25-3-2010 (Thursday)
Due to the time difference with Sydney everybody was awake at 6. We took it easy and hit the streets at 8:30. We took a walk to the huge mall of Harbour city. The shops were still closed, so we had some more coffee at Starbucks.
The whole morning we stayed in the shopping mall and we bought sneakers for all of us.
We bought some Sushi for lunch and went back to the hotel. Sharon and the kids slept for a couple of hours while Ruben took a swim. The spa pools has a magnificent view on the harbor. So you sit in the spa pool and enjoy the ships going by.
At the end of the day we went to Jaap Derk and Meike’s place. The kids were really excited to meet other Dutch kids.
Steven and Nanette and the two oldest kids (Dexter and Stefanie) came as well did Lodewijk. It was a real nice evening, Jaap en Meike arranged a swell BBQ (reminding us of the campervan days) and the kids enjoyed playing with the other kids. It was fun to see Jaap’s son Dirk playing with Zeb, it was like Jaap and Ruben more than 30 years ago.
We went back to the hotel at around 9:30 after a real nice evening.
Back in the hotel we all fall asleep in a few minutes.
26-3-2010 (Friday)
We slept till 8. After a Starbucks breakfast in the room we headed for the pool. We had a little swim but most of the time enjoyed the Spa pools.
At around 10 we took a cab to Stanley Market, at the other side of Hong Kong Island. We bought presents and some stuff for the kids. We had lunch on the shore at Stanley.
Around 3 we took a cab to Ocean Park, a theme park in Hong Kong. We met Meike and the kids there. Zeb’s new friend Dirk.
We ran around the park, with highlight 2 Panda’s.
Zeb went home with Dirk and will sleep over there. We took Sharai with us.
The plan was to have dinner with Jaap and Meike, but we were to tired. So we ordered a salad and went to sleep.
27-3-2010 (Saturday)
Sharon packed all the luggage for our trip back.
Nanette arranged for us to join them egg hunting at the home of the Dutch consul. We met Zeb there who off course came along with his new best pall Dirk.
The kids loved the morning, first egg hunting and later on a clown. We enjoyed catching up with our friends.
After this event we went for lunch with Jaap and Meike and the kids at the football club. The kids could run around the field.
At around 4 we were back at the hotel for the kids to have a few hours of sleep and Sharon to have a final shopping session.
We had dinner at the lavish buffet in the Harbourside restaurant in the hotel and were picked up at 8:45.
This is really the last day of our 3 months journey. Wow time flies when you are having fun.
This last post is posted from Hong Kong airport.
zaterdag 27 maart 2010
woensdag 24 maart 2010
Last days Australia and Arriving in HK
21-3-2010 (Sunday)
Yes, we got the upgrade!
We started with breakfast at our favorite place Gusto, Sharon loves the Bircher Muesli there. Afterwards we went to the playground and later tot the beach.
A really relaxed morning.
At around 3 we took the bus to Circular Quay to go to The Rocks, one of Sydney’s oldest neighborhoods just between the Quay and the bridge. Our bus trip took us through a real nice neighborhood, usually we take the express bus but this time we were on a different one.
The Rocks was nice, there is a huge open market and also a lot of small shops. We bought a nice painting and we bought UGG’s. Yes again, but this time as presents.
We had drinks on the harbor with a view of the harbor and the opera house. For dinner we went to the big M.
A great day in Sydney!
22,23-3-2010 (Monday and Tuesday)
You won’t believe it, we saw the guy that gave us the upgrade in January and he upgraded us today to the Honeymoon suite again. So third move in 2 dayes, but OK for us.
Last two days in Australia, we enjoyed the relax atmosphere of Bondi Beach. Late breakfast, Monday at Gusto and Tuesday to finish it of at Aqua bar where they serve the best French toast with banana.
Both mornings we started at the playground before moving to the beach. The sea is cool and refreshing with nice waves to dive in.
Monday we had dinner in the Hurricane grill, they serve beef and lamb ribs hmmmmmm.
Tuesday afternoon we went to Bondi shopping to do some last minute shopping for presents. Zeb bought a big Kangaroo for his teacher, Benna.
Before dinner on Tuesday, Ruben met Bruce Fink who got us the cricket tickets. We had dinner a a Thai place around the corner of the hotel.
Time really flies, we are going to HK tomorrow and it seems so short time ago when we arrived here.
24-3-2010 (Wednesday)
Checkout of the hotel and on our way to Hong Kong. The whole morning was a race against time, we managed to get some tax refund and finally boarded the plan at 11:30.
The flight was bumpy, almost the whole way. The kids were very nice again on the plane, they got tons of compliments. Sharai slept for a few hours and Zeb loved the entertainment system.
After a 8 hour flight we arrive at HK airport around 6, also at the airport it took a while before we were in the car. On the airport Ruben met a old student friend, James Loudon.
We had a driver waiting that brought us to the Intercontinental, a splendid hotel in Kowloon overlooking HK harbor. The room is magnificent as is the service, we think this is the best hotel we ever stayed in.
The kids ate something gat the airport. We ordered in some Chinese in room dining. Tres chique!!
Tomorrow we will meet Jaap, Zwaan and there families.
What a way to finish of our trip.
Yes, we got the upgrade!
We started with breakfast at our favorite place Gusto, Sharon loves the Bircher Muesli there. Afterwards we went to the playground and later tot the beach.
A really relaxed morning.
At around 3 we took the bus to Circular Quay to go to The Rocks, one of Sydney’s oldest neighborhoods just between the Quay and the bridge. Our bus trip took us through a real nice neighborhood, usually we take the express bus but this time we were on a different one.
The Rocks was nice, there is a huge open market and also a lot of small shops. We bought a nice painting and we bought UGG’s. Yes again, but this time as presents.
We had drinks on the harbor with a view of the harbor and the opera house. For dinner we went to the big M.
A great day in Sydney!
22,23-3-2010 (Monday and Tuesday)
You won’t believe it, we saw the guy that gave us the upgrade in January and he upgraded us today to the Honeymoon suite again. So third move in 2 dayes, but OK for us.
Last two days in Australia, we enjoyed the relax atmosphere of Bondi Beach. Late breakfast, Monday at Gusto and Tuesday to finish it of at Aqua bar where they serve the best French toast with banana.
Both mornings we started at the playground before moving to the beach. The sea is cool and refreshing with nice waves to dive in.
Monday we had dinner in the Hurricane grill, they serve beef and lamb ribs hmmmmmm.
Tuesday afternoon we went to Bondi shopping to do some last minute shopping for presents. Zeb bought a big Kangaroo for his teacher, Benna.
Before dinner on Tuesday, Ruben met Bruce Fink who got us the cricket tickets. We had dinner a a Thai place around the corner of the hotel.
Time really flies, we are going to HK tomorrow and it seems so short time ago when we arrived here.
24-3-2010 (Wednesday)
Checkout of the hotel and on our way to Hong Kong. The whole morning was a race against time, we managed to get some tax refund and finally boarded the plan at 11:30.
The flight was bumpy, almost the whole way. The kids were very nice again on the plane, they got tons of compliments. Sharai slept for a few hours and Zeb loved the entertainment system.
After a 8 hour flight we arrive at HK airport around 6, also at the airport it took a while before we were in the car. On the airport Ruben met a old student friend, James Loudon.
We had a driver waiting that brought us to the Intercontinental, a splendid hotel in Kowloon overlooking HK harbor. The room is magnificent as is the service, we think this is the best hotel we ever stayed in.
The kids ate something gat the airport. We ordered in some Chinese in room dining. Tres chique!!
Tomorrow we will meet Jaap, Zwaan and there families.
What a way to finish of our trip.
zondag 21 maart 2010
Back in Cairns and back in Bondi Beach
19, 20-3-2010 (Friday, Saturday)
We checked out of the Sheraton and headed for Cairns. We stopped at a cricket shop but did not buy anything.
Ruben dropped Sharon and the kids of at the huge playground on the Cairns Esplanade. Ruben checked in the luggage in the Shagri-La we stayed in also last week.
Ruben went to the playground were the kids played for another hour.
We walked through Cairns after lunch.
For dinner we went to a place called the Flamegrill, they served Brazilian BBQ. This means they keep on coming by and carving meet of a huge stick. The food and the experience were very nice.
Saturday morning we woke up early to catch our 9.25 flight to Sydney. We had a quick frenchtoast breakfast on the airport. We landed at 1.20 in Sydney and took a cab to Bondi Beach. We are staying in the Swissgrand again, the same hotel we started our trip. Our taxi driver was called Max and was an immigrant from Turkey (38 years ago).
