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Published: January 1st 2007
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Green Island
This is us Ocean Walking in the Great Barrier Reef Unbelievable - we walked the ocean the other day - I know, sounds crazy huh but we did it - Its very similar to diving except without the goggles (they look funny anyway) and the oxygen tank - basically ocean walking looks and feels like your walking on space (kind of) and the views are something we both will never forget...The dive crew (3 hunky men) help you along the way and with this great big helmet on that provides you with oxygen (weighs approx most of me) down we went into the ocean at the Great Barrier Reef and saw first hand what it is actually like - a different world! Also - the wet suits were kinda ummm you know what I mean - not exactly flattering shall I say!
Green Island is off the East Coast of Australia and we took the Big Cat Ferry over to the Island - I couldnt believe how big this ferry/ship whatever its called was - with a floor just for a buffet lunch and two additional decks - you could get lost...As we approched the Island, the Coral was visible...and the heat - gosh, it was baking...
We started off
Green Island
Looking fab as ever - just before us diving in...ahhhh by going into a semi submarine which probably held around 20 people if not more - we were amazed with all the fishes - I would tell you all the names, but have forgotten...We thought this was great and then we did the ocean walking...with ocean walking though your ears do get blocked - so I spent a while after pinching my nose and trying to unblock my ears!!! Well done to Mukesh though who suprises me with his determination everyday - he cant even swim so I was so proud of him once he had completed the ocean diving - and we got certificates!
This tour was fabulous - we spent the whole day here on Green Island, had some lunch, sat on the beach for a while watching everyone else snorkle - This was the hub of the Great Barrier Reef...and ended with both of us crashing out by 9pm..
I must also tell you about Kuranda - This was another amazing experience! This is an aboriginal village and we got there via skytrain through a breathtaking journey with spectacular views of cairns...The skytrain was so different from anything we have ever seen or heard -
Lakes Resort
hungry..again Its the only train that goes through the rainforest, lakes and mountains...took about an hour though getting to this village...Once at the village, it was lovely...had to stop off for some much talked about scones and cream - I couldnt pass the coffee shop without craving some - yummy it was fab - and then we headed off to the village markets, a spot of lunch and people watching...! We also had planned a trip to the Tjapuki which is an aboriginal culture park - we caught the skyrail (cable) across and it was wicked - as we were going over the rainforest - we could see for miles over treetops and hills...bit scary at first I must admit...as it started to pelt it down and our carriage started to rock...but we were fine of course and I began to start taking lots of photos only to see the sign 'please do not stand while in motion' oh well - got some good photos though..
We arrived in Tjapuki and headed off to one of their lives dance shows - this was real native dancing with didgeridoo and everything...fun and lively it was well worth it...On top of this,
there were boomerang and spear throwing - looked fun...although I didnt have a go - too worried that I might end of injuring someone = and well ummmm it was raining hard...the weather here in Cairns is so tropical - one minute it roasting and the next its raining hard - very humid though - as we found out when we thought we'd be clever and have a tennis match in 33 degrees heat - lasted about say ummmmm 45 mins with lots of shade breaks - and this was the day we ended up having a 3 hour siesta...
Cairns is very quiet in comparison to the other City's in Australia - the people are very friendly with a big aboriginal community, more so here than anywhere else - not that much to do here, so the four days that we did have was enough...New Years Eve was very busy as to be expected, everyone was out and typically, like all Aussie Cities, Cairns laid out a brilliant concert for kids and adults with a fireworks display at 9pm (for kids) and one at midnight of course for the adults - this all took place on the Esplande...spectacular
Cairns City
Night market display! Even dinner was lovely - we dined at an indian restaurant - and the food as we had experienced the day before was heavenly... prob one of the best Indian restaurants we have been to...and one where we ended up going to twice in a row in the same week...
And our hotel The Lakes Resort & Spa - 3 star - but you'd never know - it felt more like a 4 star apartment with everything you needed including a dishwasher/washing machine/dryer/lounge and a dining area - felt like a first time buyer's dream home by the sea overlooking the botanical gardens - truely wonderful...oh and not to mention spa/sauna which I didnt get a chance to test - but will for sure in Port Douglas - our next stop...
Happy New Year to everyone...
Lots of love Mukesh & Ash
xx
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NilesHeena
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Happy New Year
Hey guys .. been following your blog and you guys are having an amazing adventure. You've ended 2006 and started 2007 well. Enjoy and may 2007 bring fun, happiness and laughter (and kids !) to you both - Love NilesHeena