Noooo our last day in Cairns!!!
Today we had a sleep-in, yay, then we headed to Hartleys crocodile farm.
First we went to see the crocs be feed, that was awesome, and then then to a cruise around the river croc spotting. After that we had lunch, really expensive but really good. and guess what, we ate crocodile skewers! I felt a bit bad seeing as they were swimming around next to me but still.. they DID taste like chicken. And there was no drink taps around, so you had to pay $ 4.80 for a bottle of water. And it was one of those days where just drink and drink, but it feels like you have been dehydrated for hours!
Anyway, on the cruise this massive croc called Ted attacked the boat by hitting it with his tail when he was under the boat.
After that there was a snake show, and the guy doing it was really good. He brought out the worlds deadliest snake, but he was so calm holding it. Then he brought out a big python, which was non-venomous, and got three little toddlers to pick it up, and put it back in the box. So cute.
We returned home, had a swim, and we are having BBQ for tea. Yummy!
Think of me tommorow as I fly back to melbourne after what has been the best holiday ever.
Can't wait to see all you guys!
Love from a very excited Gen
Tuesday, 15 January 2013
Christmas present day!
Today was the Christmas present from Matt.
SNORKELLING ON THE GREAT BARRIER REEF!!!!
I couldn't believe it when he told us... We set out on a boat called Quicksilver towards the reef. Since we were late to board, we had to sit on the top deck where it was raining. But that cleared up when we started off. It was a hour and a half trip, and it was sooo sunny. Then this man came around and took photos of us, and asked if we wanted special wetsuits. I didn't hear what the suits were for, so I said no. I later found out that they were to protect you from Marine Stingers.
Anyway, we arrived at the pontoon, and had our lunch. Buffet... Yum
We then set off to collect our snorkelling gear.
When we finally arrived at the platform, btw did you know I have a fear of the ocean?
We pulled on our flippers and snorkels, and this MASSIVE fish swam past my leg. I tried not to think about what I was about to do.
But then, I did it! I jumped in, took some wild breaths, and looked under. It was amazing! Schools of fish, massive coral structures... The only disappointing thing was that most of the coral was dead. Then I got stung by a stinger, and that wasn't the last time. They aren't dangerous, they are just like Mosquitos. We spent nearly two hours exploring and taking photos with an under water camera.
After we got out, we ran to catch the last submarine of the day. We sat in a glass room as we sailed through the coral reefs. We even saw turtles!!
But sadly, the day had to end. We loaded back onto the big boat, and set off home.
On the boat, I went out to the front of the boat. It was an amazing feeling with my wet hair flying behind me, sailing into the sunset on the front of a massive boat. Nothing could compare to that feeling.
We arrived back in port Douglas, and had fish and chips by the Pier, with a corny rock and roll band on the background. To finish off the evening millions and millions of bats flew over our heads.
SNORKELLING ON THE GREAT BARRIER REEF!!!!
I couldn't believe it when he told us... We set out on a boat called Quicksilver towards the reef. Since we were late to board, we had to sit on the top deck where it was raining. But that cleared up when we started off. It was a hour and a half trip, and it was sooo sunny. Then this man came around and took photos of us, and asked if we wanted special wetsuits. I didn't hear what the suits were for, so I said no. I later found out that they were to protect you from Marine Stingers.
Anyway, we arrived at the pontoon, and had our lunch. Buffet... Yum
We then set off to collect our snorkelling gear.
When we finally arrived at the platform, btw did you know I have a fear of the ocean?
We pulled on our flippers and snorkels, and this MASSIVE fish swam past my leg. I tried not to think about what I was about to do.
But then, I did it! I jumped in, took some wild breaths, and looked under. It was amazing! Schools of fish, massive coral structures... The only disappointing thing was that most of the coral was dead. Then I got stung by a stinger, and that wasn't the last time. They aren't dangerous, they are just like Mosquitos. We spent nearly two hours exploring and taking photos with an under water camera.
After we got out, we ran to catch the last submarine of the day. We sat in a glass room as we sailed through the coral reefs. We even saw turtles!!