It was nice to be back in Bondi Beach, a real sunny and lively place. We went for coffee in our favorite coffee place Gusto. Afterwards we went to the beach. Walking back from the beach we stopped at the playground where we also met a Dutch family two small kids.
For dinner we went to Bondi Pizza, very close to the hotel. Back in the hotel the kids bed was not made up @#$%^&. We hope this mix up will help us to get an upgrade tomorrow.
We checked out of the Sheraton and headed for Cairns. We stopped at a cricket shop but did not buy anything.
Ruben dropped Sharon and the kids of at the huge playground on the Cairns Esplanade. Ruben checked in the luggage in the Shagri-La we stayed in also last week.
Ruben went to the playground were the kids played for another hour.
We walked through Cairns after lunch.
For dinner we went to a place called the Flamegrill, they served Brazilian BBQ. This means they keep on coming by and carving meet of a huge stick. The food and the experience were very nice.
Saturday morning we woke up early to catch our 9.25 flight to Sydney. We had a quick frenchtoast breakfast on the airport. We landed at 1.20 in Sydney and took a cab to Bondi Beach. We are staying in the Swissgrand again, the same hotel we started our trip. Our taxi driver was called Max and was an immigrant from Turkey (38 years ago).
It was nice to be back in Bondi Beach, a real sunny and lively place. We went for coffee in our favorite coffee place Gusto. Afterwards we went to the beach. Walking back from the beach we stopped at the playground where we also met a Dutch family two small kids.
For dinner we went to Bondi Pizza, very close to the hotel. Back in the hotel the kids bed was not made up @#$%^&. We hope this mix up will help us to get an upgrade tomorrow.
donderdag 18 maart 2010
Sunny days in Port Douglas
16,17 and 18-3-2010 (Tues, Wednes, Thursday)
We are relaxing and enjoying, the resort has 3 acres of pools, can you imagine. Tuesday we stayed all day at the pool and had dinner in the Iron bar,
Wednesday we went to Cairns for some shopping, back in the hotel off course a swim. We had dinner in a place called Zinc it’s on Macrossan street and it was really the best dinner so far in Australia. Top attraction is the huge fish tank (with Nemo) they have in the toilet area.
Thursday we had breakfast in town and then we drove towards Daintree rainforest, we went to Mossman Gorge. It has a Aboriginal community which also organizes tours. We when arrive the visitors center was close because of a burial in the community, to bad for them and for us. So no Aboriginal tour for us. The afternoon we used for basically our last tropical day of our 3 months tour. Tomorrow Cairns, Saturday flight to Sydney were we will enjoy the city for a few days before we fly of to Hong Kong.
We bought a floating noodle for the kids (http://www.istockphoto.com/file_closeup/sports-and-leisure/water/3723289-floating-noodle.php?id=3723289). That we call ‘de piemel’ , so the kids scream all over the pool can I hold ‘de piemel’.
We are relaxing and enjoying, the resort has 3 acres of pools, can you imagine. Tuesday we stayed all day at the pool and had dinner in the Iron bar,
Wednesday we went to Cairns for some shopping, back in the hotel off course a swim. We had dinner in a place called Zinc it’s on Macrossan street and it was really the best dinner so far in Australia. Top attraction is the huge fish tank (with Nemo) they have in the toilet area.
Thursday we had breakfast in town and then we drove towards Daintree rainforest, we went to Mossman Gorge. It has a Aboriginal community which also organizes tours. We when arrive the visitors center was close because of a burial in the community, to bad for them and for us. So no Aboriginal tour for us. The afternoon we used for basically our last tropical day of our 3 months tour. Tomorrow Cairns, Saturday flight to Sydney were we will enjoy the city for a few days before we fly of to Hong Kong.
We bought a floating noodle for the kids (http://www.istockphoto.com/file_closeup/sports-and-leisure/water/3723289-floating-noodle.php?id=3723289). That we call ‘de piemel’ , so the kids scream all over the pool can I hold ‘de piemel’.
maandag 15 maart 2010
The Great Barrier Reef
15-3-2010 (Monday)
Everybody was awake before 8, Ruben got coffee from the restaurant and we had ‘tiger chips’ in the room. We left just before 9 to go to the marina to catch the boat to the outer reef.
We got several warnings the sea would be rough, the boat was a huge catamaran with maybe around 200 people on board. Indeed the 1,5 hour boat trip was rough, Ruben did not feel that good but did not need the handed out paper bags.
Around 11.30 we arrived at the reef platform (http://www.quicksilver-cruises.com/). The platform is like a huge pontoon with several activities to do from like snorkeling, diving, ride on a semi-submarine and helicopter flights.
Because it’s marine stinger ( box jellyfish) season Sharon, Ruben and Zeb put on a stinger suit, a kind of jump suite. We put on our snorkeling outfit and went swimming (Sharai was already sleeping for 2 hours). Zeb really liked it, the big and colorful fish, he even touched some huge fish and hold a small jellyfish.
It was really cool swimming between the coral and the fishes.
There was a good lunch served and when Sharai woke up we took the semi-submarine. It was almost 3 and time to go back, the 1,5 hour back was more rough but we were all ok and the kids were lovely.
Back a shore we went to the hotel and had early dinner, after dinner a swim to finish of this perfect day.
The Great Barrier Reef must be one of the highpoints of visiting Australia, for us it was indeed.
Everybody was awake before 8, Ruben got coffee from the restaurant and we had ‘tiger chips’ in the room. We left just before 9 to go to the marina to catch the boat to the outer reef.
We got several warnings the sea would be rough, the boat was a huge catamaran with maybe around 200 people on board. Indeed the 1,5 hour boat trip was rough, Ruben did not feel that good but did not need the handed out paper bags.
Around 11.30 we arrived at the reef platform (http://www.quicksilver-cruises.com/). The platform is like a huge pontoon with several activities to do from like snorkeling, diving, ride on a semi-submarine and helicopter flights.
Because it’s marine stinger ( box jellyfish) season Sharon, Ruben and Zeb put on a stinger suit, a kind of jump suite. We put on our snorkeling outfit and went swimming (Sharai was already sleeping for 2 hours). Zeb really liked it, the big and colorful fish, he even touched some huge fish and hold a small jellyfish.
It was really cool swimming between the coral and the fishes.
There was a good lunch served and when Sharai woke up we took the semi-submarine. It was almost 3 and time to go back, the 1,5 hour back was more rough but we were all ok and the kids were lovely.
Back a shore we went to the hotel and had early dinner, after dinner a swim to finish of this perfect day.
The Great Barrier Reef must be one of the highpoints of visiting Australia, for us it was indeed.
zondag 14 maart 2010
Port Douglas
14-3-2010 (Sunday)
Checking out of the Shangri-La but not after a great breakfast again. Must been said, service in the hotel is great.
The drive to Port Douglas is about 45 minutes, the road leads past the shore on one hand and the rainforest on the other, really beautiful. We made one stop to make some pictures.
We arrived around 1 at the Sheraton Mirage (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=370), after checking in we enjoyed most afternoon at the saltwater lagoon.
The whole resort is covered with a huge saltwater lagoon, it’s like an artificial beach. It’s a good substitute for the sea, the sea is no option because this time of the year the box jellyfish are in the sea.
We booked a daytrip to the Great Barrier Reef for tomorrow, can be interesting due to heavy winds sea will not be that calm. But it’s not expected to become less windier over the next week, the winds are caused by a tropical cyclone now somewhere blowing in the region between Indonesia and here. Hope that it doesn’t come this way.
For dinner we went into town, really nice town so of the looks of it. We had dinner in The Courthouse hotel on Macrossan and Wharf street. A pub like restaurant, a lot o locals having a good Sunday night drink.
After dinner we walked up and down Macrossan street. The street was filled with little parrots, flying and making sounds like hell. This was the fourth of fifth time we saw so many birds, yesterday we saw really hundreds or maybe thousands of bats flying in Cairns.
Really looking forward to tomorrow on the reef.
Checking out of the Shangri-La but not after a great breakfast again. Must been said, service in the hotel is great.
The drive to Port Douglas is about 45 minutes, the road leads past the shore on one hand and the rainforest on the other, really beautiful. We made one stop to make some pictures.
We arrived around 1 at the Sheraton Mirage (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=370), after checking in we enjoyed most afternoon at the saltwater lagoon.
The whole resort is covered with a huge saltwater lagoon, it’s like an artificial beach. It’s a good substitute for the sea, the sea is no option because this time of the year the box jellyfish are in the sea.
We booked a daytrip to the Great Barrier Reef for tomorrow, can be interesting due to heavy winds sea will not be that calm. But it’s not expected to become less windier over the next week, the winds are caused by a tropical cyclone now somewhere blowing in the region between Indonesia and here. Hope that it doesn’t come this way.
