Van Diemens Land

When we landed into Hobart International airport, we got the redline airporter bus into Hobart and to our hostel the Pickled Frog on Liverpool St. It was a quirky type of hostel, with the first thing you see, is the open fire just inside by reception. We got our keys to our 3 bed room, and luckily for us, it was only the two of us in the room for the 2 nights. We decided to go to the Shamrock for dinner which has ten dollar meals and the plates were quite full and yummy.

It was a 8 am pick up and start for our Port Arthur tour, the following morning. The first port of call was the historic village of Richmond, famed for the Richmond bridge, Australia oldest bridge still in use, constructed in 1823. Afterwards, heading down south to the Tasman Peninsula and visiting the Tasman National Park and a Waterfall Bay coastal walk with views of the rugged coastline. After here, we arrived at the Port Arthur Historic site. Our tour guide David, gave everyone on the tour, a playing card, and each card was different and corresponded to a convict. The goal was to investigate the fate of your convict, if ye made it out or not. Also included in the price was a guided introductory tour and a harbour cruise around the bay. The tour detailed the origins of Port Arthur, and its successive history and the lives of its inhabitants. After this tour, we had some free time before the cruise, to explore the grounds.

We walked from officers avenue up towards the separate prison, which entailed each prisoner been in isolation for their duration before been transferred to the Penitentiary (3-4 months on arrival or as a punishment). From here, we entered the building next door, which was the lunatic asylum, which was the only building not constructed fully using convict labour due to the aged population at the time. After exploring this building, we went on our way towards the ferry terminal for the cruise. The cruise brought us near the isle of the dead and Point Puer boys prison and to other surrounding areas. On returning from the cruise, we finished wondering through the grounds before lunch including the commandant's house, hospital, Smith O'Brien cottage an Irish political prisoner and of course the Penitentiary itself.

Once everyone boarded the bus again, we made the short trip to a local chocolate factory called Federation chocolate which was yummy. After this yummy trip, we went to visit the Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen. The arch from the right view, was quite impressive. From here it was a short journey through a small town called Doo where all the houses had something to do with Doo in the title. The funniest had to be was Doo F@*k all which was more ironic as we passed, there were 3 men sitting on a porch drinking. The whole bus were in stitches as we passed. Before heading back to Hobart, we stopped off at Pirates Bay Lookout at the coastal views and the Blowhole. We returned to Hobart about 6 pm.
                                            

After a slight lie in, we checked out and made our way to Salamanca Markets at about 10 am. The markets seems to just go on forever, we bought some delicious organic woodfired pizza and home made pumpkin soup. As it started to rain, we went in for coffee in a place called Doctor coffee, Liam said it was ironic that he had to come to Hobart for a cup of decent coffee. Once the rain ceased, we continued exploring the markets before hopping on the hopper bus, a free shuttle that runs on a loop around the city on Saturday. 

At 6 pm, we got the redline shuttle back to the airport, it was a tad disappointing that the last 2 jam packed weeks were coming to an end as we boarded the Jetstar plane back to Melbourne. As we were about to land, Liam put it perfectly, that we need a holiday to get over this trip lol.

Encounters of the Fun Kind

After arriving into Gold Coast, we caught the Gold Coast shuttle to our hotel, the Seaworld Resort. Luckily our room was ready, so were able to check in early and get settled in. We were upgraded to the Queen Superior Deluxe room instead of the normal twin superior room. After a while, we made our way into park, and got the paperwork sorted for our animal encounters, the penguins and the seals, which were to run consecutively from 2 pm. Before the first encounter, we went first to meet Dora and Liam had his picture taken with her.

The Penguin encounter experience was out of this world and utterly describable. One of the highlights was being able to play with and pat the Gentoo Penguins. Also included in the price was a photo each.

After the penguin encounter, we quickly made our way towards our 2nd animal encounter, the seal safari, which was to commence at 2.55 pm. During this encounter, we got to meet, Charlie the Australian Sea lion, Wendell the Californian Sealion and Carter the New Zealand fur seal. We got to play, feed and pat each of the seals and got a free photo momento.  

