces, bracelets, rings, brooches, and free from opals for the choosing! All beautiful! Everyone managed to find an opal that suited them, some more than others, and we all walked away happy, if not a bit less financially secure! :)</div></div><div><div><br /></div><div>We also went to Bondi Beach, the famous playground of surfers and bikinis. In fact, in 2007, the Guinness World Record confirmed that the largest swimsuit photo shoot was set at Bondi Beach with 1,010 women wearing bikinis! We did not see any though since it was raining off and on at this point and...oh, yeah...it was winter there! FYI: In Aborigine, "Bondi" means "water hitting rocks" of "place where the flight of nullas took place". Boy, was it ever hitting the rocks and living up to its name today!</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-etvRPbyoGGk/Tjmvrv4obLI/AAAAAAAACZM/qERwlvdYRsc/s320/Sydney6.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636729574754118834" /><div style="text-align: center;">We stopped at an outcropping during our tour that has, apparently, been a location for a number of desperate actions taken by despondent people. We were told that the man across the street has had a hand in talking many people down off of the rocks before it was too late. He is known for returning hope to the lives of these people and hence - the sign.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-saECLRGencA/TjnI_wteN5I/AAAAAAAACZs/p1A3V9t_CuY/s320/Sydney5.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636757406363826066" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Our dinner was at the Blackbird Cafe in the harbor area. Delicious food and good friends - wonderful way to start our stay in Sydney!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cp2-U4R0rQI/TjmbtoJ9G5I/AAAAAAAACYk/mV3bMXDNYWc/s320/Sydney.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636707616806476690" /></div><div>The weather was off and on all day but finally cleared up and it looks like we are going to have a perfectly clear day here in Sydney for Sunday.</div>Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988670614791326799.post-40860209380942392492011-07-22T06:30:00.001-07:002011-07-23T15:34:39.062-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>Friday, July 22, 2011</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Amid sunshine and winds, we reluctantly left Tangalooma. It was an uneventful ferry ride to Brisbane where we arrived along with @100 PTP student ambassadors. Collecting luggage took a bit of time but then we were off to Lone Pine Koala sanctuary.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, the big draw there was the chance to hold a koala so we went to them “straight away”! Koalas are very docile marsupials who tolerate being placed in the hands of countless visitors all wanting a photo for posterity. Me, too! We all lined up and smiled as our photo was taken by the staff and the rest of us took photos, as well. Holding a koala is not unlike holding a human baby. After being placed in your cupped hands, they sink comfortably into your chest with its arms up on your shoulders. They are furry with a unique eucalyptus scent and because of their size and weight, you might even tend to rock back and forth like you do when you hold a baby! While koalas are the main attraction, there are lots of other animals that live there, too. There are those large bats the size of cats, platypus, reptiles, wombats, cassowary, emus, dingoes, and, of course, kangaroos and wallabies. Since Australia has lots of birds native to the country, there were lorikeets, cockatoos, cockatiels, budgie birds, a number of different parrots and more. We went into the kangaroo enclosure where we were treated to free wandering emu, wallaby, and red and grey kangaroo. Since it was late morning/early afternoon the kangaroo were pretty lazy and very easily approachable. Most of us bought kangaroo food so had something to entice them to interact but so did every other visitor and some of the roos were in a virtual food coma! But they did take food from our hands, allow us to pet them, and sit while we took photos and photos and more photos! Some were jumping and hopping around giving us the true kangaroo experience!</div><div><br /></div><div>Koalas were everywhere and easy to see as they, too, are passive and sleepy. Koalas eat only eucalyptus leaves and therefore smell like the plant. They eat and sleep, with very little wandering about and they cling to the trunks of the eucalyptus while their babies cling to them. So darn cute…just couldn’t get enough!</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_pgADz0c4F0/TitKrAPFXKI/AAAAAAAACTM/AgcoC00SwY4/s320/Lone%2BPine.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632677861615033506" /><div>As you leave Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, there is a pair of cockatoos that say “good bye” in a voice eerily similar to human beings! Every person that passed laughed and stopped to "talk" to the birds trying to get them to say other things...not all appropriate, I might add! :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xXMcgkndths/Tiq0BszrbnI/AAAAAAAACS0/q0_8nSBkJYM/s200/DSC_0371.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632512225281011314" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Update</b>: Ken has had a number of “incidents” this trip! Remember his encounter with a fish at the reef resulting in his finger being bitten? Well, while sand surfing, Ken took the most dramatic spill and managed to get a bruise onhis arm the size of a small coconut…ok…a very small coconut…maybe a kiwi sized coconut… but he was still the only one with this honor! Then today at Lone Pine while holding the koala to have his photo taken, his</div><div>koala reached out and grabbed his lip scraping his cheek in the process! I'll let you be the judge but that’s three times, Ken! May I suggest you steer clear of the volcano on White Island? </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As we head to Sydney, we are coming into the worst rain they have had for 61 years! The</div><div> surfers are pretty happy although some beaches have banned them from the water with waves over 12 ft. We are hopeful that this storm will break and give us some drier weather. Sunday looks like our best bet.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>FYI: Our snack on the plane from Brisbane to Sydney was sea salt grissini with spiced pumpkin dip - quite delicious! And an apple. Apparently, pumpkins are pretty big in Australia, too! In Goomeria, Queensland there is the Annual Goomeri Pumpkin Festival, including the Great Australian Pumpkin roll! <a href="http://www.goomeripumpkinfestival.com.au/">http://www.goomeripumpkinfestival.com.au/</a> and Check out www.sydneybiscuitcompany.com.au for more about this little snack! I forgot to mention that on our Qantas flights, passengers are given a bag to help them recycle. Of course, one might muse that the extra bag is just more garbage but hey…it’s the thought, really! I’m just sayin’…</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qqbbqZY5UMY/Tiq075hOSWI/AAAAAAAACS8/jL04xLAJ6zk/s200/CSC_0658.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632513225125677410" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Saw a guy in Brisbane airport with a Superman shirt on and had to introduce him to Mater. I explained that Liam just had a Superhero party and that his shirt would be perfect to join Mater in a photo. Luca was so excited to meet Liam's traveling tow truck and happily posed for a super picture with him, too. Yet another friendly and life-loving Aussie!