For dinner we went into town, really nice town so of the looks of it. We had dinner in The Courthouse hotel on Macrossan and Wharf street. A pub like restaurant, a lot o locals having a good Sunday night drink.
After dinner we walked up and down Macrossan street. The street was filled with little parrots, flying and making sounds like hell. This was the fourth of fifth time we saw so many birds, yesterday we saw really hundreds or maybe thousands of bats flying in Cairns.
Really looking forward to tomorrow on the reef.
zaterdag 13 maart 2010
Rainforest
13-3-2010 (Saturday)
Today is our trip to the rainforest and the rainforest town of Kuranda. But first we had breakfast in the hotel again. A Japanese waiter cleaned Sharai’s nose and we felt a little awkward at first, but he really liked doing it.
Just before our pick up for the tour Zeb and Sharai had over 15 Japanese woman applauding, laughing and taking pictures with and of them.
Like in the gold coast here in Cairns most tourist are Asian. Zeb and Sharai are like a first class attraction to them. Everywhere we are going, people take pictures of them and play with them.
We were picked up by a van, on which we were the only people, that dropped us at the bottom of the skyrail (http://www.skyrail.com.au/). The cable car is 7,5 km long and takes you with two stops over the rainforest and the river to Kuranda. On the first stop we took a nice little walk through the rainforest, the next stop was next to the river and it’s beautiful waterfalls: Barron Waterfalls.
On this station we saw the falls from three different lookout points. Leaving this station in our cable car we saw a giant spider hanging (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_silk_orb-weaver ), especially for Sharon.
The last stop is Kuranda. We walked around the town and had lunch with a view on the rainforest. It has a lot of aboriginal stuff, but seems all really touristic to us.
Our trip back was with the scenic railway (http://www.ksr.com.au). The railway was build some 120 years ago. It took us back in 1,5 hours to Cairns central were our “private” driver was waiting. The trip with the train was really beautiful. We had two stops, one overlooking the falls again and one in a place called Freshwater.
Zeb played with two 25 year old Japanese girls who took turn to have their picture made with him.
Back in Cairns the driver dropped us of at a Chinese restaurant that was recommended by the Footprint guide. The place is called Chinese Café and was really good, with nice Peking Duck.
We walked back to the hotel and stopped at a Aboriginal Art gallery and at the ice cream parlor.
Back at the hotel Zeb and Joey skyped. The 2 boys really miss each other so much. We wonder how they will react once they see one another again.
Sharon packed the stuff, cause tomorrow we will be heading for Port Douglas.
Today is our trip to the rainforest and the rainforest town of Kuranda. But first we had breakfast in the hotel again. A Japanese waiter cleaned Sharai’s nose and we felt a little awkward at first, but he really liked doing it.
Just before our pick up for the tour Zeb and Sharai had over 15 Japanese woman applauding, laughing and taking pictures with and of them.
Like in the gold coast here in Cairns most tourist are Asian. Zeb and Sharai are like a first class attraction to them. Everywhere we are going, people take pictures of them and play with them.
We were picked up by a van, on which we were the only people, that dropped us at the bottom of the skyrail (http://www.skyrail.com.au/). The cable car is 7,5 km long and takes you with two stops over the rainforest and the river to Kuranda. On the first stop we took a nice little walk through the rainforest, the next stop was next to the river and it’s beautiful waterfalls: Barron Waterfalls.
On this station we saw the falls from three different lookout points. Leaving this station in our cable car we saw a giant spider hanging (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_silk_orb-weaver ), especially for Sharon.
The last stop is Kuranda. We walked around the town and had lunch with a view on the rainforest. It has a lot of aboriginal stuff, but seems all really touristic to us.
Our trip back was with the scenic railway (http://www.ksr.com.au). The railway was build some 120 years ago. It took us back in 1,5 hours to Cairns central were our “private” driver was waiting. The trip with the train was really beautiful. We had two stops, one overlooking the falls again and one in a place called Freshwater.
Zeb played with two 25 year old Japanese girls who took turn to have their picture made with him.
Back in Cairns the driver dropped us of at a Chinese restaurant that was recommended by the Footprint guide. The place is called Chinese Café and was really good, with nice Peking Duck.
We walked back to the hotel and stopped at a Aboriginal Art gallery and at the ice cream parlor.
Back at the hotel Zeb and Joey skyped. The 2 boys really miss each other so much. We wonder how they will react once they see one another again.
Sharon packed the stuff, cause tomorrow we will be heading for Port Douglas.
vrijdag 12 maart 2010
The real UGG story
12-3-2010 (Friday)
We indeed extended our stay, for 2 extra nights. The hotel is good and well situated.
We had breakfast in the hotel, becoming member of Shangri-La’s loyalty program gives you breakfast for half price. So we had great breakfast overlooking the marina.
Ruben and the kids spend most of the morning at the pool whilst Sharon picked up some necessary groceries and sorted out the activities for the next week like rainforest, reef and aboriginal visits.
After lunch Ruben took Zeb to the best playground ever at the end of the esplanade. It’s huge and has also nice water activities. Sharon walked Sharai around town and went shopping. She unveiled the real UGG story. The UGG’s we know are not ‘real’ Australian but is an American brand made in China. UGG was not allowed by Australian producers to use as brand name before because UGG is just a short name for UGLY, and that’s what they are indeed. So since recent years producers in Australia are also allowed to call the ‘real’ ones UGG. But they are not allowed to sell outside Australia under that brand name.
We had dinner in an Italian place at the marina. Only bad news of the day is that Sharai has a cold.
We indeed extended our stay, for 2 extra nights. The hotel is good and well situated.
We had breakfast in the hotel, becoming member of Shangri-La’s loyalty program gives you breakfast for half price. So we had great breakfast overlooking the marina.
Ruben and the kids spend most of the morning at the pool whilst Sharon picked up some necessary groceries and sorted out the activities for the next week like rainforest, reef and aboriginal visits.
After lunch Ruben took Zeb to the best playground ever at the end of the esplanade. It’s huge and has also nice water activities. Sharon walked Sharai around town and went shopping. She unveiled the real UGG story. The UGG’s we know are not ‘real’ Australian but is an American brand made in China. UGG was not allowed by Australian producers to use as brand name before because UGG is just a short name for UGLY, and that’s what they are indeed. So since recent years producers in Australia are also allowed to call the ‘real’ ones UGG. But they are not allowed to sell outside Australia under that brand name.
We had dinner in an Italian place at the marina. Only bad news of the day is that Sharai has a cold.
donderdag 11 maart 2010
The town we did not stay
11-3-2010 (Thursday)
Before we went to the Townsville Reef Aquarium, Ruben and the kids went for a morning swim. Sharon packed our stuff because we had to leave the apartment at 11. We packed the car and left it in the garage of the apartment. We walked to the aquarium.
The aquarium was rather poor, the kids loved Nemo but further more it is was the worst of our animal encounters. We left Townsville around lunchtime with destination Mission Beach a 2-3 hour drive. Arrived in Mission Beach it was not what we excepted, so we headed for the best resort in the area The Elandra (http://www.elandraresorts.com/). Are real beauty on the shore but covered in the rainforest, this part of Queensland has rainforest on the one hand and the Barrier Reef on the other.
Sharon went to check out the room, a cabin in the rainforest. When she and the lady of the hotel entered the veranda a huge spider suddenly jumped right in front of Sharon’s feet, do we need to say more!!! We left and decided to drive to Cairns an other 1-2 hour drive.
The kids slept between Townville and Mission Beach, good for them and very, very good for us, between Mission Beach and Cairns they enjoyed a movie.
In one of the travel guides we collected some of the big hotels in Cairns and called them to inform about the price. After receiving 4 quotes we called Guya and Arnold to check the hotels on the internet. The best two were the Sofitel and the Shangri la. We choose the Shangri-La (http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/cairns/shangrila) based on the price and free internet.
Good choice, great room and great location.
We had dinner in the marina at the Waterbar & Grill, again a good choice, good food only the kids were tired resulting in Zeb falling of a wooden kind of table.
It was a long day, but we are all happy with ending up in Cairns. The city looks rather nice, much better then we excepted due to the comments of most Australians we met. Maybe we will stay another day before we move up to Port Douglas.
Before we went to the Townsville Reef Aquarium, Ruben and the kids went for a morning swim. Sharon packed our stuff because we had to leave the apartment at 11. We packed the car and left it in the garage of the apartment. We walked to the aquarium.