 
 During the animal encounters, Liam like the big kid that he is, had to go meet Diego and have his photo taken with him. Once we collected our photos, we got the monorail to the resort, to rest and get ready for our 6 pm pick up for the Australian Outback Spectacular, which is located between  Movieworld and Wet n Wild. There was pre-show entertainment, and the chance to meet some of the animals that perform in the show. We got seated and got our entree at approx half 7. The entree entailed of mango salad swag. There was drinks served throughout the show. The main course was served in sync with the story of the show. The main course was rib eye steak whilst Liam had a ratatouille pastry. Dessert consisted of Pavlova. We both agreed the food was scrumptious and the show itself was superb. The show told the story of how horses were of importance to the outback and of Phar Lap, the most famous Australian racehorse.

The following morning, we got up for the Dolphin Presentation, which is free to resort guests who stay 2 plus nights. The presentation was a training session with 4 different dolphins. It was a fun and informative session. After this, we made our way to the bus stop, to make our way to Movie world. To our pleasant surprise, a bus driver dropped us off to a more direct bus route free of charge. From here, the next stop was theme parks. When we made our way in to Movie World, We went to the Hollywood stunt drivers show at 11am, it was a packed house. It was a fun packed interesting show, seeing cars doing unbelievable stunts. After this show, we got to see What's up Rock, which was performed on Main Street under the big screen. Liam then got his picture taken with Austin Powers and his car.

We then went on the Scooby Doo spooky coaster, which according to Liam is my favourite ride, not!.  We managed to catch the end of the Wild West show, where we realised we didn't miss much. Liam, decided it was time for him to go on the Superman rollercoaster, his favourite by far at Movie World. We then went to see Ice Age, Dawn of the Dinosaurs in 4D in the Roxy Theatre. On the way for ice cream, we noticed Marilyn Monroe in the Movie World golden car about to start singing. The song in question was "Some like it Hot". We decided to stroll through Kids World and happened upon Bugs Bunny and Tweety Bird. On our way back to Main street, I managed to get a picture and cuddle with Shaggy and Scooby Doo.

After this, we went to Ben & Jerry's. While having ice cream we spotted Dorothy in her ruby shoes, heading up Main Street, so we headed to follow her and lucky that we did, as she then performed Somewhere over the Rainbow after Batman pulled away in the Bat-mobile. Ironically enough, soon afterwards, we meet Catwoman further down Main Street. On our way to the Justice League ride, we were luckily enough to get a photo with some of the justice league, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Supergirl, and Flash. After the ride, on our way up Main Street, we got to shake hands and photos with Batman and Marilyn Monroe.
The day seemed to fly, because before we knew it, it was time for the All Star Main Street Parade which is always full of fun and excitement.

After the parade, we got the bus back towards Southport and then walked the rest of the way to the resort, where we booked dinner and went for a swim and a dip in the spa pool. After dinner which consists of a world style buffet, we went outside to observe the Splash bash, water and light show at 8pm. The way the light show was conducted was hilarious and full of fun.

To our dismay, our seaworld adventure had to come to an end, although it ended on a high with a photo with Dora and Diego in the hotel lobby on our way to the airport shuttle. The majority of our day was spent travelling from Gold Coast to Melbourne then onto Hobart, both flights were with Virgin Australia.  

Blue Mts to Summer Bay

We arrived from Ayers Rock Connellan Airport into Sydney and caught the Air train into Central Station. Once there, we crossed the road to our accommodation, YHA Central. Which has to be noted, has been the best hostel, we have stayed at in Sydney. After we got settled and relaxed for a while, we went exploring up George's street. We ended up having dinner in Wagamama's and got a offer on dessert, 2 for 1.

Sunday Morning, it was 7.30 am start for the Blue Mountains tour, when we were collected outside our accommodation. First stop of the tour, was at the featherdale wildlife park, where we saw native Australian mammals and birds. This park is home to over 2,200 animals. We received a small cute koala souvenir. From here, Steve our tour guide, brought us to a park and showed us how to throw a boomerang.