</div><div><br /></div><div>At our gate was an arriving flight filled with students who had gone on a trip to Sydney and Canberra. Their families were all waiting at the gate - anyone old enough to remember when we used to do that, too? A group of younger brothers and sisters were squealing with delight at the thought of their siblings returning from such an adventure so far away. Many had not been on a plane before this trip and would surely bring home exciting tales of their week away from home and supervision. The children formed a receiving line of sorts and there was much revelry as their brothers and sisters, sons and daughters deplaned welcomed by hugs and kisses and even awkward adolescent joy as they saw their families once again. After all, how could they act excited at their age just to see Mom and Dad and annoying little brothers and sisters? But their delight was impossible to hide and smiles sneaked onto their lips as they happily walked with their families to return to the comfort of home and their own pillows tonight. One little boy, probably about 18 months old, refused to let go of his sister as he buried his little head in her neck and had a shameless, blissful smile on his face as they walked away. If you are fortunate enough to have one, love your family a little bit more tonight.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HCD3TH9ZwOw/Tiq2RNDixmI/AAAAAAAACTE/Fz6OrqfLvZw/s200/DSC_0662.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 160px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632514690658780770" /></div><div>I sat next to a young man on the flight to Sydney whose name was Darrel. He was 25 and an engineer of sorts traveling around the world for his company. He has been to NYC, Boston, and New Jersey, to name a few of the places he has seen! He is not opposed to a quick stop in Las Vegas, either, or of relocating if anyone wants to offer him a job! Then, Stewart sat between us and he also works for an insurance company as an engineer so they really had an interesting conversation. But, not before I told them the tale of Mater’s travels and they wanted their picture to be added to the collection!</div><div><br /></div><div>I managed to get a few pictures up but now must go off for the day! Check back later, mates! </div><div><br /></div><div>Cheerio!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988670614791326799.post-53043608052492531982011-07-20T22:56:00.000-07:002011-07-24T00:05:07.857-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Thursday, July 20, 2011</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Sand tobogganing rocks! Paul, our driver to the desert, was a typical Ozzie with a nonstop sense of humor and the inborn ability to laugh at himself. He goes to the United States every 2 years, buys a truck, drives coast to coast for a few weeks and then returns home to Australia. He then brings the truck home, changes the steering wheel to the other side of the car and off he goes for another 2 years! He seems to have a particular fondness for Texas, as well! Now, none of this may be true...we really don't know for sure! But he was entertaining as he drove us to the sand dunes in the desert to try our hand at sand tobogganing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ja9TxTZ3Uk/TiqkJ0Pw_eI/AAAAAAAACSk/Fcd1Nxi4gqE/s200/DSC_0970-1.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632494772530773474" /></div><div> After entering the desert area, we reach a place called Lightning Ridge. It is really just a mound of sand that is filled with what looks like thousands of tiny rocks. In reality, they each represent a lightning strike! As the lightning hits the sand, it melts the silica in the sand to create these little lightning rocks. Amazing how much lightning hits in this area! You are not allowed to take any of these rocks, but Paul got out and picked one up to show us. He promised us he would put it back in the exact spot from which he took it...again, who knows!?</div><div><br /></div><div>Back to sand tobogganing: For some, it goes like this: you hike up a pretty serious hill of sand...all sand...after all, it is a sand dune...have your picture taken by a young, smiling photographer (who is going to New York in a couple of weeks) has hiked up the hill and is not out of breath. She tells you that you are doing fine, just like she is paid to do! When finally at the top, it is a glorious view of the desert from where you've just come and to where you are now going, much more quickly and with very little effort! As instructed, you lie down on a piece of board, rough on one side to prevent you from sliding off and waxed on the other so you can reach speeds of up to 35 mph as you torpedo headlong down the gritty incline toward an uncertain landing. Hurtling oneself willy-nilly down a sand hill with no visible means of stopping that does not involve tumbling head over heels in fine grain sand that will end up EVERYWHERE must be on everyone's bucket list! The alternate scenario goes something like this: "Cool!", you say to yourself, "Let's go!", not noticing the angle and height of the sand as you race up the hill to the top with nary a bead of sweat and plenty of oxygen to spare. You passed the little photographer girl because you were going too fast to notice her or she says something like, "How many times is this for ya, hey?" You lie down on the board, race down the hill at breakneck speed and rush to repeat it all over again! The point isjust doing it! Such wild abandon and fleeting freedom! Beware: you MUST keep the front of the board up lest you find yourself with a mouthful of grit, which many of us did! So much fun! Some of us did it once, some did it 6 times but either way it was awesome! Now for some pictures of us in various stages of victory and defeat!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aONnJvHm26Q/TiemHWBoO2I/AAAAAAAACRk/9-JykrF0_Ns/s320/Sand%2Btobboganning.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631652504151800674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px; " /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>Anja went on a helicopter ride with a couple of us and it provided us with breathtaking views of the island and the surrounding water! The pilot took us around the island to the east side of the island showing us the desert where we had just been sand tobogganing along with indescribably turquoise and green water along the shore. The depth of the water dictated the colors and there was a rainbowof greens, turquoise, myriad shades of blues, indigo, jade...Mother Nature was working overtime here!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_kVJ-UyNjN0/TiiGGTT-cEI/AAAAAAAACSU/tuIjjcgEhLM/s320/Tangalooma%2Bhelicopter.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631898776848199746" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The winds died down today and we could really enjoy the perfect temperatures, sit on the beach, walk without jackets, and be glad we are not in temperatures too extreme in either way! Some went kayaking while others took the opportunity to relax or explore the island.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uLa9CpUbOCk/TiiM-YTu5CI/AAAAAAAACSc/vgJ3yq77SgM/s200/DSC_0203.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631906337331799074" /></div><div>Later in the afternoon, Bissy came to visit. Bissy is an older dolphin who doesn't go out too far from the island anymore and is quite comfortable around people. She was swimming around in very shallow water giving all who saw her a very close encounter with her. She left all too soon and we spent some time on the beach looking out into the sea in the hopes that Bissy would return. It was not to be. This was one of those special times that will not be forgotten but neither can it be replicated in exactly the same way.