But sadly, the day had to end. We loaded back onto the big boat, and set off home.
On the boat, I went out to the front of the boat. It was an amazing feeling with my wet hair flying behind me, sailing into the sunset on the front of a massive boat. Nothing could compare to that feeling.
We arrived back in port Douglas, and had fish and chips by the Pier, with a corny rock and roll band on the background. To finish off the evening millions and millions of bats flew over our heads.
Second day in Cairns, visiting Kuranda
The next day, we went to Kuranda, the village in the rainforest. We first drove to a massive waterfall called Barron Falls, then we drove to the actual village. There were loads of shops with clothes, and animal products. There was a venom zoo, and a market with coconuts my hat you can buy to drink.
We ate a place called rainforest view, it was pretty good, then we took a ride on the cable cars. We shared a car with a man called Ken from England. The view was amazing as we flew over Barron falls, the rainforest, and a big river.
Before Matt picked us up in the car, I was sitting on a bench, and this Japanese tourist came by, and he asked if he could take a photo of me on the bench. I said yes, and he did, and then all his friends waved at me... :)
We met Matt at the other end, and drove home.
We ate a place called rainforest view, it was pretty good, then we took a ride on the cable cars. We shared a car with a man called Ken from England. The view was amazing as we flew over Barron falls, the rainforest, and a big river.
Before Matt picked us up in the car, I was sitting on a bench, and this Japanese tourist came by, and he asked if he could take a photo of me on the bench. I said yes, and he did, and then all his friends waved at me... :)
We met Matt at the other end, and drove home.
First day in the suprise holiday destination...
When we arrived in Cairns, mum told us the secret plan that she a been keeping from us all the time. She said the won't be flying back to Melbourne, but that she was waiting for a phone call to confirm our accommodation. She then went off, and came back and then my uncle Matt, put his head round the corner with his iPhone to record our reactions.
I was just feeling tired and a bit stupid, so on the video, I am just staring at him like I don't know him.
Mum explained that he had flown up to cairns this morning, and that we were going to stay in palm cove for a week. So that's why I'm am not back in Melbourne btw.
So after the initial shock, we collected our hire car, and drove to our accmodation. It is amazing!!!!!
It's a beach front village with shops, restaurants, loads of coconut trees, and a big pool next to our place. I am sharing the master bedroom with mum, ( I can't wait for my own bed though...) but our room has a balcony, a plasma tv, a en suite, and a walk-in wardrobe.
In total we have two TVs, two balconys, a kitchen, two bathrooms, a lounge room, a dining room, a front yard, and a pool just round the corner. It's amazing!!!
I was just feeling tired and a bit stupid, so on the video, I am just staring at him like I don't know him.
Mum explained that he had flown up to cairns this morning, and that we were going to stay in palm cove for a week. So that's why I'm am not back in Melbourne btw.
So after the initial shock, we collected our hire car, and drove to our accmodation. It is amazing!!!!!
It's a beach front village with shops, restaurants, loads of coconut trees, and a big pool next to our place. I am sharing the master bedroom with mum, ( I can't wait for my own bed though...) but our room has a balcony, a plasma tv, a en suite, and a walk-in wardrobe.
In total we have two TVs, two balconys, a kitchen, two bathrooms, a lounge room, a dining room, a front yard, and a pool just round the corner. It's amazing!!!
Last day in Japan!
In the morning my uncle had a school ceremony to attend, which is like an assembly on the first day, but they all go home afterwards.
We went to the hall which they all have their big events in. It's basically the gym, but with a stage at the front too.
They all started coming in, and Tim told us that they all had to change their shoes before entering the hall :s
Of course the all stared at me, mum and Gerard.
I loved their uniform though, they had a navy blue and green plaid skirt, ( which the teachers let them wear so that you can only just see them under their blazers. )Then they have one of those cute bows around the neck of their collar top. Then a grey jumper, long blue socks, and any sort of black shoes.