The aquarium was rather poor, the kids loved Nemo but further more it is was the worst of our animal encounters. We left Townsville around lunchtime with destination Mission Beach a 2-3 hour drive. Arrived in Mission Beach it was not what we excepted, so we headed for the best resort in the area The Elandra (http://www.elandraresorts.com/). Are real beauty on the shore but covered in the rainforest, this part of Queensland has rainforest on the one hand and the Barrier Reef on the other.
Sharon went to check out the room, a cabin in the rainforest. When she and the lady of the hotel entered the veranda a huge spider suddenly jumped right in front of Sharon’s feet, do we need to say more!!! We left and decided to drive to Cairns an other 1-2 hour drive.
The kids slept between Townville and Mission Beach, good for them and very, very good for us, between Mission Beach and Cairns they enjoyed a movie.
In one of the travel guides we collected some of the big hotels in Cairns and called them to inform about the price. After receiving 4 quotes we called Guya and Arnold to check the hotels on the internet. The best two were the Sofitel and the Shangri la. We choose the Shangri-La (http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/cairns/shangrila) based on the price and free internet.
Good choice, great room and great location.
We had dinner in the marina at the Waterbar & Grill, again a good choice, good food only the kids were tired resulting in Zeb falling of a wooden kind of table.
It was a long day, but we are all happy with ending up in Cairns. The city looks rather nice, much better then we excepted due to the comments of most Australians we met. Maybe we will stay another day before we move up to Port Douglas.
woensdag 10 maart 2010
Airlie Beach and Townsville
9-3-2010 (Tuesday)
Too bad we had to leave Hamilton Island today, we had fantastic three days. We returned the keys of the apartment and the golf buggy around 10 and took the boat back at 11.
Back on the mainland we took a little drive to Shute Harbour and then checked in in our cabin in the same caravan park we stayed last Friday. But now we have a real luxurious cabin, two bedrooms, two flatscreens, full equipped kitchen and a huge balcony.
We walked to a close by mall, we had late lunch and rented two movies for the night. We took some food in for dinner.
Sharon and the kids went to the playground and Ruben watched a part of the cricket, Australia playing New Zealand in NZ. Australia won today and are 2-1 ahead in this series. Good to see NZ is giving Aus finally some resistance this summer.
We went to the pool together and then had dinner. Sharon and the kids watched the movie Up and Ruben went to the camp kitchen to get a better internet reception.
10-3-2010 (Wednesday)
Ruben and Zeb took an early morning swim while the girls were still sleeping. At around 10 we left Airlie beach to drive to Townsville, a 3 hour drive.
In Townsville we drove up to the Marina were we found a great serviced apartment, really beachfront.
After checking in we walked along the main streets of Townsville. This town is dead even during broad daylight.
We had a real late lunch in Palmer Street, the main dining street. When we walked back we had Zeb’s hair cut. The hairdresser told us that Townsville is a mining and marine city, so a lot of the inhabitant are at sea or in the mine at any time.
We had a late afternoon swim in the saltwater poor. Ruben went out to get take out, the streets are little more alive after dark.
Too bad we had to leave Hamilton Island today, we had fantastic three days. We returned the keys of the apartment and the golf buggy around 10 and took the boat back at 11.
Back on the mainland we took a little drive to Shute Harbour and then checked in in our cabin in the same caravan park we stayed last Friday. But now we have a real luxurious cabin, two bedrooms, two flatscreens, full equipped kitchen and a huge balcony.
We walked to a close by mall, we had late lunch and rented two movies for the night. We took some food in for dinner.
Sharon and the kids went to the playground and Ruben watched a part of the cricket, Australia playing New Zealand in NZ. Australia won today and are 2-1 ahead in this series. Good to see NZ is giving Aus finally some resistance this summer.
We went to the pool together and then had dinner. Sharon and the kids watched the movie Up and Ruben went to the camp kitchen to get a better internet reception.
10-3-2010 (Wednesday)
Ruben and Zeb took an early morning swim while the girls were still sleeping. At around 10 we left Airlie beach to drive to Townsville, a 3 hour drive.
In Townsville we drove up to the Marina were we found a great serviced apartment, really beachfront.
After checking in we walked along the main streets of Townsville. This town is dead even during broad daylight.
We had a real late lunch in Palmer Street, the main dining street. When we walked back we had Zeb’s hair cut. The hairdresser told us that Townsville is a mining and marine city, so a lot of the inhabitant are at sea or in the mine at any time.
We had a late afternoon swim in the saltwater poor. Ruben went out to get take out, the streets are little more alive after dark.
maandag 8 maart 2010
Whitsundays - paradise
5-3 2010 (Friday)
After a terrible night sleeping; we heard trains (and trains are huge and long in Australia), many cars (blanking their horns) all night long and it was humid. Sharai had some difficulty falling asleep all night long. And Sharon saw many spiders (as she says: elephants) flying around .
Ruben had to admit it wasn’t such a great success. The place was depressing and very low key. Just imagine…. The playground is situated next to the highway and when Sharon and the kids were playing there, Sharon took notice that at the playground, there was a little house which said dangerous 11.000 Volt. After spending a day in the car, we promised the kids a playground…. So after 10 minutes it was about time to distract them and lead them to the (aggenebbische) pool.
Ruben woke up at 7 am and packed the car with our luggage. Sharon has her system: 2 bags of cloths, one trolley contains DVD/toilet stuff (Shampoo/toothpaste etc) one Turkish bag with all our shoes, one with laundry, one nice bag with the computer and wires and off course our 2 dollar cool bag with food.
The bags are like our closets and the trolley is our important every need day stuff bag. When we go to the Hamilton Islands tomorrow, we will just take our “closets” , the trolley, the wire/computer bag, the cool bag and off course the prams for our kids.
The kids and Sharon woke at about 8:30, we took a shower and about 9 we were all in the car.
Got a coffee to go, banana bread and a muffin and went off for a long day in the car. Rockhampton to Airlie Beach is 489 km.
We drove trough Mackay, which is the sugarcane centre off Australia and went to Mac Donalds Coffee. It’s different than in the Netherlands, cause we were able to get “Tosti’s” good coffee and a regular lunch for Ruben en Sharon. All Mac Donalds have a great playground and this was also one of the reasons we wanted to have lunch and a break here. They played and it was very humid and hot. You really feel the tropical atmosphere coming driving up north.
The kids didn’t sleep at and all we could see was sugarcane, prairie (without cowboys) and sugarcane. Finally we went to a very nice Big 4 caravan park; Adventure Whitsunday resort near Airlie Beach. We have a cottage now, with 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, a living and a kitchen. It’s not the most luxuries place on earth, but very fine for us.
We drove trough Airlie and it’s a very nice place. Because it’s Stinger (Box Jelly Fish) season, you’re not able to swim in the sea. So, just like we already have seen in Brisbane, they made a water lagoon with an artificial beach, next to the beach. Very nice. Many young people.
We took a dip in the pool at the campsite, with 2 waterslides. Zeb is doing great and we hardly have to look after him and Sharai wants to take the slide by herself now. Kids love it. We took a shower and went to the city to have dinner.
We ended having dinner in the Whitsunday Sailing club and had the best view. It’s so good to eat outside, at the sea with the sunset. Even though the kids didn’t sleep, they were very sweet. Dinner was good and we got to listen to live music . Afterwards we went back. Kids fell asleep and everything was packed and ready to go for tomorrow. We look forward to take the boot to one of the most beautiful islands of the world….
Hamilton Island
06-03 2010 (Saturday)
Ruben is an early bird, as we call it. He woke up at 7 again and did some groceries and got our every morning skim milk cappuccino with extra trot. Sharon and Sharai woke up at 7:30, cause Hetty (Sharon’s mother) called her. By the time Ruben got back the whole family was up and running.
We were very excited to leave the mainland and hit for Hamilton Island…
We had a little play at the playground and the jumping pillow and up to go.
We lost our photo camera, @#$%%^&^&, luckily most photo’s are already on the computer.
In the harbor we had about 1 hour before the Fantasea boot come to pick us up.
We saw many cruise boats and their passengers. It reminds us on Appie and Beppie, who loved taking a cruise holiday.
The boat trip was amazing; especially on the roof. The view is beautiful, the sun is doing her job and we really enjoy. This part of Australia is called the Whitsundays, it’s a group of 74 island. This is what you imagine when you think of a tropical island.
Once on the island, we had to wait for the apartment to get ready. We got our car; a golf buggy. The boys in front and the girls in the back. This is really unbelievable, as if its surreal; such a beautiful island. We had lunch en the kids had free meals. Most restaurants offer free meals for kids on Hamilton.
Finally we got the apartment and guess what; so nice, so beautiful. Balconies all around, good view and very modern. We love it here.