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Brendan, however, wandered into the water and was so close to another dolphin that he was able to touch her! Naturally, we all wanted to have the same experience but it was Brendan's alone. Brendan is our group "didgeridude"! </div><div><br /></div><div>Today as the winds died down the family of kookaburras returned to be fed. They wait patiently for very lean beef as meat with a high fat content is not digestible and may make them sick or result in their death. (Hmmmm....maybe humans should take note here!) Kookaburras are very noisy, round birds with a long sharp beak and their screams and calls could be heard all over the island. They are very family-oriented, mating for life, and warning other kookaburras to stay away if they interfere with an expected food source. Very cute birds full of personality and noise!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvBFZjV8f5c/TiqrH2rDBiI/AAAAAAAACSs/GFpU2UWTNMU/s320/Kookaburras.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632502435403728418" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>Some of us went to Karen and Ken's room before dinner and to see the sunset from their balcony. They have a knack for getting a room with a beautiful view!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JIms_CJKuNw/TivBwUL1HtI/AAAAAAAACTU/oAgmYi3ZaY0/s320/DSC_0909-1.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 173px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632808794753146578" /><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PUIHAhU-5b4/TivC3g9Hw9I/AAAAAAAACTc/IkDQDbX96vA/s320/DSC_0256.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 179px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632810017951826898" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>We are off to the ferry leaving Tangalooma (so sad, really!) and headed to Brisbane and the koalas!!! then it's off to Sydney...let's hope the rains have stopped!</div>Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988670614791326799.post-9267963600773882392011-07-20T13:28:00.000-07:002011-07-21T05:28:04.447-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQ1Bn4-kWAg/Tic9KkyT1aI/AAAAAAAACQ0/1YW1ZKBeojM/s1600/Tangalooma%252C%2Bbeach%252C%2Bshipwreck.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQ1Bn4-kWAg/Tic9KkyT1aI/AAAAAAAACQ0/1YW1ZKBeojM/s320/Tangalooma%252C%2Bbeach%252C%2Bshipwreck.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631537110932772258" /></a><br /><b>Welcome to Tangalooma, on Moreton Island!</b><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Tangalooma was the largest land based whaling p</div><div>lace in the southern hemishpere until @1962. In a ten year period between 1952 and 1962, almost 6,300 humpback whales were caught and processed (ok - let's be honest, they were slaughtered). A blue whale was also among the victims during this time. Today, there are whale watching, not hunting, tours and just the building where the whales were processed remains. The building is now used for ping pong and other games so now it is a happy place!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Lnf6nRAQ8w/TieynRDRqrI/AAAAAAAACRs/GiTrKWZXh30/s320/Tangalooma%252C%2Bbeach%252C%2Bshipwreck1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631666246711880370" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">It really is a beautiful place and is quite peaceful at this time of year. There are countless things to do here and we will take advantage of many of them, minus the water activities! The air temperatures get up to about 60+ degrees F and the wind has been ever present. It is the wind that has grounded the helicopters at times, prevented the whale watches, and made it all but impossible to hand feed the dolphins. They even had to offload passengers from an incoming ferry down the beach by the shipwreck because it was too rough to dock the boat at the pier. Passengers were put into an open topped cage, of sorts, and were lifted off the boat by a crane!</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1lUM1csV4EE/Tie6j25MX9I/AAAAAAAACR8/iVa1wbWnpPI/s320/Veiga%2Bphotos.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631674984243683282" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But, flexibility is key to the success of any adventure in life so we've found other things to do.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We all took the quads out on a guided tour of the sand dunes on the island. After a short safety introduction, we were all handed little white hairnets to put on prior to the helmets. I must say, they were quite a fashion statement! We were able to get some beautiful views of the water from a higher perspective and to test out our driving skills in the sand. So much fun!!! So much so that some went back out on a more in depth ride more suitable to their experience. All in all, a good time was had by all! I can understand why so many people love these things! (<i>Special note to Anthony and Tim</i><i>: Notice your mom's picture in the bottom right hand corner of the collage! She really did it!!! </i><i>)</i></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S85Le_gjIQ8/TidFiuDn43I/AAAAAAAACRE/TOTVR7taXy0/s320/Quads%2Bon%2BTangalooma.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631546321831191410" /><div style="text-align: center;">Needless to say, Mater felt right at home among his peers! He even found a quad more equal to his size! He's an adventurous little tow truck, for sure, and is having the time of his life, Liam!</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qwDz5ZZ1w-w/TieiDCZeMEI/AAAAAAAACRc/GAcpiWE4tBI/s320/Quads%2Bon%2BTangalooma1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631648032117108802" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We also took a walk down to the shipwreck at the end of the beach. The sun...and wind...were with us and it was a perfect time to take a leisurely walk along the beach and explore. Lots of starfish could be found among seaweed, wood, shells, jellyfish, sand seeds from the trees. ...Uh..oh! I will finish this later! It's almost time to go sand tobogganing! Stay tuned!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Ok - we're back from our sandy adventure! More about that later though...Our walk down the island beach on Wednesday was wonderful. Still pretty windy but perfectly sunny. We've been so fortunate to have avoided any rain while here. We came upon a "shipwreck" on our walk, designed using 15 different old ships to generate a man-made reef and a snorkeling and diving spot for tourists. It was near here where the ferry came in to offload passengers.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pnbysXFMN3Q/Tie-wjp-0fI/AAAAAAAACSE/Gt1eLSu1Txw/s320/Tangalooma%252C%2Bbeach%252C%2Bshipwreck2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631679600464417266" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>We went down by the dock to feed the pelicans but found pied cormorants instead! Now they don't feed these little buggers because they are very aggressive and they don't want to encourage them to go to humans for food. But, they patiently stayed with that hopeful look your dog might get when they know someone at the table might have a soft heart for them. The marine biologist was attempting to feed another bird, whose name escapes me but I will find out. These birds were like hawks and hovered around overhead waiting for the opportunity to eat that they knew was inevitable. In the meantime, the cormorants were getting a bit impatient. One hopped up on the railing and attempted to help himself to the fish in the hand of the staff. Quickly, she held the fish away and protected herself with a leg up! The bird reluctantly returned to the beach and continued to wait. She threw the fish up in the air and the unnamed bird swooped down and retrieved it much to the dismay of the cormorants. It was an interesting exercise in bird behavior!