Before lunch, we entered the National Park, and stopped off at the Wentworth Falls, which was a nice and short stroll with beautiful views. We stopped for lunch in a quaint village called Leura, which is nicknamed the garden village. From here we went the short journey towards Katoomba, which is the chief town of the city of the Blue Mountains. It's in this area, where we stopped at the echo point and saw the famous Three Sisters.

 

We all hopped back on the bus, and made the journey towards Scenic world, where we got to Scenic Skyway, Scenicsender and the Steepest Railway in the world at 52 degrees inclined. Scenic world was quite an experience, especially doing the railway in both directions. After we left Scenic world, we made the journey towards the Homebush Bay ferry terminal, stopping off at the Sydney 2000 Olympic site. We cruised down the Parramata River into Sydney harbour, where the tour finished. It was a tiring day but worth it.

8am the following morning, we got up, packed and checked-out and made the short stroll up to Railway Square, to catch the L90 bus towards Palm Beach, the spiritual and geographical location of Summer Bay. The bus journey itself, takes approx about 90 mins from Railway Square. Once we arrived, the first port of call, of course was Palm Beach, the location of some of the shows most famous storylines. From the beach, we strolled over to the surf club where the was amazing views of the beach. We decided it was time for brunch, and made our way to the Boat house, which is the location of The Pier Diner in the show. The food, drink and service were ace, although on the tad expensive side. It was nice beautiful day, so it was a pleasant to eat outside by the pier. After brunch,  we saw the location of Alf's bait shop and other locations featured in the show.
                        
Once we finally got back into Sydney, we caught the train to Mascot, and walked the short journey to our hotel, Formule 1 hotel.  The hotel was located about ten mins walk to Domestic Terminal 2. We ended up ordering pizza delivery, as it was cash only, we made the trip to the airport for ATM, however the ironic thing is, that the delivery man had arrived to our room before we had. We relaxed watching Doctor Who whilst having the takeaway.

The following morning, we got up and made the short trip to the airport and boarded our Jetstar flight to the Gold Coast, which departed at 8.55 am.

 

Rock the Centre

Tuesday May 7th, it was quite an early start, finalizing our packing and stuff before getting the airport shuttle at the end of the street. We arrived at the airport just after 7am and then we made our way thru security in domestic terminal, towards the gate. We boarded the Qantas 737-800 series plane and departed at approx 8.45 am. The flight was smooth, with on board food and entertainment. When we arrived, we got the free shuttle to our accommodation, Alice Lodge backpackers however, we got upgraded to their sister accommodation, the Alice Motor Inn. Once we got checked-in and settled, we went off exploring around Alice Springs before getting the local bus out towards Araleun Cultural Precinct. Once in the precinct, we made our way to the Aviation Museum, which is housed in the old Connellan Airways hanger. The museum is a memorial to the pioneers in aviation in Northern Territory, started by EJ Connellan. The museum was quite interesting and full of information. Right next to the museum, is the Memorial Cemetery which EJ, and members of his family are buried.

                         

 
After here, we went exploring the rest of Alice Springs, seeing sights such as the Royal Australian Flying Doctors, Olive Pink Botanic Gardens, Adelaide House - first hospital in Central Australia, and Lasseters casino where parts of Priscilla Queen of the Desert was filmed. As recommended by reception at our accommodation, the best views of the city were at sunset from ANZAC hill.
As it was a 6 am pick up for our Adventure tour of the red centre, it was an early enough night. After a few formalities at the tour office, we got on our way towards to Kings Canyon. Our first port of call was Stuart's Well, an outback camel farm, 90km south of Alice Springs. Continuing along Stuart's Highway until the interaction with Lasseter's Highway, we stopped for breakfast break at Erldunda, which is 200 km south of Alice.  After this pitstop, we continued along Lasster's Highway until we stopped for a toilet break at King's Creek Station, where there were baby camels, calves, kangaroo and horses. We finally made the remaining 50 km to Kings Canyon resort for lunch. During lunch we decided to do a helicopter flight over Kings Canyon. Before the flight, we did the creek walk around Kings Canyon.