We went to the pools. The pools are situated on the beach and we’re allowed to swim in all the pools, except for one (kids not allowed).
Sharon checked the beach out and saw another pool with some kids activities. We went there; Zeb got his face schminkeled as Superman and Sharai as the pink Superwoman.
We went back and Sharai did a little nappy.
For dinner we went to the Marina for pizza. The island is like one big resort, everybody is driving his golf buggy and enjoying the relax atmosphere.
7-3-2010 (Sunday)
Relaxed morning in our huge and luxurious apartment. Ruben made pancakes, which we ate at one wing of our balcony ;). We had some kiwi for desert. The fruit tastes great in Australia.
We took a trip along the island with our buggy and then went to the beach/pools. Today is a beautiful day again. At the pool we sat next to an Israeli couple that lives in Melbourne, he works for Amdocs.
From one of the look-out-points we had an amazing view of the Whitsunday Islands.
Interesting is also to read the commentaries in the newspapers about Israel, always much more positive then in Europe. They did not really like the misuse of Australian passports on the assassination of the Hamas guy in Dubai but are convinced about the fact that Israel must be able to defend itself and they see Israel mistreated compared to other countries if concerned condemning Israel of whatever.
We had toasted cheese sandwiches in our apartment and Sharai did her nappy. It was good to eat in this beautiful air-conditioned place, surrounded by parrots and amazing view. By the way she did go to the toilet a couple of times. She looks quite serious and tells us: “I gotto go”…. Very sweet.
In the afternoon we went to the pool that belongs to our apartment, really nice and quit. For drinks we went to a bar that was set-up at a look-out point to see the sunset and have a drink. We met a nice Scottish family. Somebody took Sharon’s new Ray Ban, but we discovered it in time to get it back. The girl said she took it by mistake hmmmmm.
For dinner we went to the steakhouse in the marina, for the kids again an fabulous free buffet and for us a 350g Scottish filet and a Caesar salad.
Again what a perfect day.
8-3-2010 (Monday)
Ruben and Zeb went to the marina to get coffee and we enjoyed our spacious apartment. We went to a swim in the lagoon pool on the beach. The kids can play and we read a book or magazine.
Ruben is reading The Wolf of Wall street by Jordan Belfort, he got the book from Marc and Ilde.
We made cheese sandwiches for lunch. Sharon went to make a tour around the island (shops).
In the afternoon we went to our own pool. For dinner we went to the steakhouse again.
The caravan park in Rockhampton called to tell that they found our camera, they will send it to our next stop in Airlie Beach. They had a lot of hassle tracing us, they did not have our number on record, so they called the police who called the car rental agency and so they finally got our number. We are so grateful to them.
Sharon and Ruben watched the Oscars.
After a terrible night sleeping; we heard trains (and trains are huge and long in Australia), many cars (blanking their horns) all night long and it was humid. Sharai had some difficulty falling asleep all night long. And Sharon saw many spiders (as she says: elephants) flying around .
Ruben had to admit it wasn’t such a great success. The place was depressing and very low key. Just imagine…. The playground is situated next to the highway and when Sharon and the kids were playing there, Sharon took notice that at the playground, there was a little house which said dangerous 11.000 Volt. After spending a day in the car, we promised the kids a playground…. So after 10 minutes it was about time to distract them and lead them to the (aggenebbische) pool.
Ruben woke up at 7 am and packed the car with our luggage. Sharon has her system: 2 bags of cloths, one trolley contains DVD/toilet stuff (Shampoo/toothpaste etc) one Turkish bag with all our shoes, one with laundry, one nice bag with the computer and wires and off course our 2 dollar cool bag with food.
The bags are like our closets and the trolley is our important every need day stuff bag. When we go to the Hamilton Islands tomorrow, we will just take our “closets” , the trolley, the wire/computer bag, the cool bag and off course the prams for our kids.
The kids and Sharon woke at about 8:30, we took a shower and about 9 we were all in the car.
Got a coffee to go, banana bread and a muffin and went off for a long day in the car. Rockhampton to Airlie Beach is 489 km.
We drove trough Mackay, which is the sugarcane centre off Australia and went to Mac Donalds Coffee. It’s different than in the Netherlands, cause we were able to get “Tosti’s” good coffee and a regular lunch for Ruben en Sharon. All Mac Donalds have a great playground and this was also one of the reasons we wanted to have lunch and a break here. They played and it was very humid and hot. You really feel the tropical atmosphere coming driving up north.
The kids didn’t sleep at and all we could see was sugarcane, prairie (without cowboys) and sugarcane. Finally we went to a very nice Big 4 caravan park; Adventure Whitsunday resort near Airlie Beach. We have a cottage now, with 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, a living and a kitchen. It’s not the most luxuries place on earth, but very fine for us.
We drove trough Airlie and it’s a very nice place. Because it’s Stinger (Box Jelly Fish) season, you’re not able to swim in the sea. So, just like we already have seen in Brisbane, they made a water lagoon with an artificial beach, next to the beach. Very nice. Many young people.
We took a dip in the pool at the campsite, with 2 waterslides. Zeb is doing great and we hardly have to look after him and Sharai wants to take the slide by herself now. Kids love it. We took a shower and went to the city to have dinner.
We ended having dinner in the Whitsunday Sailing club and had the best view. It’s so good to eat outside, at the sea with the sunset. Even though the kids didn’t sleep, they were very sweet. Dinner was good and we got to listen to live music . Afterwards we went back. Kids fell asleep and everything was packed and ready to go for tomorrow. We look forward to take the boot to one of the most beautiful islands of the world….
Hamilton Island
06-03 2010 (Saturday)
Ruben is an early bird, as we call it. He woke up at 7 again and did some groceries and got our every morning skim milk cappuccino with extra trot. Sharon and Sharai woke up at 7:30, cause Hetty (Sharon’s mother) called her. By the time Ruben got back the whole family was up and running.
We were very excited to leave the mainland and hit for Hamilton Island…
We had a little play at the playground and the jumping pillow and up to go.
We lost our photo camera, @#$%%^&^&, luckily most photo’s are already on the computer.
In the harbor we had about 1 hour before the Fantasea boot come to pick us up.
We saw many cruise boats and their passengers. It reminds us on Appie and Beppie, who loved taking a cruise holiday.
The boat trip was amazing; especially on the roof. The view is beautiful, the sun is doing her job and we really enjoy. This part of Australia is called the Whitsundays, it’s a group of 74 island. This is what you imagine when you think of a tropical island.
Once on the island, we had to wait for the apartment to get ready. We got our car; a golf buggy. The boys in front and the girls in the back. This is really unbelievable, as if its surreal; such a beautiful island. We had lunch en the kids had free meals. Most restaurants offer free meals for kids on Hamilton.
Finally we got the apartment and guess what; so nice, so beautiful. Balconies all around, good view and very modern. We love it here.
We went to the pools. The pools are situated on the beach and we’re allowed to swim in all the pools, except for one (kids not allowed).
Sharon checked the beach out and saw another pool with some kids activities. We went there; Zeb got his face schminkeled as Superman and Sharai as the pink Superwoman.
We went back and Sharai did a little nappy.
For dinner we went to the Marina for pizza. The island is like one big resort, everybody is driving his golf buggy and enjoying the relax atmosphere.
7-3-2010 (Sunday)
Relaxed morning in our huge and luxurious apartment. Ruben made pancakes, which we ate at one wing of our balcony ;). We had some kiwi for desert. The fruit tastes great in Australia.
We took a trip along the island with our buggy and then went to the beach/pools. Today is a beautiful day again. At the pool we sat next to an Israeli couple that lives in Melbourne, he works for Amdocs.
From one of the look-out-points we had an amazing view of the Whitsunday Islands.
Interesting is also to read the commentaries in the newspapers about Israel, always much more positive then in Europe. They did not really like the misuse of Australian passports on the assassination of the Hamas guy in Dubai but are convinced about the fact that Israel must be able to defend itself and they see Israel mistreated compared to other countries if concerned condemning Israel of whatever.
We had toasted cheese sandwiches in our apartment and Sharai did her nappy. It was good to eat in this beautiful air-conditioned place, surrounded by parrots and amazing view. By the way she did go to the toilet a couple of times. She looks quite serious and tells us: “I gotto go”…. Very sweet.
In the afternoon we went to the pool that belongs to our apartment, really nice and quit. For drinks we went to a bar that was set-up at a look-out point to see the sunset and have a drink. We met a nice Scottish family. Somebody took Sharon’s new Ray Ban, but we discovered it in time to get it back. The girl said she took it by mistake hmmmmm.