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vUxjyOtkJdU/TigaQbIND-I/AAAAAAAACSM/bJyUCFc2-EI/s320/Tangalooma%252C%2Bbeach%252C%2Bshipwreck3.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631780203489202146" /></div><div><br /></div><div>We arre going to miss Tangalooma.</div>Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988670614791326799.post-9792098595738995392011-07-20T12:32:00.000-07:002011-07-31T17:44:55.694-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>Tuesday, July 19, 2011</b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Before we left today, Debbie and Pete went out for a morning walk to visit the fauna in the area...meaning the bats! These creatures are as big as small cats and have a wing span of @6 feet and were responsible for Heather's messy encounter earlier. Debbie said she would have stayed longer if it weren't for Heather's experience! But, they got some good photos to share with you and they really say it all!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8ncbEXfOEw/TjX2NpgUjcI/AAAAAAAACW8/uce-asMUDOw/s320/DSCN0938.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 130px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635681223064194498" /><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rBzCarYOlZA/TjX1wEIz4PI/AAAAAAAACW0/mFiO0mm2GyE/s320/DSCN0936.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 172px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635680714817265906" /></div><div>A more laid back day than we’ve had since our arrival. We left the hotel at @11:00 AM for our flight to Brisbane on our way to Tangalooma. We also left behind warmer temperatures as we head south, continuing on to Sydney at the end of the week. The ferry to Moreton Island was uneventful but we learned that the wind was the reaso</div><div>n they have cancelled the whale watch on both Wed. and Thursday. And windy it is! We experienced the effects of that as we arrived at the island during the docking of the ferry. The ferry was maneuvered up against the dock with much difficulty yet ultimate success. The gangplank was positioned and we were only able to leave the boat one at a time because it kept losing its somewhat tenuous connection to solid ground in the form of the dock! Upon arrival, we were treated with the feeding of the dolphins that return to the beach each evening. Walking on the dock from the ferry we could clearly see 8-10 dolphins riding the surf as people were standing in the water throwing fish to them. Usually the dolphins come right to the food source and they are hand fed but because of the high winds, it was impossible for people to get closer or the dolphins to come further in as they rode the waves created by the winds. Although high winds are expected to continue, we remain hopeful that we will be able to hand feed them before we leave. I like being in my room listening to the wind churn up the surf into white caps and waves as the palm trees whip back and forth on their trunks. Life is good!</div><div><br /></div><div>After arriving in our rooms we waited for our luggage so we could dig out our warmer clothing and jackets for the walk to dinner. Dinner was delectable and it was plentiful! Mouthwatering platters of tender steaks, snapper, and chicken kebabs were among heaping plates of salads, including Greek salad, coleslaw, tomatoes and crushed garlic, greens, beets, etc. and it was all good! We also had samosas which were fried sheets of dough stuffed with cheese/maybe?…vegetables?…but they were delicious, as well! I, myself, am wondering why I did not take pictures! Maybe tomorrow?! </div><div><br /></div><div>On our ferry trip to Tangalooma there were 4 adults and one child making the trip, as well. They were Chinese and it did not appear that any of the adults were the 2 year old’s parent. But the love and care they had for this child was evident, especially one of the men. Typical of the age, this little girl was very busy and nonstop yet the patience and acceptance for this child’s behavior was unending. She was happily exploring as she , periodically stopped to hug this man, whom she obviously trusted and loved as he smiled and hugged her back encouraging her to sit quietly. His efforts were largely unsuccessful yet he continued to smile and treat her with gentle hugs and whispers and joy. I loved watching this exchange between the generations .</div><div><br /></div><div>It promises to be quite windy again tomorrow so we will have to see what activities we will choose. Apparently there is a cyclone hitting the south island of New Zealand that is expected to work its way east and then make groundfall again further north on the coast. Maybe the winds are part of that storm system? No rain, just wind…let’s see what tomorrow brings.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Oh...Mater is amazing, making friends everywhere he goes! These are four guards at the security check-in at the airport in Cairns, as we prepared to leave for Brisbane. The guard on the left, Ian, recognized Mater "straight away"! Since they could not decide who was going to hold him, they came up with this very cooperative plan. Mater could not have been happier! :) </div><div><br /></div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sEekDTLuvJA/Tic3CyFk5vI/AAAAAAAACQs/mm3GqG-CdhQ/s320/DSC_0479.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 185px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631530379994523378" /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988670614791326799.post-71667982279890623922011-07-20T12:26:00.000-07:002011-07-20T12:31:50.012-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >Anja!</span></b><div><br /></div><div>I must apologize for not introducing Anja, our most lovely tour guide! She is friendly and efficient, thoroughly professional and lots of fun. We are extremely fortunate she is with us!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N0yHhjtq1YY/TictECnqXtI/AAAAAAAACQk/m_Vy70NJYh0/s320/Fekete%2Bphotos.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631519406496046802" /></div>Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988670614791326799.post-7609888972514950402011-07-19T21:48:00.000-07:002011-07-20T12:25:58.264-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; "><b>The Great Barrier Reef</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>Monday, July 18, 2011</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>After much anticipation and excitement, we cruised tothe Great Barrier Reef, a trip of almost 2 hours. It was largely a sunny day with intermittent periods of dark clouds which seemed to threaten the planned activities once we arrived. B</div><div>ut the clouds did not prevail and the day was mostly sunny with blue skies. The water was very choppy and unpredictable resulting in the boat having to stay close to the shore when possible to avoid more swells than necessary. This choppy and irregular up and down motion did not sit well with some of the boat‘s passengers. As the ride continued, it became apparent that some of our group would not have an easy day! But, giving much credit to their determination and fortitude, they did not miss out on an adventure of a life time! They went snorkeling…a number of times…despite the overwhelmingly unsettled stomach, headaches, and general malaise they were experiencing. A hearty and respectful“Congratulations!” goes out to them!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Txuue4sBxwc/TicrbJ7EZ9I/AAAAAAAACQc/Sr06xayBakQ/s320/Great%2BBarrier%2BReef%2B7-%2527112.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631517604570228690" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The fascination with the reef and the wildlife that takes up residence there spans all generations! There were infants and toddlers to senior citizens on this trip. We spent the day on the reef snorkeling, on the glass bottomed boat, relaxing in the sun, and scuba diving and generally enjoying the opportunity to be part of the largest living organism on the planet.