Done with Contiki!

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Hello All!

Well it seems like a lot has happened since i last wrote. I just finished my Contiki tour this morning which was absolutely awesome. I met some really cool people and had sooo much fun. I can't believe it went by so fast. So last I wrote I was in Brisbane on the way to this farmstay in Adora Downs. The farm was fun...very rustic. There were all of these wild kangaroos around that you could actually pet because they were so used to people. The stars in the outback were amazing. After the farm stay we headed back north to Fraser Island that was absolutly gorgeous. It is the largest sand island in the world. We went 4-wheel drvin on these sand roads up to this rainforrest and then to this fresh lake which was amazing! It was absolutly gorgeous the water was so clear. One of the guys on our tour who didn't really speak English dislocated his shoulder at the lake...needless to say it was a very painful 4-wheel drive back to the eco lodges we were staying in and then a very long ferry ride to the mainland. BEsides that the island was absolutely one of the most beautiful places I have seen.

After Fraser island we headed north again and spent a night in Rockhampton the beef capital of Australia. We went to this crocdile farm and had crocdile soup and saw a bunch of HUGE crocodiles. I also managed to check my e-mail there and found out my flat address for school!!! I will be living with 2 guys and 1 other girl one of whom is a kiwi. I don't actually have the adress at the moment so will post it with a bunch of pictures once I get to Sydney.

So after leaving Rockhampton we went up to the Whitsundays a bunch of the most orgeous islands off the coast and next to the great barrier reef. What better way to see a bunch of islands then on a sailboat! I went on a two day overnight sailing trip around the islands. We went snorkeling and saw some amazing coral and fish and saw some of the most beautiful beaches i have ever seen that had sand made of 98% silica. They were gorgeous. Oh and it was Australia Day on the 26th...basically like our 4th of July...so we played some beach cricket and had a pretty fun celebration! The sailling was awesome. I slept up on the deck under the stars the last night whcih was awesome. I spent the last night of my trip on Long Island just realaxing with the really cool people I met on tour.

We said our goodbyes this morning and I am now in Airlie Beach for 2 nights until I head down to Sydney where I will be able to post some pictures!

I am going to run but I miss you and love you all!

Love,

Em

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Photos

Hill Inlet
Most Beautiful place in the world!!

Wish you were here
White Haven Beach...wish you could all be here to see it

Airlie Beach
me and my 2 best friends from the tour in Airlie Beach

Comments

[Michael]

Wow!
Sounds so amazing Miss Emily!!

[Kirstin (Acorn) Leitner]

Hey Em!
I've just been reading your blog and wanted to drop a hello!! I saw that you went to Fraser island ... my parents went there last summer, and had a similarly amazing experience. I think now I definitely have to get down there sometime. Anyway, it sounds like you are doing well and having the great time that you should be! I can't wait to see what the rest of your time has in store for you! Keep up the blogging!

[Sandy]

Wow wish we were there
It sounds like you are having the time of your life!What a great trip. Kevin Spencer on his way there. Did you know that? I just got off the phone with his mom. Maybe you will see in during your stay. Your little sis just got her license, can you believe that. She has been using my car to run errands! She drove the van with a flat tire, didn't seem to notice it thumping:) More news on your email. Love you , MOM

[Em Skins]

Hi Mom, I did know Kevin was going to eb down here i think we miss each other though. SCARY about Erica!! I am sure she is great though. I am going to try to call 1/31 between 8 and 10pm your time. Hope someone is around. Love you! Em

[Em Skins]

Great to hear from you! Miss you so much. Yeah Fraser Island was pretty amazing. Hope life is going well in Philly! Say Hi to Chris for me. When do you find out about med school? Keep me posted and I will definitely keep up the blogging:) Miss you! Em

[Em Skins]

It is pretty sweet!! Miss you like crazy though! Love you! Em

[Liane Mann]

your descriptions make me want to go down under
Emily, Imagine all that you have done and seen and your semester is just beginning! I love keeping up with your travels, Take good care and soak it all up!, Liane

[Em Skins]

Thanks Liane! I am absolutely loving it!