They also had to stand in lines for the whole assembly. When the principle came in, they bowed to him, and he said some stuff, and they all moved so they were standing with their legs apart and their hands behind their backs. I thought the whole thing was very organised.
We then returned to the apartment after talking to some of my uncles English students. They were really good!
Then came the sad part. We had to pack up the whole flat, because we were leaving that night. In the afternoon though, we took a train to Akihabara, to have a final afternoon tea out, when Tim got a phone call from Kim, and she offered to drive us to the airport.
So she did, and we went to have dinner, because the line for checking in was too long. We went to a nice buffet sort of place, when the nishinoes turned up. We had very cleverly chosen to eat before they got here, otherwise they would had paid for it all.
Yet again, they turned up with more presents. Another photo album, a photo frame, and a handmade purse. But for me, a Disney photo frame, a handkerchief, and a necklace.
I have also promised to write to Kazue.
After checking in, we said goodbye to Tim, and went through to customs and immigration.
Then through to the duty-free shops. Gerard got a Pokemon shirt, and I got a traditional Japanese hair piece.
Then onto the shuttle bus to the gate, and onto the plane.
It was a pretty good flight, there was a nice boy in front of me who had also been staying with family in Japan. We got the ipads again, the food was awful, and this time round we had some pretty bad turbulence.
We went to the hall which they all have their big events in. It's basically the gym, but with a stage at the front too.
They all started coming in, and Tim told us that they all had to change their shoes before entering the hall :s
Of course the all stared at me, mum and Gerard.
I loved their uniform though, they had a navy blue and green plaid skirt, ( which the teachers let them wear so that you can only just see them under their blazers. )Then they have one of those cute bows around the neck of their collar top. Then a grey jumper, long blue socks, and any sort of black shoes.
They also had to stand in lines for the whole assembly. When the principle came in, they bowed to him, and he said some stuff, and they all moved so they were standing with their legs apart and their hands behind their backs. I thought the whole thing was very organised.
We then returned to the apartment after talking to some of my uncles English students. They were really good!
Then came the sad part. We had to pack up the whole flat, because we were leaving that night. In the afternoon though, we took a train to Akihabara, to have a final afternoon tea out, when Tim got a phone call from Kim, and she offered to drive us to the airport.
So she did, and we went to have dinner, because the line for checking in was too long. We went to a nice buffet sort of place, when the nishinoes turned up. We had very cleverly chosen to eat before they got here, otherwise they would had paid for it all.
Yet again, they turned up with more presents. Another photo album, a photo frame, and a handmade purse. But for me, a Disney photo frame, a handkerchief, and a necklace.
I have also promised to write to Kazue.
After checking in, we said goodbye to Tim, and went through to customs and immigration.
Then through to the duty-free shops. Gerard got a Pokemon shirt, and I got a traditional Japanese hair piece.
Then onto the shuttle bus to the gate, and onto the plane.
It was a pretty good flight, there was a nice boy in front of me who had also been staying with family in Japan. We got the ipads again, the food was awful, and this time round we had some pretty bad turbulence.
Monday, 7 January 2013
Hey again!
This is continued from yesterday.
While Mum and I stayed home resting, Tim and Gerard went to visit a old Japanese Town a bit like Sovereign Hill with Kazue and Takeo. They had a traditional tea ceremony, dressed up as Samurai, ground cinnamon, carved stones, painted statues and had a great time.
When they got back, we got another 20 presents from the Nishinos. (Kazue, Takeo, Taka and Megumi.) A massive photo album of Disney land and sea, Chocolates, Two tins of rice crackers, a necklace and a minnie mouse jumper, 6 calendars, i could go on.
And they are seeing us off at the airport, Tim has a suspision that they have another photo album ready for us. They are too cute.
Today we had an Ikebana lesson while Gerard went to the Pokemon centre. Ikebana is the ancient Japanese art of flower arrangement. We spent an hour learning about angles, and "Soe" "Shins" and "hinkue".