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zNeUc4zOkYQ/TiZgDLsKP1I/AAAAAAAACP8/4tZwYrk47T8/s320/Great%2BBarrier%2BReef%2B7-%2527113.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631293991867268946" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Between the salt water, the sun, and the activities it was an exhausting day and the trip back to Cairns provided a much needed chance to rest and sleep. I decided to preserve the dignity of our group by not taking photos of them in this state but couldn’t resist including photos of people we did not know. Aaahhhh…the human condition!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0YHKWtqPoRY/TiZfa_t_d8I/AAAAAAAACP0/744usEwsW-4/s320/Great%2BBarrier%2BReef%2B7-%2527111.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631293301458958274" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Mater continues to make friends and is thoroughly enjoying himself! He hung out with Pete on the deck of the boat and met Mitch and Mike from Melbourne, who were envious of his travels!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kL05RZX9sm8/TiZiSKdvLaI/AAAAAAAACQM/79E4ZdCnMxM/s320/Great%2BBarrier%2BReef%2B7-%2527114.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631296448259632546" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G-mDFPB3Xms/TiZkG4V333I/AAAAAAAACQU/fu-FJ1qV4XU/s320/DSC_0355.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 208px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631298453439504242" /></div><div>Lest I forget to report Ken's encounter with a creature of the briny deep. While mindi</div><div>ng his own business (which is questionable, at best!) Ken reports that he was "attacked" by a fish who bit him and he has the scars to prove it...and here they are! You be the judge! :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We ended our day having dinner in various restaurants, including Outback Jack’s. Our waitress was from Canada and was pleased to have our table because we were from the states. The food was delicious, including the crocodile skewers, we returned to the hotel after a long day as we prepared to continue our adventure tomorrow in Tangalooma.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8tu_NYClmk/TiZezZywcuI/AAAAAAAACPs/TxwtR32eXWE/s320/Outrback%2BJack%2527s.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631292621263500002" /><div>a.</div>Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988670614791326799.post-15492401066986908752011-07-18T06:45:00.000-07:002011-07-18T16:22:27.767-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Sunday, July 17, 2011</b></div><div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Djirri Nyurra! G'Day from the Tjapukai! Today we took the Kuranda Scenic Railway up to Kuranda where we did some shopping and exploring. Kuranda Railway Station was built in 1915. But, it was the promise of gold in 1873 that inspired the need for a reliable supply route to the sea. Christie Palmerston took on the task. Construction on the railroad began in 1886. 1,500 hundred men at a time worked on the project overcoming challenges such as mysterious diseases, dense jungle, deadly creatures, and impassable swamps, to name a few. But victorious they were completing the route with 15 tunnels, 55 bridges, and 98 curves! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The ride up to Kuranda was awesome - a relaxing and scenic 45 minutes ascent through the Barron Gorge National Park, a World heritage area! Some of us went to the Butterfly Aviary which proved to be very interesting and informative, as well as full of gorgeous and independent butterflies! We did our best to catch some photos of Ulysses, the stunningly blue butterfly that is known for its elusiveness. Butterflies were landing on our heads, shoulders, hands, cameras, etc. Really beautiful little creatures. We ventured into the “nursery” where they painstakinglyremove eggs from leaves throughout the facility to provide an environment for them to reach their full potential in their short life! One of the “nurses” was taking little larva stage butterflies off of leaves and showed them to us. I swear they looked like little green gummy worms! Then she started to pet them and they lifted their little heads and looked around at us while wiggling their tiny yellow antennae. Babies in any form always get to me!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KHI3vTipETs/TiS9uFO16tI/AAAAAAAACPc/NyM3HTFcg0E/s400/Butterfly%2BConservancy.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630834033496025810" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Kuranda is the result of the railroad construction and soon became a popular retreat. In the 1970’s, artisans and those pursuing an alternative lifestyle sought out refuge in Kuranda. Lots of little shops in Kuranda from those offering typical tourist chatkas those presentin</div><div style="text-align: justify;">g art work created by local artists, including Aboriginal art, as well. It is an intriguing mix of art and crafts, indeed! There were many restaurants and cafes, along with wildlife attractions. In short, there were quiet a few opportunities to separate oneself from one’s money and separate we did!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E1GAOP2kGm4/TiS_M3jFwLI/AAAAAAAACPk/tQGZU4Vg2C0/s320/DSC_1726.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 169px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630835661910425778" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I made friends with an Aborigine in native dress outside of the one store offering traditional crafts. He was smoking a cigarette, so naturally I asked him if he didn’t get the memo about smoking being dangerous to his health. He laughed and said that he did and was going to quit…again! We started a conversation about his culture and the pressures from the “outside” world, the one he was catering to in his loin cloth and body paint and flip flops! He said it was very difficult for the elders to, not only understand, but to compete with the influences of modern society that the younger generation was ultimately going to encounter and that his own grandparents feared that, when their generation passed on, the history and culture that directed their lives would be lost. This man was brought up amid those traditions and still spoke the language and practiced many of the ceremonies and beliefs of the oldest known culture in the world - that of his ancestors. He acknowledged that being exposed to the lifestyle and conduct of those outside of the aboriginal culture had influenced his acceptance of those changes but he was also very respectful and connected to his elders and the past - a man, like so many, stuck in limbo between his familial past and his future world. I think this must be so difficult for people in this position to be forced to choose between preserving what is a part of their heritage and moving on toward the future and what they perceive to be an improvement. I’m not sure that is really such a clear choice to make.</div><div><br /></div><div>We took the gondola through the rainforest and the Barron River Gorge back to the bottom of the mountain and could see the hydroelectric plant - another reminder of “progress“. We were able to walk through the rainforest and glide over its canopy on our way down seeing more butterflies, cockatoos, and scrub turkey (or rainforest chickens, as we called them). When we reached the bottom, we headed over to Tjapukai Cultural Park.