The duration of the flight was approx 30 mins around Kings Canyon, garden of Eden, domes of the Lost City, Kings creek, Carmichael Crag, George Gill Range to Kathleen Springs over to Peterman Pound. Also during the flight, the pilot showed us where scenes from Priscilla Queen of the Desert were filmed. This flight helped me get over my fear of flying in small air crafts. After this, we meet up with rest of the tour and got some provisions for camp that night. We all bonded over Dinner and games. We slept in a swag under the stars. 

The following morning, it was a 6 am start, we all had breakfast, packed up the camp and got on our way. The first picture stop of the day was at Mount Conner, a non sacred site to the aboriginals. After this we made a quick pitstop at Curtin Springs, last port of call before we got to Ayers Rock resort. We made camp, had lunch before entering Uluru - Kata Tjuna National park. We did the base walk around Uluru, which entailed over a 8.5 km walk, encountering several sacred sites to aboriginals. After visiting the culture centre, we made our way to the sunset viewing dunes, where we can the sun set at about 6.30pm. I was informed later by a mate who works in the longitude resort, that it was the best sunset for days. For dinner we had Aussie BBQ, beef, kangaroo steak and camel sausages whereas Liam had variety of stuffed peppers and salads. After dinner, we all relaxed by a campfire, roasting marshmallows, talking. Like the previous night, we slept under the stars.
              

                   

It was a 5am start, the next morning, as we were getting ready for the sunrise, we made the short bus journey and got ready. The sunrise over Uluru was truly spectacular. From here, we made the 20 min journey to Kata Tjuna (Olgas). Where we all did the 6 km walk around Kata Tjuna which took approximately 2.5 hrs. After the walk, we went back to camp for lunch, before getting on our way. Kate our tour guide, who had been amazing and such a great laugh, dropped me and Liam off at our accommodation in Uluru, the Outback Pioneer Lodge. We spent the day resting and exploring the town centre. That night, I had an Aussie burger, which consisted of a big slab of beef, bacon and cheese, while Liam had a veggie wrap.

After a short sleep-in, we packed up and waited for the shuttle to take us to Connellan Airport, where we boarded our qantas flight to Sydney. 

                        

 

ANZAC Day

Thursday April 25th, we got up extremely early, just before 04:30 so we could get ready and head into town for the ANZAC Day Dawn Service. We headed for the tram at 5 am, however like everyone else, we waited and waited as trams passed full without stopping. So after waiting 15 mins or so, we decided like other people gathered, to start making the trek into domain interchange which is approx 40 mins away. The nearer we got, the crowds walking into got bigger and bigger. We managed to make it for the service just in time at 6 am. It was still completely dark when the service commenced, at the end of the service, the dawn had arrived for us and in excess of 40,000 people gathered for this annual service. This year marked the 98th anniversary of the first major military fought by Australia and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

As the trams were still not running, we walked the 20 mins into the city, where we got coffee and brownie whilst waiting for the March, which commenced at 9 am. We watched the March from Princes bridge. Liam was able to watch about 15 mins of the March before he had to dash off to work. Whereas, I was able to watch the March over the 3 hrs at various points along the route. Some of the Veterans were driven along the route in Vibrant coloured Mustangs.
 Liam on the other hand, was working a function for 510 Essendon football fans at the Hilton before the ANZAC Day match. I meet up with Liam again after he finished his shift, at about 2.30pm. We went shopping for a few essential items for me before heading home, where poor Liam headed straight to bed for a cat nap, as he is still regaining his strength.

Although it was such an early start, we both agreed that the Dawn Service, Memorial and March were worth it, as it was an emotional yet moving occassion. 

There and Back Again - Unplanned stay

The week started pretty much the same for both Niamh and me, work and such until Wednesday morning, when on my way to get a tram my pants got caught on something which caused me to fall and bruise my thigh, right arm and bottom. So as you can imagine work, wasn't a fun day, sore and painful as it was. Lucky I had a doctor appointment anyway the next morning at 9am for another problem, as I had been feeling unwell. After his examination, he thought it might have been appendicitis, so sent me to the A&E at the Alfred hospital.