For dinner we went to the steakhouse in the marina, for the kids again an fabulous free buffet and for us a 350g Scottish filet and a Caesar salad.
Again what a perfect day.
8-3-2010 (Monday)
Ruben and Zeb went to the marina to get coffee and we enjoyed our spacious apartment. We went to a swim in the lagoon pool on the beach. The kids can play and we read a book or magazine.
Ruben is reading The Wolf of Wall street by Jordan Belfort, he got the book from Marc and Ilde.
We made cheese sandwiches for lunch. Sharon went to make a tour around the island (shops).
In the afternoon we went to our own pool. For dinner we went to the steakhouse again.
The caravan park in Rockhampton called to tell that they found our camera, they will send it to our next stop in Airlie Beach. They had a lot of hassle tracing us, they did not have our number on record, so they called the police who called the car rental agency and so they finally got our number. We are so grateful to them.
Sharon and Ruben watched the Oscars.
donderdag 4 maart 2010
Last day in Noosa and cowboys
3-3-2010 (Wednesday)
Sharon got an complimentary treatment at the Ikatan spa this morning. Most of the day we were around the apartment.
We had a swim a couple of times and had lunch at the Sheraton.
At the end of the afternoon Sabine, Pepijn and the kids came. We had drinks on Hasting street and good pizza at our place.
Sharon packed all the luggage, we are leaving Noosa tomorrow morning.
4-3-2010 (Thursday)
Before we could leave we had to wait for a photographer to take pictures from us for a small article in Quote magazine. The article is a follow up on an article they did 5 years ago on HotSMS.
At 10:30 we left Noosa for a more then 500 km drive, over here that means at least 7 hours driving. We want to get as far as Rockhampton, then we will only need to drive Friday a little more than 450 km.
We made it, at around 5 we got to Rockhampton, we checked out some accommodation in our travel books. But when we entered the town we drove by a caravan park with cabins. For € 101,- we got a two bedroom cabin. The campsite is not really top class, but it has a playground and swimming pool. This all meaning the kids love it, Sharon doesn't like it that much, to put it mildly.
We had a swim just before dinner.
Rockhampton is the beef capital of Australia, so cowboy town. We went for dinner in a very cool steak house called Great Western. The place has a rodeo stadium at its ground. The restaurant is packed with bull heads, rodeo pictures and tv’s showing rodeo and country music. We ordered two major eye filets (tournedos) we shared with the kids. After dinner we took a drive around town, at 8 totally dead.
Sharon got an complimentary treatment at the Ikatan spa this morning. Most of the day we were around the apartment.
We had a swim a couple of times and had lunch at the Sheraton.
At the end of the afternoon Sabine, Pepijn and the kids came. We had drinks on Hasting street and good pizza at our place.
Sharon packed all the luggage, we are leaving Noosa tomorrow morning.
4-3-2010 (Thursday)
Before we could leave we had to wait for a photographer to take pictures from us for a small article in Quote magazine. The article is a follow up on an article they did 5 years ago on HotSMS.
At 10:30 we left Noosa for a more then 500 km drive, over here that means at least 7 hours driving. We want to get as far as Rockhampton, then we will only need to drive Friday a little more than 450 km.
We made it, at around 5 we got to Rockhampton, we checked out some accommodation in our travel books. But when we entered the town we drove by a caravan park with cabins. For € 101,- we got a two bedroom cabin. The campsite is not really top class, but it has a playground and swimming pool. This all meaning the kids love it, Sharon doesn't like it that much, to put it mildly.
We had a swim just before dinner.
Rockhampton is the beef capital of Australia, so cowboy town. We went for dinner in a very cool steak house called Great Western. The place has a rodeo stadium at its ground. The restaurant is packed with bull heads, rodeo pictures and tv’s showing rodeo and country music. We ordered two major eye filets (tournedos) we shared with the kids. After dinner we took a drive around town, at 8 totally dead.
dinsdag 2 maart 2010
Rainy days
1-3-2010 (Monday)
Ruben’s birthday. Sharon got pastries and coffee, Ruben baked pancakes so we had a real birthday breakfast. Zeb made a real nice present, Sharon bought some nice presents.
After breakfast we went for a swim, after the swim it started raining. It kept raining for the rest of the day. We said before: if it rains it comes down like hell. Forecast for next couple of days doesn’t look much better.
At noon we went to this indoor playground, it also has a café. So the kids played and we had coffee and read some magazines.
Back ‘home’ Sharon and Zeb watched Tinkerbell, Sharai had a sleep (she’s doing great and prefers to sleep in bed then in her pram) and Ruben went to the gym.
Instead of dining out we ordered Mexican food. We ordered from a Mexican in our street to make sure the food would be in soon. But it took them about 2 hours after we’ve ordered. The rain became worse that night. It was storming.
2-3-2010 (Tuesday)
It doesn’t stop raining. It is all over the news, most rain in a decade on the coast, in some places most rain in a century. Will ease tomorrow.
So alternative program for today. Most important issue in the morning is that we can’t get coffee from the right place due to the heavy rain, so we got it from next door.
We went to the indoor playground in the morning.
For lunch we went to Noosa Springs Resort, we were invited by Paul Hymans who we’ve met last Saturday. Really beautiful golf resort with spa. Nice to spend time with Paul who gave us great hospitality.
Today Sabine and Pepijn Post came to Noosa. They are doing a same kind of trip like ours. They have a 1 and 3 year old. We had a swim with them in the (this time cold) rain and dinner in our apartment. Really nice to exchange stories of our mutual trips. Great evening. Will meet them tomorrow again, what we will do depends on the weather.
So even on a rainy day we enjoy a fully 100%.
Ruben’s birthday. Sharon got pastries and coffee, Ruben baked pancakes so we had a real birthday breakfast. Zeb made a real nice present, Sharon bought some nice presents.
After breakfast we went for a swim, after the swim it started raining. It kept raining for the rest of the day. We said before: if it rains it comes down like hell. Forecast for next couple of days doesn’t look much better.
At noon we went to this indoor playground, it also has a café. So the kids played and we had coffee and read some magazines.
Back ‘home’ Sharon and Zeb watched Tinkerbell, Sharai had a sleep (she’s doing great and prefers to sleep in bed then in her pram) and Ruben went to the gym.
Instead of dining out we ordered Mexican food. We ordered from a Mexican in our street to make sure the food would be in soon. But it took them about 2 hours after we’ve ordered. The rain became worse that night. It was storming.
2-3-2010 (Tuesday)
It doesn’t stop raining. It is all over the news, most rain in a decade on the coast, in some places most rain in a century. Will ease tomorrow.
So alternative program for today. Most important issue in the morning is that we can’t get coffee from the right place due to the heavy rain, so we got it from next door.
We went to the indoor playground in the morning.
For lunch we went to Noosa Springs Resort, we were invited by Paul Hymans who we’ve met last Saturday. Really beautiful golf resort with spa. Nice to spend time with Paul who gave us great hospitality.
Today Sabine and Pepijn Post came to Noosa. They are doing a same kind of trip like ours. They have a 1 and 3 year old. We had a swim with them in the (this time cold) rain and dinner in our apartment. Really nice to exchange stories of our mutual trips. Great evening. Will meet them tomorrow again, what we will do depends on the weather.
So even on a rainy day we enjoy a fully 100%.
zondag 28 februari 2010
Tsunami and Steve Irwin
28-1-2010 (Sunday)
Yesterday night we found about this tsunami warning on Australia’s coast due to the earthquake in Chili. We thought of leaving for one night but decided to wake up at 6, to see if the warning status has increased. Our apartment is really on the beach.
Ruben woke up at 6 and woke up the rest as well at 7. We went out for breakfast away from the coast. We think we were the only ones in Australia to take it that serious.
After breakfast we decided to go to Australia zoo today. Australia zoo is the zoo that belongs to Steve Irwin, the crocodile hunter, who passé away some time ago due to a ray arrow hitting his heart. It’s a 50 minute drive from Noosa.
Off course they have a lot of crocodiles over there. Our nicest encounters were: feeding elephants, feeding kangaroos (again), padding a snake, pony ride by Zeb and Sharai, and a magnificent demonstration with tigers.
For us watching the kids on the ponies was the best, even Sharai with her only 2 years rode like if she is used to ride.
The zoo like most of the parks we went to are over commercialized. But we had a priceless day.
Back in Noosa we had Patti again to babysit. The kids are very much at ease with her. Sharon and Ruben had a fantastic dinner next doors at an Italian restaurant called Lindonis (www.lindonis.com.au). The food and service were impeccable. Back ‘home’ Ruben watched some cricket.