The funniest thing was when me and mum had finished our arrangements, The teacher came along to mums, and she said" Oh, the shin is too long, and Soe's angle is to low, not enough dimension in the back.... Do it again." She actually said "do it again"
Then she came to mine, snipped off one twig and said, "its fine, well done!"
:)
After that we went to a bookshop, and I loved the hunger game section!! There were calendars, the books of course, the tribute guide, and a movie guide with full page behind the scenes pictures. hehehe :D
Last thing we did was go up the skytree!!!
The lift up was the fastest in the world, and also the smoothest. Rumour was that you can stand a coin on its side on the lift floor, and it won't fall over. We can now say that is TRUE!!!
We went up at night, and the view was amazing!! There were lights on all the buildings, we could see a ferris wheel all lit up, and a party boat on the water.
Now I have been up:
The Tokyo Skytree,
The Eureka Skydeck,
The Eiffel Tower,
The Centre Point Tower,
The London Eye.
This is continued from yesterday.
While Mum and I stayed home resting, Tim and Gerard went to visit a old Japanese Town a bit like Sovereign Hill with Kazue and Takeo. They had a traditional tea ceremony, dressed up as Samurai, ground cinnamon, carved stones, painted statues and had a great time.
When they got back, we got another 20 presents from the Nishinos. (Kazue, Takeo, Taka and Megumi.) A massive photo album of Disney land and sea, Chocolates, Two tins of rice crackers, a necklace and a minnie mouse jumper, 6 calendars, i could go on.
And they are seeing us off at the airport, Tim has a suspision that they have another photo album ready for us. They are too cute.
Today we had an Ikebana lesson while Gerard went to the Pokemon centre. Ikebana is the ancient Japanese art of flower arrangement. We spent an hour learning about angles, and "Soe" "Shins" and "hinkue".
The funniest thing was when me and mum had finished our arrangements, The teacher came along to mums, and she said" Oh, the shin is too long, and Soe's angle is to low, not enough dimension in the back.... Do it again." She actually said "do it again"
Then she came to mine, snipped off one twig and said, "its fine, well done!"
:)
After that we went to a bookshop, and I loved the hunger game section!! There were calendars, the books of course, the tribute guide, and a movie guide with full page behind the scenes pictures. hehehe :D
Last thing we did was go up the skytree!!!
The lift up was the fastest in the world, and also the smoothest. Rumour was that you can stand a coin on its side on the lift floor, and it won't fall over. We can now say that is TRUE!!!
We went up at night, and the view was amazing!! There were lights on all the buildings, we could see a ferris wheel all lit up, and a party boat on the water.
Now I have been up:
The Tokyo Skytree,
The Eureka Skydeck,
The Eiffel Tower,
The Centre Point Tower,
The London Eye.
 |
| My finished flowers |
 |
| View from the Skydeck |
Saturday, 5 January 2013
Party and shopping!!
Today we had a new years party with some of my uncles friends.
We were all seated around a low table eating traditional new year delicacies. I tried Lotus roots, ( a bit like potato) sweet beans and octopus rice balls.
there was also a gorgeous baby boy called Mashimo, who had just started crawling. I was a bit shocked when he fell over and hit his head, because the adults just laughed! o.O
After that we went back to the Sensoji Market for souvenieurs. Everything was closing down, but i bought a new backpack. :)
Chinese for dinner, the waitress kept staring at me, I was wondering if i had done something that mortally offended her culture or something!
So i was glad to get out of there!!!
But now, I am back at Tim's apartment with a cold. yay :(
We were all seated around a low table eating traditional new year delicacies. I tried Lotus roots, ( a bit like potato) sweet beans and octopus rice balls.
there was also a gorgeous baby boy called Mashimo, who had just started crawling. I was a bit shocked when he fell over and hit his head, because the adults just laughed! o.O
After that we went back to the Sensoji Market for souvenieurs. Everything was closing down, but i bought a new backpack. :)
Chinese for dinner, the waitress kept staring at me, I was wondering if i had done something that mortally offended her culture or something!
So i was glad to get out of there!!!
But now, I am back at Tim's apartment with a cold. yay :(
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