Northern Down Undah

It was back.  It was forth.  It was on again, off again.  Well, it's on, folks, and it's staying that way.  SG and I are hitting the road, or rather the air, for Queensland.  For those of you unfamiliar with Australian geography, Queensland is the state that covers a large portion of the northeast.  It is famous for its bananas, rugby league, beaches, and most notably, the Great Barrier Reef. 

As busy of a week as it was last week, we didn't have much time to think over our options, bargain hunt and graze through travel blogs.  We booked less than a week before our departure.  Being rendered internetless by our latest house sitting gig, SG and I did our research while drinking unremarkable lattes at a café with free wifi.  This hotel, or that hotel, this much more to be this much closer to the airport?  Should we go to a travel agent?  Can we be to the airport by this time if we take public transport?  Are we old enough to do this?  Too many details to be recounted. 

Finally, we clicked the necessary clicks, put in the necessary names and numbers, and by gum, we're going to Queensland.  In true American travel style, we'll only be there for a couple days.  I say American style because when Aussies travel, they consider a week a trifle, and a weekend a joke for traveling time.  They are accustomed to more time off and are in the habit of taking off to Italy for four weeks on holiday. 

In booking this mini vacay, some travel firsts have been accomplished.  Let's start with, I'VE NEVER STAYED IN A HOTEL WITHOUT GROWNUPS!  I know, I count as a grownup.  Second, I've never gone to a city without knowing someone there.  We'll get taxis and schedule day trips to the Reef, and hopefully caramelize this tan of mine so I won't be white as ostrich hide coming off an Aussie winter to an American summer.  (Queensland is not unlike Florida in its climate and stays pleasant in the winters. )

While we are jazzed about this trip to northern Down Under, we've been hearing plenty of cautionary advice.  This includes - don't swim in the rivers.  Why, dear, naïve, little you may ask?  Because they're riddled with bloodthirsty crocodiles.  Also - watch out for the stingahs (stingers).  To translate - don't be too quick to swim in the ocean either because the meters-long tentacles of the box jellyfish might get you and kill you before you can say "G'day".  SG also suggested I check out swimming in a shark cage while I'm there.  I'm not sure if she's being sympathetic to my adrenaline junky nature, or if she's trying to make an end of me.  :) 

Regardless of crocs, stingahs, and any cyclones that may hit the mainland (as we hear they do occasionally this time of year), I'm sure we'll have a grand ole time and come back brimming with stories of the northern coast, its people and further adventures of Sunshine and SG. 

Love,

LMS