Yesterday night we found about this tsunami warning on Australia’s coast due to the earthquake in Chili. We thought of leaving for one night but decided to wake up at 6, to see if the warning status has increased. Our apartment is really on the beach.
Ruben woke up at 6 and woke up the rest as well at 7. We went out for breakfast away from the coast. We think we were the only ones in Australia to take it that serious.
After breakfast we decided to go to Australia zoo today. Australia zoo is the zoo that belongs to Steve Irwin, the crocodile hunter, who passé away some time ago due to a ray arrow hitting his heart. It’s a 50 minute drive from Noosa.
Off course they have a lot of crocodiles over there. Our nicest encounters were: feeding elephants, feeding kangaroos (again), padding a snake, pony ride by Zeb and Sharai, and a magnificent demonstration with tigers.
For us watching the kids on the ponies was the best, even Sharai with her only 2 years rode like if she is used to ride.
The zoo like most of the parks we went to are over commercialized. But we had a priceless day.
Back in Noosa we had Patti again to babysit. The kids are very much at ease with her. Sharon and Ruben had a fantastic dinner next doors at an Italian restaurant called Lindonis (www.lindonis.com.au). The food and service were impeccable. Back ‘home’ Ruben watched some cricket.
zaterdag 27 februari 2010
New friends in Noosa
25-2-2010 (Thursday)
Relax days in Noosa. Most of the morning we stayed in the pool. The others were also in the pool, we had a enjoyable morning. Sharai was kissing with Dean again!!. And she calls him “Jommetjes” Boy in dutch (=jongetje). She tells Sharon that she likes to give a kiss to the jommetje…. Very sweet; we make fun about it all the time.
Sharon went to a top spa in the afternoon. Ruben and the kids went out for ice cream.
We called and skyped Hester for her birthday today. Dinner in and a couple of movies for the evening. Shrek for the kids and Angels and Demons for us.
26-2-2010 (Friday)
Another relaxed day in Noosa. We planned a bbq tonight together with George/Simone and Marc/Ilde and off course our kids.
After our morning swim, Ruben did some groceries for the BBQ and Sharon stayed in with Sharai sleeping and Zeb relaxing.
BBQ was really nice, George bbqed and took care of the meat. We had meat for the whole apartment building. The food and the company were great. The kids were great together; watched some movies (Shrek, Madagascar ect) and played. Not one little fight; they’ve all been sweet.
To bad they are all leaving tomorrow.
27-2-2010 (Saturday)
Our friends from Sydney and Melbourne left today, too bad. They left us a lot of left overs, so we have a loaded fridge for the next month ;-).
Most of the day we took easy, swim, stroll on Hastings street and for Sharai a afternoon swim.
Tonight we went to a Purim party of the Jewish Community of Sunshine coast. We found out they only exist officially for 2 years. We got their contact details through the Brisbane KH office.
Zeb was dressed up as a Brazilian soccer player and Sharai as Princess Fiona (shrek character) in black and she was dressed like her mommy.
The part was in Maroochy a 40 minute drive from here and it was pouring rain. Ruben did a great job driving the family, cause once we said already: when it rains….it really, really rains and we were driving a 2 lanes road; It was damned scary.
We met a Dutch guy, Paul Hymans, he is originally from The Hague, he is married to an Israeli woman. We also met a Dutch girl the chairman Gary Meyer and some other nice people.
We think there were around 100 people, everybody brought food and drinks (we took chickens and drinks).
They prepared a play, told the story of the Megilla and had a dress up competition. The kids loved the cookies and cakes.
Relax days in Noosa. Most of the morning we stayed in the pool. The others were also in the pool, we had a enjoyable morning. Sharai was kissing with Dean again!!. And she calls him “Jommetjes” Boy in dutch (=jongetje). She tells Sharon that she likes to give a kiss to the jommetje…. Very sweet; we make fun about it all the time.
Sharon went to a top spa in the afternoon. Ruben and the kids went out for ice cream.
We called and skyped Hester for her birthday today. Dinner in and a couple of movies for the evening. Shrek for the kids and Angels and Demons for us.
26-2-2010 (Friday)
Another relaxed day in Noosa. We planned a bbq tonight together with George/Simone and Marc/Ilde and off course our kids.
After our morning swim, Ruben did some groceries for the BBQ and Sharon stayed in with Sharai sleeping and Zeb relaxing.
BBQ was really nice, George bbqed and took care of the meat. We had meat for the whole apartment building. The food and the company were great. The kids were great together; watched some movies (Shrek, Madagascar ect) and played. Not one little fight; they’ve all been sweet.
To bad they are all leaving tomorrow.
27-2-2010 (Saturday)
Our friends from Sydney and Melbourne left today, too bad. They left us a lot of left overs, so we have a loaded fridge for the next month ;-).
Most of the day we took easy, swim, stroll on Hastings street and for Sharai a afternoon swim.
Tonight we went to a Purim party of the Jewish Community of Sunshine coast. We found out they only exist officially for 2 years. We got their contact details through the Brisbane KH office.
Zeb was dressed up as a Brazilian soccer player and Sharai as Princess Fiona (shrek character) in black and she was dressed like her mommy.
The part was in Maroochy a 40 minute drive from here and it was pouring rain. Ruben did a great job driving the family, cause once we said already: when it rains….it really, really rains and we were driving a 2 lanes road; It was damned scary.
We met a Dutch guy, Paul Hymans, he is originally from The Hague, he is married to an Israeli woman. We also met a Dutch girl the chairman Gary Meyer and some other nice people.
We think there were around 100 people, everybody brought food and drinks (we took chickens and drinks).
They prepared a play, told the story of the Megilla and had a dress up competition. The kids loved the cookies and cakes.
woensdag 24 februari 2010
First days in Noosa
23-1-2010 (Tuesday)
First full day in Noosa. We went to the swimming pool in the morning and walked around town in the afternoon before getting back to the swimming pool.
Walking around town you see how beautiful it is.
At the pool we met a couple from Melbourne, George and Simone with a 2 year old son and a couple from Sydney, Marc and Ilde also with a 2 year old son.
We had dinner in and Sharon watched a movie and Ruben checked out some accommodations for the next part of our trip.
24-1-2010 (Wednesday)
Pancakes for breakfast. After breakfast we went to the old timber town of Eumundi. Every Wednesday and Friday they have a big market with arts and crafts. We bought some stuff and had lunch.
Driving back to Noosa the kids slept and we took the time to check out some day spa’s for Sharon. She choose to go to ikatan spa (www.ikatanspa.com), she has an appointment for a 3 hour treatment tomorrow. Must be an experience!!
We also checked out the Japanese restaurant we will have dinner tonight with only the two of us, we will have a babysit.
In the afternoon it started pouring rain but it was still 30c, so we went ‘swimming in the rain’ together with our ‘friends’ from Melbourne and Sydney. Sharai started kissing with Dean the 2 year old from Melbourne, pretty funny and sweet.
We made some dinner for the kids. Through a babysit agency run by a lady called Elizabeth Taylor we booked a babysit.
We prepared the kids already earlier today about the babysit and bought a little present for them, a car’s watch for Zeb and a hair band for Sharai both at Eumunid market. Pretty exciting to have a babysit for the first time in 2 months and here in Australia.
At 7:30 the babysit came, Patty a 60+ year old women, who made this kids (and us) feel comfortable instantly (relief). We had a fantastic dinner in the Japanese place called Wasabi, it’s chef is a well known chef in Australia.
In the restaurant we met a Dutch couple (55+ years old), Willem and Marja. They invited us for drinks after dinner in their apartment. So after dinner we went over there.
Finally we arrived back at the apartment at 11:30.
First full day in Noosa. We went to the swimming pool in the morning and walked around town in the afternoon before getting back to the swimming pool.
Walking around town you see how beautiful it is.
At the pool we met a couple from Melbourne, George and Simone with a 2 year old son and a couple from Sydney, Marc and Ilde also with a 2 year old son.
We had dinner in and Sharon watched a movie and Ruben checked out some accommodations for the next part of our trip.
24-1-2010 (Wednesday)
Pancakes for breakfast. After breakfast we went to the old timber town of Eumundi. Every Wednesday and Friday they have a big market with arts and crafts. We bought some stuff and had lunch.
Driving back to Noosa the kids slept and we took the time to check out some day spa’s for Sharon. She choose to go to ikatan spa (www.ikatanspa.com), she has an appointment for a 3 hour treatment tomorrow. Must be an experience!!
We also checked out the Japanese restaurant we will have dinner tonight with only the two of us, we will have a babysit.
