It's true what they say. Aussies really do go the beach on Christmas day. We could get used to Christmas like this. We were fortunate to be spending the Christmas holiday in Moonee Beach, near Coffs Harbour, with Chris's sisters in-laws (the hosts with the most!) Jim and Pauline. What a fantastic spot and what fantastic hosts. As happens with many people on Christmas eve we had to make that last mad rush to the mall for the last minute gift shopping. And to have Phia's (Chris's neice) picture taken with Santa Claus in her new christmas dress. In Australia, shopping [View Full Entry]

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Our last big excursion out of Cairns takes us to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. This nature-inspired outing promises to be good! The day starts with a hiccup, however. Andra has left her camera on the shuttle that took us from Cairns to Port Douglas where we catch the tour. Not to worry....Chris has his...so we still get lots of pictures. We are a small tour lead by a Swiss-transplanted tour guide. As we enter the Daintree we are instructed to keep our eyes peeled for Cassowaries . Our first stop was a crocodil [View Full Entry]

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And now we visit one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. The Great Barrier Reef is visible from space...but we opted for the cheaper viewing option - Snorkeling. The under-water camera case was put to very good use. Who knew under-water photography would be so much fun?? Our day starts early. The boat leaves the dock at 8:30AM. First stop is Green Island; a small coral cay. As we're walking down the warf toward the island to pick up our snorkeling gear what do we see over the side...but a Stingray! Not to worry, mates,he was only a little [View Full Entry]

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Welcome to Cairns! One of Australia's most 'touristy' destinations in the tropical north. Home of the Daintree Rainforest, The Great Barrier Reef, Crocodile country and eternal bad hair days. Cairns is HOT and STEAMY! Our first outing in Cairns took us to Kuranda...a little village up in the rainforest. The best way to get there is on the skyrail. Skyrail takes you over the rainforests canopy via cable car. From above you get a real appreciation for the lush and green foliage and great views of the rivers, waterf [View Full Entry]

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A visit to Sydney should include a trip to the beach (or two!). They have lots of them and they are spectacular. We took in the 2 most famous; Bondi Beach and Manly Beach. They are easily accessible by transit (land and water) and surpisingly quick to get to. Our visit to Bondi was late in the day but the beach was still packed. We took the coastal walk from Bondi to Bronte beach (passing Tamarama beach on the way). The walk along these cliffs provides scenic ocean views and entertainment just by watching the surfers. Dinner beachside at Bronte beach [View Full Entry]

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Australia is known for its deadly critters, so we decided we better familiarize ourselves with the terrors that call this continental island home. Our first investigative journey took us to the Sydney Aquarium in Darling Harbour. We learned the monsters of the seas and rivers are not only deadly, they are often majestic and sometimes down right cute. We must have spent 45 minutes trying to capture the terrifying half duck, half beaver - Frankenstein of a mammal - known as the Platypus. Her Disney looks might charm you, but her poisonous claw will keep you on your toes. We also [View Full Entry]

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How ya goin? We have arrived down under. The travel went pretty much without incident. We were hoping for a celebrity sighting in the Los Angeles airport and the stars did not let us down. Who should walk right past us but Marilyn Manson and his gargantuan girlfriend. Andra was hoping for George Clooney…but alas Marilyn had to do. We arrive in Sydney at the lunch hour, dropped our bags and headed out to wander. First stop was Darling Harbour. Lots to eat and drink here. We found a perfect happy hour spot that had cheap booze and $5 pizza (The [View Full Entry]

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The last post post from our Mexican adventure. Enjoy! Here's the link: http://www.travelblog.org/North-America/Mexico/Puerto-Vallarta/blog-28600.html [View Full Entry]

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Hola Again! The link to our second Puerto Vallarta Entry: Second Entry "Hola Amigos!" http://www.travelblog.org/North-America/Mexico/Puerto-Vallarta/blog-27870.html [View Full Entry]

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We have arrived! Early departure from Montreal on a very cramped charter air plane but we arrived no worse for wear. Quick shuttle to the hotel, ordered 2 cervezas and put our pedicured toes in the Pacific. Ahhhhhhh. Our first few days were filled with hot sunny weather during the day, and warm moist evenings. Hair styling has been a challenge. But long beach filled days, margaritas, daquiris, cervezas, mai tais, pina colada's have made us forget about the bad hair days. Meals have lots of mexican food...we've made it a goal to eat refried beans at almost every meal. Breakfast [View Full Entry]

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