</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8_e-jOZ3NAQ/TiS8f3AAjYI/AAAAAAAACPU/LVWkdCkG6t4/s400/Kuranda%252C%2Bcable%2Bcar1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630832689645915522" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Tjapukai helped us to understand a little more about the Aboriginal people. They are friendly and eager to teach us about their history, Dreamtime, and their culture. We threw boomerangs, hurled spears and learned about Aborigine warfare and medicine. What they have been able to extract from the rain forest to use for medicinal purposes is, quite frankly, remarkable. From roots to eat, fronds to weave, pouches to fill, weapons to make and medicine to cure, the aborigines have been able to utilize most of what Mother Nature has provided.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ypvuqFhkE0o/TiS7LEp6VJI/AAAAAAAACPM/48gSaQrUF50/s400/Tjapukai%2BCultural%2BPark.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630831233022448786" /></div><div>Tonight we participated in the fire ceremony at Tjapukai. We had our faces painted by the aborigines and, along with other visitors, we chanted and danced around the ceremonial firepit where they created fire with two sticks and some straw - quite impressive considering some of us have trouble lighting up our gas grills or adjusting a thermostat! :) We enjoyed a buffet dinner with fresh and delicious food, were treated to more dancing and didgeridoo playing and we returned home. It's off to the Great Barrier Reef tomorrow!</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w_Cv7Llau6w/TiS5FFXU7LI/AAAAAAAACO8/EXbKkeVqtdI/s400/Tjapukai%2Bat%2Bnight.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630828931110464690" />Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988670614791326799.post-63846541199332283292011-07-17T12:54:00.000-07:002011-07-17T13:03:13.662-07:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ixyaVbGx8I/TiM-20-odfI/AAAAAAAACOs/LkEBH711rKA/s1600/DSC_0795.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 276px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ixyaVbGx8I/TiM-20-odfI/AAAAAAAACOs/LkEBH711rKA/s320/DSC_0795.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630413070798452210" /></a>First and foremost, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my most handsome and loving grandson, Liam! He is 5 years old today, July 17th (USA time)! You have brought such joy into our lives and we love you "more than all the stars"! <div><br /></div><div>More about Kuranda and Tjapukai later...but such important birthdays must come first!</div>Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988670614791326799.post-15233465177596813682011-07-16T13:39:00.000-07:002011-07-17T00:51:46.915-07:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Vcrvharlh4/TiKUgthxCGI/AAAAAAAACOk/qMDlt4NX-Ys/s1600/DSC_1336.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Vcrvharlh4/TiKUgthxCGI/AAAAAAAACOk/qMDlt4NX-Ys/s200/DSC_1336.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630225773864487010" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Saturday, July 16, 2011 con't.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VobjDG6Dnes/TiIAgVAo_BI/AAAAAAAACNs/xn122ANvykQ/s1600/DSC_1424.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VobjDG6Dnes/TiIAgVAo_BI/AAAAAAAACNs/xn122ANvykQ/s200/DSC_1424.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630063039562185746" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">Some pictures in and around our hotel. We</div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wqYg7bllZfc/TiKPt6OEs_I/AAAAAAAACOE/7st4aF5NxyU/s200/DSC_1337.JPG" style="text-align: left;float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630220503051711474" /><div style="text-align: left;">are right along the water, the Coral Sea, where</div><div style="text-align: left;">there is a boardwalk called the Esplanade. It extends along the coastline of Cairns right</div><div style="text-align: left;"> into a shopping district and a place they call the Lagoon, a shallow pool for the communit</div><div style="text-align: left;">y with fountains and metal sculptures and picnic areas and playgrounds. It is here they have concerts and events and just general socializing. Here is some of what we saw:</div><div><div><div><div><br /><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r_CZ74nVapA/TiKQaMwqotI/AAAAAAAACOM/R82zjnjth9Y/s200/DSC_1347.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630221263942886098" /><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7yYyGrWQ7Tk/TiH6ZTo6ABI/AAAAAAAACMM/0D2quACurIA/s200/DSC_1356.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 102px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630056321865351186" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cx2SsinGyfI/TiH7Bn7udiI/AAAAAAAACMc/Y30jHPSZ2Bc/s200/DSC_1350.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630057014507763234" /><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P1wUsyU3dok/TiH7oLDfYmI/AAAAAAAACMk/I2-cWGx4tLc/s200/DSC_1362.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630057676770599522" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>Anyone else see a giant three-toed foot in this mud...or maybe even Mickey?!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P77riOW-4nE/TiKQ0hTRlxI/AAAAAAAACOU/uztC7jhoPoA/s200/DSC_1404.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 173px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630221716133353234" /><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-70yJ28hurEA/TiH9TZzFsUI/AAAAAAAACNM/aCXFsc6MG0Q/s200/DSC_1399.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 138px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630059518974341442" /><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hvTXv_zTtIM/TiKRiV6x7eI/AAAAAAAACOc/IDJKRYNLVYs/s200/DSC_1409.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 118px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630222503351807458" /><div style="text-align: center;">We have no idea who these people are but, hey...they looked happy and we thought we should all celebrate with them!</div></div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iOlCFWeiDW4/TiH-y3Ov68I/AAAAAAAACNk/5LV8uSjjUnY/s200/DSC_1419.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 181px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630061158962555842" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-39uWo2s8SEg/TiH8nHJFp5I/AAAAAAAACM8/GpZdnu8Xfbo/s1600/DSC_1381.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-39uWo2s8SEg/TiH8nHJFp5I/AAAAAAAACM8/GpZdnu8Xfbo/s200/DSC_1381.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630058758052095890" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J3yr8oWI004/TiH74ReN7OI/AAAAAAAACMs/SxjKd7sAGYg/s200/DSC_1376.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630057953371221218" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Retail therapy...</div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F7VKeIt2xo8/TiH3w4F0RoI/AAAAAAAACLs/S7s-QmzSUPU/s200/DSC_1346.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630053428252395138" />Bye for now! Tomorrow is Kuranda and Tjapukai Cultural Park..and who knows what else!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988670614791326799.post-6668873859885187372011-07-16T04:39:00.000-07:002011-07-16T04:50:25.213-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C1UjUScBHQU/TiF5NEVZabI/AAAAAAAACLU/Ul5Ni1svs5k/s200/DSC_1231.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 138px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629914274598578610" /><b>More on July 16, 2011</b>: I forgot to mention that Mater has been very busy connecting with people! He managed to hang out with the crew during our flight and met, Nick, the person at the ticket desk in Cairns and a pilot named Ed. Exciting stuff for a tow truck!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oB_qucPEi5o/TiF5mq_tiWI/AAAAAAAACLc/N6kkVGGwNk8/s200/DSC_1304.