tropical queensland

it is not humid here, it is simply 'tropical'.

we are spending a few days in northern australia in cairns, where we are permanently kind of damp. the city is very touristy, on every corner we found the latest and greatest travel deals and hostels. it is very much a backpacker area, so there always seems to be something happening on the social scene.

we spent our first day scuba diving in the great barrier reef which was just amazing. the reefs were incredible and when the sun came out the colors were so brilliant. the best highlight was seeing the clownfish swim in and out of the anemones just like in finding nemo. we easily could have spent several days on the reef.

then we spent a day traveling into the rainforest via the jungle gondola. naturally, there was a thick tropical fog but that just made it even more mysterious. we could hardly see out a few feet in front of us in our little car. but the diversity in the rainforest was amazing to see and it even smells good. all the vegetation is so lush and thick and colorful, it seems like paradise despite the rain. we also went on a train ride to get back down the mountains which was pretty cool. save the rainforest!

we met a few more travelers who each have a great story. christina from london quit her job and left her boyfriend behind to travel solo for 3 months, somothing she has always wanted to do. others are taking a year of travel after college to see the world. most people seem to tell us that our 8 weeks will be too short. can you believe it?

out and about

we have now been in sydney for almost two weeks. what an awesome city, we both agree it is a favorite and don't really want to leave. sydney is a combination of the beach scene of san diego, the harbor feel of seattle and the cosmopolitan feel of san francisco. the city has it all, and it is so clean and easy to get around in. we have also become close friends with bus number 380

january in sydney is like july in the states, it is the height of summer with a huge festival going on all month. there are great music venues with outdoor concerts and cultural events going on everywhere we turn. at the end of the months things cluminate with australia day, one big party and fireworks over the harbor. everyone is very friendly and laid back, the city is pristine and people say 'no worries' at any chance they can get. run someone over... no worries mate!

we are staying in bondi beach, so our days have consisted of sleeping in until it gets too hot, taking a coffee at our favorite cafe, running along the beach and then going out. we could get use to this lifestlye!

we have learned the kings cross is NOT the place to go out, unless we are looking for some red light district action or a night show of a very particular persuasion. oxford street is not the place to go either, unless we are looking for rainbows and real life leather chaps.

so, in the end we have found some great places to eat crocodile and grab a cocktail, not too bad of a deal while watching the sunset over the harbor bridge and opera house. cheers!

aussie! aussie! aussie! oi! oi! oi!

say cheers and walk on the left. order lemonade instead of 7up. wear pudgy huggers on the beach and start the day off with a flat white instead of a latte. see the southern cross instead of the big dipper and watch the sunrise over the pacific instead of the californian sunset. and of course we love cricket, but go bears!

we have been here a week so far, and are still learning how to blend. soon we are off to tropical north queensland to explore the great barrier reef. some more pictures to follow soon...