Quickly rushed home to get few documents and Niamh came with me and we arrived at the hospital at 10. After all the routine cleric and initial triage nurse work, I was brought in and examined by a doctor and then by a consultant. I was given morphine for the pain and saline to keep hydrated, as I fasting in case it was appendicitis. The usual blood and urine tests were checked. I was moved to SAAU surgical ward, where more tests were run and examined by various nurses, doctors and surgeons. Prior to the CT scan, I had to drink this clear contrast liquid which had a slight liquorice taste to it. After what seemed like waiting for an eternity, I was finally brought down for the scan. Where I was given an injection of radioactive dye for the scan. Niamh throughout the day, had been my guardian angel, kept me sane, helped the doctors with medical history and kept my spirits up. So just before I went down, she rushed home at 7pm to get a few bits, as we didn't know at the time if I'd be kept in or not.
So after the scan, I returned back to the ward just after 8.30. It pretty much was the waiting game from there on in, we both now armed with our plugs, entertained ourselves with YouTube before Niamh left for home after 11.30pm. So as the doctors hadn't reported by this stage, I was kept in for observation over night. A junior doctor finally came around just before 1.30 am and asked if I been informed anything yet about the CT scan, when I said nope, he got onto the registrar and came back to me. He then informed me it wasn't appendicitis but colitis in the colon near bladder which was causing the pain and finally was allowed to drink clear fluids.
The next few hours, through the night I didn't sleep well, until after the doctors morning rounds at approx 7.30am and was informed that the inflammation could be treated with antibiotics and painkillers and once the bloods came back alright, then I could be discharged. So after various attempts to try get a blood sample, the doctor Ged, finally managed to yet enough for the samples. Seems veins were there, but was difficult to withdraw blood. Like Niamh, I've my mother's veins lol. After the bloods, was given some toast, first food in about 2 days and antibiotics. I finally had fallen asleep when I woke up, Niamh had arrived and been there awhile. So after the blood results came back and pharmacist called around, I was discharged just before 1pm.

That was an unexpected, unplanned visit to the hospital, however all the medical staff from the nurses through to the surgeons were very nice and helpful. 

Moment to Shine

Niamh managed to get a 50 dollars voucher for Pint on Punt which helped us buy dinner and drinks which was pleasant change and helped too, that the food was quite tasty.

Tuesday 9th was free cone day at Ben & Jerry's, both, Niamh and me made use of the offer and went back few times, to make full use of the offer. Niamh went back to work, first time since the accident.

My shift on Thursday was for a book launch at the old women's college, which was an different kind of experience. The book is about the relationship with music composition and art.

The high of week has to be Friday evening, when Niamh and me went into Fed Square, for the Friday 2 hour showcase, The Very Big Laughout, as part of comedy festival, which for Niamh seems to be turning into a weekly outing. One of the highlights had to Pedro Tochas, a comedian from Portugal. His act included audience involvement. First ambushed were a couple, all went well until my horror, I was dragged up on stage to take part. The whole experience was totally hilarious even with me been on stage. After the last act, Lords of Strut, who are brill as always, we went to get quick bite to eat, at the pancake parlour where we had a 2 for 1 coupon on short stacks.

My shift at the Hilton on Saturday, was yet again for another Indian wedding, this is turning into a regular occurrence, this one had more of Indian dancing, music, however had various other entertainment acts including a break dancing troupe and a brazilian samba act. After work, finishing just before 3.30 am, a few of us jumped into a taxi towards St Kilda. This ended been one of the funniest cab journey ever, the driver Marcus was retelling us, various antics and showing us some of the txt messages, he had received during the night, which just had us in stitches.