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 122px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629914714473335138" /><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yPpQ_WsoFJE/TiF6MqD-vaI/AAAAAAAACLk/F1FNz3aiImU/s200/DSC_1306.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 146px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629915367057833378" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988670614791326799.post-90224050666640390402011-07-16T03:41:00.000-07:002011-07-17T00:16:21.385-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Thursday, July 14, 2011</b>: With great eagerness, we left Vernon at 12:30 PM and headed to JFK. There is nothing like travel to rejuvenate and inspire one’s soul! The anticipation of “hitting the road”, meeting new friends or visiting old, exploring places near and far has a way of affirming you’re alive! Even knowing we have a preposterous amount of travel time ahead of us does not dampen our spirits and it's off we go!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--oT8DYkPk5g/TiF1DxI4eDI/AAAAAAAACK8/mH_kb1FPYVI/s320/DSC_1226.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629909716780480562" /><div style="text-align: justify;">Before we even left NY, I spotted our first person with a story to tell. While we were finishing a meal in Sammy’s Beach Bar and Grille in the airport, a man with a most curious hat arrived to wait for a flight, as well. This hat was obviously something indicative of the man’s life and experiences as he wore it proudly and with confidence and some of us speculated where the hat, and possibly the man, were from - Vietnam? Thailand? The Far East? Who knew? But to me it screamed, “Come and talk to me!” and since I was not about to let this opportunity of a story pass us by, I grabbed my camera and decided to find out more. The man’s name was Linden, from West Orange, and he could not have been more gracious as I approached him to present, what was to be, a question he has been asked for years: Where did you get that hat? It turns out he is an avid lifelong traveler and bought his remarkable and curious head covering in Ghana over 41 years ago. It was all shiny leather and straw, completely waterproof and surprisingly sturdy, having been handmade by a local Ghanaian to whom he paid $20 USD’s. I asked him what drew him to this particular hat and he said, “I knew it was unique, one of a kind, and I saw it as a true piece of art. I had to have it.” Indeed, it was an exceptional purchase! He told me he and his hat have had their picture taken by complete strangers in front of the Great Pyramids of Giza, on the canals in Venice (where they were headed, once again with other friends), in Macchu Pichu, and in markets in Southeast Asia, and now in a bar in JFK, to name a few. He wears this hat all the time and welcomes the inquiries he has gotten and has even been offered hundreds of dollars for it, as well. But, he would never part with it. I got the sense that Linden and his hat were an inseparable pair, two friends who have shared over 4 decades of life and adventures together and that neither of them would be complete without the other. He extended an invitation for me to try on his hat and I happily obliged. He seemed genuinely eager to share his “companion” with me. It was fairly heavy for a hat and it did not reveal it’s age through wear and tear at all. It was still unscathed and tightly woven, its condition a clear indication that it had been well cared for, just like friends should be…Linden and his hat - just two traveling buddies exploring the world and open to new adventures and unexpected friendships…I hope we will all be like Linden and his hat as we travel together on our journey.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On our flight to LA, I sat next to a young man from Long Island, a UPenn</div><div style="text-align: justify;">student on his way to spend 6 months studying abroad in <img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IJ1g5bEO3ao/TiF25xuoXhI/AAAAAAAACLM/IWTYkA7ySog/s200/DSC_1249.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629911744163372562" />Sydney.</div>He was friendly and excited about what lay ahead for him as he leaves family and friends to spend time in another country on his own while preparing for his future. He had an easy-going nature, was eager to help me navigate the world of video games (BTW, while I had fun doing it, I really was not very good at bowling...ok...to be honest I s***** at it!), he happily shared in my picture taking of the sunset, and showed all the signs of someone who will take full advantage of this opportunity he has been offered. I was fortunate to have made his acquaintance and he was a pleasure to have as a seat mate.<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pr_UBISwyzc/TiFz8rVHBPI/AAAAAAAACK0/fYWWZD-70n8/s200/DSC_1262.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629908495450440946" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> We arrived in LAX with a little over an hour to wait for our flight to Sydney. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">They were weighing carry-on luggage, much to the consternation of some of us, me included! The limit was 15 lbs. Some of us had some adjustments to make but all was well in the end. It was a group decision that we would all try to get some sleep on the plane on the longest flight of our journey. Some just accomplished that in a more fashionable way than others!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are currently 8 and ½ hours into our flight to Sydney, a bit over half way. The lights are out and most are asleep as we prepare for adjustment to the new time zone. I should be doing the same but I have never been a sleeper and my body says it is 10:30 AM, well into a day for me on Eastern standard time. We go through customs upon our arrival and then board our final flight</div><div style="text-align: justify;">to Cairns, where we begin our adventure.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We have not yet crossed the International Date Line but are about an inch or so away…on the flight map! That’s where we will lose a day only to recover it on our way to Honolulu.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Saturday, July 16, 2011</b>: </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are south of the equator now and, after passing Papeete and Apia, Samoa to the south, we crossed the International Date line and have 5 hours and 6 minutes to go…but who’s counting?! It’s now Saturday as we’ve skipped right past Friday! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ASVXdoMgaSE/TiFzMSXPlbI/AAAAAAAACKs/vt-vsYhIBqo/s200/DSC_1294.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 155px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629907664114783666" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are 2,532 miles from Sydney , having already passed Honolulu to the southwest and, later on, Fiji as we cruise at an altitude of 32,000 ft. with speeds of 539 mph, Noumea is to the southeast, Port Moresby and the Philippine Sea to the west and northwest, the air temp outside is minus 36 degrees F as we have traveled 5,019 miles from home. We will be passing the Coral Sea as we head into Sydney …and how is it that I am listening to some hardcore country music?! I think I may even be tapping my feet and bobbing my head along to these stories of love lost, taking risks, finding that last beer, and analyzing decisions made! See what I mean about learning about yourself when traveling?! Who knew I wouldn’t change the channel?!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">3 hours and 29 minutes to go…now at 36,000 ft. and can “see” Noumea to</div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vzEHfEfqXkE/TiFw8PzxQBI/AAAAAAAACKk/NtTgWRI6yRA/s200/DSC_1236.