End of the trip...

Sadly, it's time to end this trip. As I was unable/too tired to update on this past week in NZ, I'll do so after the trip. I'll probably backdate the entries so that they're in order. Also, pictures will be uploaded.

But for now, it's time to head to CHC, then to AKL for a too-long stopover before hopping on the way-too-long flight back to SFO. That last flight is a time machine, as the plane leaves NZ at around 5pm, and gets into California by 10am the same day. Bye - summaries and pictures later!

I'm on a boat!

I'm on a boat! More specifically, the Interislander ferry from
Wellington to Picton (North Island to South Island).

Made it in fine to Wellington yesterday, and explored the Te Papa
Museum. Then had beers at a bar nearby, where we found Mac beer, both
of which (Red and Black) were good. Dinner at Boulcott Street Bistro
was really really good. Both the ox cheek and the lamb shank just fell
off the bone. The shrimp and chorizo risotto was really good too.

Just now boarded the Interislander. The Kaitaki Plus lounge includes
two computer terminals, so that's how I'm writing from a boat.
Alright, going to go back to my breakfast.

Oh, of course I wait until my first day away from Australia to have
Vegemite, but I just spread some on a corner of my toast. It was
gross. The rest of the toast has now been drowned in jam to try to
cover the taste...

Bye bye Australia!

Sitting at Sydney airport now, waiting for the flight to Wellington...

Friday was the day of Sydney exploration. Met up with some fresh-off-the-plane jetlag-weary, yet tough friends for breakfast in Circular Quay, and wandered around for a few pictures of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Then we took the ferry out to Manly, for the great views of the Harbour. Upon arrival we walked along a stretch of walkway surrounded by shops until we made it to the beach. None of us was really prepared for the beach, but a few of us headed over anyway to wet their feet in the water.

After a lunch of fish and chips, we hopped on the ferry back to Sydney. It started raining during the ferry ride, so it was a good time to be indoors anyway. Although, some of our group stayed out in the rain and got pretty soaked.

Those of us who didn't have wedding party obligations met up with a friend of mine in Sydney for dinner at Chinatown Noodle King, which was really good. One of the best was a spicy kangaroo dish. We went to a few local bars afterward before heading back.

Saturday morning was quiet, as some of the group had to get ready for the wedding. Separately, Justin and I went to the market at the Rocks, where I bought a didgeridoo (!!), which is on its way home. We met up with Marcelo and Dennis at the Fish Market where we had a delicious lunch/snack of Moreton Bay Bug, shrimps, and oysters.

Oops, boarding now, more update on Sunday (the traditional Vietnamese wedding) later!

Back on the mainland, now in Sydney

Just got into Sydney late last night after a flight from Gladstone to Brisbane, and the flight into Sydney. We got a hot dinner on the flight to Sydney, even though it was a less than two hour flight. Pretty nice, huh?

So the 3 nights on Heron Island were pretty amazing. Like all their literature says, it's a very small island, and we walked around most of it in about 20 minutes, going at a very leisurely pace. 

The helicopter ride over was really cool. Turned out no one else was flying that day (the cost is quite steep), so we got a private, VIP heli ride. First you see the loading docks, and very industrial look of Gladstone harbour, and eventually you head out to sea. Flying over Facing Island, you end up over open water. Helicopter flights are much calmer than I expected, and it's much smoother than a plane ride.

Eventually (not that long after, since it's only a 30 minute heli ride), you start going over small islands and reefs. The waters over the shallow areas are a very light blue, aquamarine color, and really nice. Heron island itself is surrounded by reefs and corals.

After we got in, we checked into the room. The room is quite simple, given the price. But our room had a view of the ocean that you could see through a few plants. Easy access to the beach. 

Later that first afternoon, we went for the first of our 5 dives. Summarizing up all the dives -- they were really amazing. We saw sea turtles, sharks (white tip reef sharks and a wobbegong shark), manta rays (which are HUGE, by the way), nudibranchs, tiny colorful flat worms, and tons of coral. Endless fish of all different colors and sizes. It really was amazing. Tons of pictures, a few of which will probably eventually get uploaded here.

The rest of the place was nice, too. Did some snorkeling. You just hop right into the water from the beach, and you're floating over coral and fish. The restaurant (there was one on the island) served buffet meals all the time. They supposedly usually do table service dinners, but one of their chefs was out of commission, so they were doing buffets all the time. 

After 4 short days, it was time to head back. We got on the boat, and back to Gladstone. What a great trip it was!

Now, it's time to explore Sydney today. Hopefully get to cross or at least sea the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and wander around before the wedding tomorrow afternoon. First things first, time for brekkie!

Waiting for the helicopter

Made it to Gladstone. Cut it close in Brisbane, fighting Monday morning commute traffic on the way to the airport.

But now, here at GLT, waiting for the helicopter to head over to Heron Island! Sounds like no one else is on our ride over, so it's a private helicopter ride.

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In australia!

After almost 24 hours of travel, we made it!

About a 13 hour flight to AKL (during which I found out Benedryl as a sleep aid isn't 100% effective for me), there was a 4 hour layover in the wee hours of morning (5-9), and then a three hour flight into BNE.

Brisbane kind of reminds me of typical coastal activity cities. And back to driving on the left side of the road, which was a little less jarring the second around.

After checking into the hotel, we grabbed a quick lunch at Vopiano, a pasta/pizza chain where you basically go to the counter to watch the chef make your pasta.

In continuing a tradition started in South Africa, it was time to go touch a local iconic animal. In Joburg, it was petting lion cubs, and in Brisbane, it was off to hold koalas at Lone Pine. The koala was soft, a but slightly heavier than expected (sorry, Barnacle, I'm sure you're a normal weight for koalas!), and had some sharp claws. I guess if you move too much, they grab on for fear of falling, so I tried to stay perfectly still. He seems to know to look at the camera, as he would always turn to face the camera. After the koala holding (which of course costs money), we went into a kangaroo and emu enclosure. They're all pretty docile, so I went and petted a few.

Then it was off to dinner at the Summit restaurant at the top of Mt Coot Tha, which had a nice view of the city. The food was ok (scallop with pork belly, followed by steak and Moreton Bay Bug), but not amazing. The steak was a bit tough, but the bug was good.

Just barely fought through jetlag to finish dinner, and now, early Monday morning, it's time to head to Gladstone airport, then the helicopter to Heron Island! Three nights on the Great Barrier Reef chock full of diving, snorkeling and beachbumming!

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Australia and New Zealand!

Sitting at SFO, waiting to take off for AKL. A quick stopover before Brisbane, where hopefully koalas will be petted. Then off for 3 nights and 4 days of diving and snorkeling on Heron Island!

I will try to blog once in awhile. Switching to the Nexus S, so let's see if I've gotten any better with the onscreen keyboards :)

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