Lords of Strut

After the relaxation of the Easter Monday, it was an early start to get Niamh to her outpatients appointment at the Alfred hospital, for her check up regarding her fractured shoulder. So after the X-rays and consultant, she was informed, she will unable to do any loading or strengthening with her arm and unfit to work for another six weeks. As I was not working, we did few bits such as laundry and shopping before settling in for a Mike & Molly and Nashville marathon.
I myself had a quiet enough week with exciting things at work until Friday, when I ended up working a double shift for a 15 hours day, beginning in the MEC at a dentist convention, serving in excess of 2,300 people with about 1,800 of them being dentists, that was a busy interesting shift.
As I had a 2 hour break, I meet up with Niamh for a quick bite to eat. We ended up at my usual haunt, shock shock Lord of the Fries. We saw a crowd gathered in city square, so after our food, crossed the road. It was part of the Melbourne international comedy festival, the act was from Ireland of all places - The Lords of Strut, who are a dancing aerobatic comedy performing man-band. Both Niamh and me and we think nearly everyone gathered, we in complete stitches of laughter. I for one haven't laughed that much in years. Would so see them again.

As I dashed for a tram to the Hilton for my other shift, Niamh made her way to Fed Sq for the 2 hour comedy showcase early to get a good seat. Some of the acts included Les Chiche Capon, Hilby, Anna Pocket Rocket and Lord of Strut again. The event was MC'd by The Chipolatas. Niamh said was the best way to spend a Friday evening, it was laid back, hilarious and entertaining. Niamh said she was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the MC, they really knew how to keep the crowd entertained and focused.

Meanwhile, my shift at the Hilton, was for a posh traditional Indian wedding. I have not seen anything like it before in person, it was something unreal between the wedding outfits - the Bride in Sari and Groom in Dhoti, various Indian dances, music and food, however an interesting after dinner entertaining was from a Brazilian samba group, who came from Brazil especially for the reception. I finally managed to finish the shift at 2.30 in the morning however I had to get a taxi home, oh well.
The shift the following day, has probably been one of the most soul destroying shifts I've ever done. I guess you can't win them all. On the upside though, on Sunday, we finalised 90 percent of our trip in May, the countdown has begun, can't wait... - 28 days 16 hrs ...

Along the Yarra

As Niamh was still recuperating because of her fractured shoulder, we decided to take it easy on the Monday and go for stroll in Fitzroy Gardens near Captain Cook's Cottage, Fairies tree, Tudor model village and Sinclair Cottage before catching the tram back into town and do some food shopping but some how we ended up having churros, what a tasty treat.

Besides me working during the week, the other highlight was collecting Niamh's Ayers Rock tour voucher. Once we had that all arranged and booked, we sat down and although it took us hours on end, we finally managed to discuss, organise and book, most of the remaining things we want to see here in Australia, such as Ayers rock, Gold Coast, Tasmania etc.
Besides doing a few odds and ends with finalising the bookings, the highlight of good Friday, was walking along the St. Kilda Pier that evening after sunset and seeing the little penguins which live amongst the rocks down there and that come out after sunset.

Saturday, we decided to head into the city for a while, as we got off the tram at Fed Sq, we saw a big crowd gathered, we found out, that the main stage in the square, was having comedies on stage as part of Melbourne International Comedy Festival, no wonder it was called - The (Very) Big Laugh Out. It was hilarious.

After this, we got an Aussie cheap Easter egg from Big W, which somehow managed to get smashed by the time we got home, so had to be devoured that night as we watched a movie, any excuse to eat chocolate, me thinks. Although on Easter Sunday, we had some proper chocolate Easter egg sent from home, thanks again Mam and Dad, was proper tasty.
To celebrate Easter Monday, we decided to at last minute, to hop on the tram and try and make the last river cruise. After two trams stops, we realised, that I didn't have the iventure cards on me, so a tram journey back and mad dash back to the house, to collect the cards and off we went again. As we arrived in South gate near berth 5, we thought we had missed the last cruise. To our pleasant surprised there was one later cruise leaving at 4pm, due to demand and we were able to use our i venture cards too. The cruise consisted of just over an hour up river cruise along the Yarra river where you see picturesque sights such as the botanic gardens, Olympic parks, Herring Island and other sporting arenas. On the journey back, we got to see various different angles of the CBD and docklands, which was enjoyable and pleasant, if the screaming children aboard wasn't, oh well. To finish off the evening, we went for a sunset stroll in St.Kilda.