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629905189527961618" /><div style="text-align: justify;">the direct south and Port Vila and Santo, as well...The air temp had droppedto minus 52 degrees F! Sure beats 's hazy, hot, and humid but a bit extreme, don't you think?! To the northwest, Manila, Osaka and Taipei are showing up on the map now, too - quite a different perspective from the tri-state-centric one we are so accustomed to seeing. We have been flying for 10 hours and 44 minutes Our ground speed is 520 mph and the “natives” are getting restless here on Qantas Flight 108! Even Mater was wondering when we would land!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Still Saturday, July 16, 2011</b>...6:40 AM local Sydney time…</div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-82Mx1pa-5Ew/TiFwc_hVn7I/AAAAAAAACKc/CbzKwyNskBU/s200/DSC_1297.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 140px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629904652579741618" /><div style="text-align: justify;">Rockhampton, Southport, Brisbane, Newcastle, Broken Hill, Alice Springs, Falls Creek, Adelaide, the Great Dividing Range, Auckland, and of course Sydney and the Tasman Sea, are all on the map now…less than an hour to go… minus 82 degrees F at 38,000 ft. flying at 516 MPH for 13 hrs. and 16 minutes. The anticipation</div><div style="text-align: justify;">is building right along with the lines at the bathrooms! 54 minutes to go…53, 52 and counting…We are now filling out our “Incoming Passenger Cards”…</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ooq8AEEKckY/TiFvGE4W68I/AAAAAAAACKM/qLHUwsRgFFk/s200/DSC_1301.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 144px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629903159369853890" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We’ve successfully completed our first 3 flights and have arrived in Cairns at our hotel! Gotta go…out to walk the Esplanade and take some photos before dinner! Chat later!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Newsflash: There are these giant bats here in Cairns and you can see them hanging in the trees all around the Esplanade. A group of us spotted some up in the trees and Heather decided to get a photo of one by standing right under them...seemed a reasonable thing to do at the time! Well, at that precise moment, the flying rodent directly above her decided he/she would leave his/her mark as a reminder that they are in control...all over her face! Sorry - no pics but the visual is priceless! (Heather, we really did sympathize with you even though the moment was unforgettable...and funny!)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t91DEuRBksg/TiFujCM3URI/AAAAAAAACKE/124qaR-V5XY/s320/DSC_1309.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 142px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629902557355135250" /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div></div>Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988670614791326799.post-22329587814912083752011-07-13T17:36:00.000-07:002011-07-13T18:06:53.342-07:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eozbrurAAN8/Th47KERTYdI/AAAAAAAACJc/o_xY5kPdZgA/s1600/hovercraft%2Bof%2Beels.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 141px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eozbrurAAN8/Th47KERTYdI/AAAAAAAACJc/o_xY5kPdZgA/s200/hovercraft%2Bof%2Beels.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629001628390744530" /></a>So you might be wondering what this picture is all about...it's the result of something sent to me by Debbie and Pete: "Useful" Maori phrases. The one that goes with this photo goes like this: "Ki tonu taku waka topaki i te tuna." (Hint: Vintage 1970 Monty Python)<div><br /></div><div>Let's see if anyone figures it out...without using Babelfish! :)</div><div><br /></div><div>This time tomorrow we will probably be flying over Pittsburgh... or somewhere in that vicinity... on our way to LAX. Then it's a connecting flight to Sydney...and another one to Cairns, where we will touch down after 29 hours of traveling! Yikes! Seriously, it's going to be all right! Been there - done that and survived! It is totally worth it! "A journey is best measured in friends, not miles." ... and we are traveling with friends, old and new!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, my fellow wanderers, please think of this adventure as not simply a trip to the South Pacific, but an opportunity to see things in a new light, to make new friends, to discover new cultures and, perhaps, even yourself. </div><div><br /></div><div>Kia pai te haere, one and all!</div>Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988670614791326799.post-80613126068212171942011-07-12T19:03:00.000-07:002011-07-12T19:14:39.251-07:00It happened...wonder of wonders...I have packed, but not without some drama! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="yiv37650005Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; ">Mission accomplished...well, almost, anyway! Most things have been placed in luggage with just a few stragglers pulling on my heartstrings yelling, "Take me! Take me!". It's so hard to leave them behind...maybe just one more shirt! :)</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="yiv37650005Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="yiv37650005Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; ">Of course, I had to make some difficult decisions that I hope I will not live to regret! Now, I'm on the computer battling the age old questions: should I bring a hairdryer or trust the ones in the hotels? Do I have enough clothes for all the varying temps? Do I have too many? (most likely answer here is , "yes!") Am I listening to my own advice of, "This is not a fashion show, people!" Answer: "No!" Don't let it be said that I am not self aware! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">One of the challenges: The temperatures in NJ have made it quite difficult to imagine being chilly and needing warm clothes, but pack them I did! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="yiv37650005Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; ">Keeping in mind that I am not leaving the planet, I figure all will be well! Flexibility, innovation, a solid sense of humor and a bit of creativity ought to get me through any "wardrobe malfunctions" so it's off we go! Enough already!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">Inside of @38 hours, we will be on our way! WooHoo! Life is good!<br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></div></span></div></div>Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6988670614791326799.post-85408529960376272142011-07-11T08:17:00.000-07:002011-07-11T08:29:28.880-07:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhxU9ufEYYA/ThsUoB_J54I/AAAAAAAACJM/TSm9EqedUF8/s1600/Katie%2Band%2Bkids%2Bfrom%2BOz.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhxU9ufEYYA/ThsUoB_J54I/AAAAAAAACJM/TSm9EqedUF8/s320/Katie%2Band%2Bkids%2Bfrom%2BOz.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628114837290215298" /></a><br />This is my Ozzie friend, Katie, and her beautiful children, Sam and Holly. I met Katie and her husband, Paul, in 1999 on our first trip to Australia. We will be seeing them again in Sydney and hope to meet Sam and Holly, too! Katie and Paul are friendly, fun-loving, and full of interesting ideas. If I remember correctly, Paul has a pretty wicked sense of humor, too! (For the record, Katie, "wicked" is a good thing here!) I look forward to having dinner with them in Sydney and doing some quick catching up! Since this will be my 3rd visit to them, I am now waiting for them to come to the United States to visit us next time! New York City awaits you, Katie! :) See you on the 24th!Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0