In the afternoon it started pouring rain but it was still 30c, so we went ‘swimming in the rain’ together with our ‘friends’ from Melbourne and Sydney. Sharai started kissing with Dean the 2 year old from Melbourne, pretty funny and sweet.
We made some dinner for the kids. Through a babysit agency run by a lady called Elizabeth Taylor we booked a babysit.
We prepared the kids already earlier today about the babysit and bought a little present for them, a car’s watch for Zeb and a hair band for Sharai both at Eumunid market. Pretty exciting to have a babysit for the first time in 2 months and here in Australia.
At 7:30 the babysit came, Patty a 60+ year old women, who made this kids (and us) feel comfortable instantly (relief). We had a fantastic dinner in the Japanese place called Wasabi, it’s chef is a well known chef in Australia.
In the restaurant we met a Dutch couple (55+ years old), Willem and Marja. They invited us for drinks after dinner in their apartment. So after dinner we went over there.
Finally we arrived back at the apartment at 11:30.
maandag 22 februari 2010
From Moreton Island to Noosa Heads
22-1-2010 (Monday)
Woke up at 7 to get the luggage and all ready for the early departure from the island today. Our boat left at 9, a small, speedy catamaran this time.
We were back on the mainland at around 10:30 and set for Noosa Heads a 1,5 hour drive up north. We made one stop to refill our water supply and a Krispy Kreme donut.
We arrived in our serviced apartment around 12:30. It’s called Maison Noosa and is on Hastings Street and the Beach. We have a great ocean view from our balcony. This will be home for 10 days, we will survive here ;).
We have a 2 bedroom apartment with all usual amenities.
After lunch we walked along the shops of Hastings Street. Back at the apartment the kids watched a DVD and Sharon went back to the shops.
We went for a ride to do groceries shopping in the supermarket and then did a tour of Noosa Heads and Noosaville. We had homemade dinner on the balcony. After dinner Sharon and Zeb went for a swim in the pool.
Watched some Olympic games, they show almost every sport here on TV except speed skating off course. So we missed all the Dutch gold medals. But we are also happy for the Australians for there gold’s.
Woke up at 7 to get the luggage and all ready for the early departure from the island today. Our boat left at 9, a small, speedy catamaran this time.
We were back on the mainland at around 10:30 and set for Noosa Heads a 1,5 hour drive up north. We made one stop to refill our water supply and a Krispy Kreme donut.
We arrived in our serviced apartment around 12:30. It’s called Maison Noosa and is on Hastings Street and the Beach. We have a great ocean view from our balcony. This will be home for 10 days, we will survive here ;).
We have a 2 bedroom apartment with all usual amenities.
After lunch we walked along the shops of Hastings Street. Back at the apartment the kids watched a DVD and Sharon went back to the shops.
We went for a ride to do groceries shopping in the supermarket and then did a tour of Noosa Heads and Noosaville. We had homemade dinner on the balcony. After dinner Sharon and Zeb went for a swim in the pool.
Watched some Olympic games, they show almost every sport here on TV except speed skating off course. So we missed all the Dutch gold medals. But we are also happy for the Australians for there gold’s.
Wild dolphins on Moreton Island
21-2-2010 (Sunday)
We woke up early, except for Sharai. Zeb watched the end of Beemovie (without audio),Ruben had a walk on the beach and Sharon skyped on the balcony.
We got some milk and cereals from the convenient store and had a little picnic at the little playground.
We arranged a motorboat with a small sunroof from 12 till 2 pm and had a picnic on the water. We bought our stuff on the island and it’s really a rip off. Everything is double priced, but our lunch was great.
We headed for the wrecks in the sea, where many people were snorkeling. But ended at the shore, cause we had some problems with our anker. Sharon went snorkeling and 3 meters from the shore she saw an enormous stingray. So she headed to the boat again and was surprised by her swimming scales; this fast.
We really enjoyed our little boat-picknick-trip, but had some difficulty starting the motor again. Some huge aussiemen helped us out. Zeb took the wheel and the kids enjoyed.
Sharai did a nappy in the room and Sharon did some mailing and stuff on the balcony. Ruben and Zeb arranged our meet and greet with the dolphins for tonight and had a swim together.
At the end we were all in the room, made ourselves ready for an early dinner.
During diner we already saw some dolphins near the shore, saw the sunset and went to the jetty. This island is beautiful, as in “Couples retreat” (movie we saw in Surfers Paridise).
We were the first off all people waiting to meet the dolphins. Sharai on Sharon’s arm and Ruben held Zeb. We had 3 minutes; 6 fishes to feed and we all got the chance to hand feed the little dolphin. We stood in the water with the four of us and it was really special. 9 dolphins swimming around us in the crystal clear shallow water. Afterwards we went to our room, had a shower and relaxed. Tomorrow at 7;30 am we have to make sure all the luggage is ready for to be picked up….
Again an unforgettable, nice day
We woke up early, except for Sharai. Zeb watched the end of Beemovie (without audio),Ruben had a walk on the beach and Sharon skyped on the balcony.
We got some milk and cereals from the convenient store and had a little picnic at the little playground.
We arranged a motorboat with a small sunroof from 12 till 2 pm and had a picnic on the water. We bought our stuff on the island and it’s really a rip off. Everything is double priced, but our lunch was great.
We headed for the wrecks in the sea, where many people were snorkeling. But ended at the shore, cause we had some problems with our anker. Sharon went snorkeling and 3 meters from the shore she saw an enormous stingray. So she headed to the boat again and was surprised by her swimming scales; this fast.
We really enjoyed our little boat-picknick-trip, but had some difficulty starting the motor again. Some huge aussiemen helped us out. Zeb took the wheel and the kids enjoyed.
Sharai did a nappy in the room and Sharon did some mailing and stuff on the balcony. Ruben and Zeb arranged our meet and greet with the dolphins for tonight and had a swim together.
At the end we were all in the room, made ourselves ready for an early dinner.
During diner we already saw some dolphins near the shore, saw the sunset and went to the jetty. This island is beautiful, as in “Couples retreat” (movie we saw in Surfers Paridise).
We were the first off all people waiting to meet the dolphins. Sharai on Sharon’s arm and Ruben held Zeb. We had 3 minutes; 6 fishes to feed and we all got the chance to hand feed the little dolphin. We stood in the water with the four of us and it was really special. 9 dolphins swimming around us in the crystal clear shallow water. Afterwards we went to our room, had a shower and relaxed. Tomorrow at 7;30 am we have to make sure all the luggage is ready for to be picked up….
Again an unforgettable, nice day
zaterdag 20 februari 2010
Moreton Island (Tangalooma resort)
20-2-2010 (Saturday)
Woke up in our spacious apartment and went out for breakfast. We had breakfast in a nice place on the corner of Queen street and George street. Going out for breakfast is a real treat here, nice hot stuff like pancakes, French toast and eggs. For us French toast with maple syrup works just fine.
We checked out at 11 and drove to Pinkeba, a Brisbane suburb from where the boat to the Tangalooma resort (www.tangalooma.com) on Moreton Island leaves. We checked in our luggage and went on the boat. Felt little like our trips to Schiermonnikoog.
The boat trip was fun, it took 75 minutes on a speedy catamaran. First part is still on the Brisbane river and the bigger part of the trip on open sea, the sea was rough sometimes. On the boat we saw the Australian snowboarder Torah Bright getting her golden medal. Her golden run is big news here. They seem pretty laidback the Aussies but are pretty competitive if it comes to almost everything. For example lot’s of advertising mentions Australian owned or Australian made and the restaurants all have won awards. Very much American.
The island is the third largest sand island in the world, the biggest is Fraser island. Fraser island is more north on the Queensland. Maybe we will go there as well.
The island and resort are beautiful and peaceful. Just like on the Gold Coast only a lot of Asian tourist.
The resort is on the beach. After lunch we played in the very calm sea and finished off with a dip in the pool.
We had dinner on the beach. After dinner we walked to the Jetty were Dolphins were being fed. We will be doing that tomorrow night. Walking back from the jetty we stopped at the bar for Karaoke, Sharon and the kids performed together. After their performance, Sharai stayed on the stage to dance with the next couple of singers.
The movie for tonight is Bee Movie. Ruben went to sit on the balcony with his laptop.
Woke up in our spacious apartment and went out for breakfast. We had breakfast in a nice place on the corner of Queen street and George street. Going out for breakfast is a real treat here, nice hot stuff like pancakes, French toast and eggs. For us French toast with maple syrup works just fine.
We checked out at 11 and drove to Pinkeba, a Brisbane suburb from where the boat to the Tangalooma resort (www.tangalooma.com) on Moreton Island leaves. We checked in our luggage and went on the boat. Felt little like our trips to Schiermonnikoog.
The boat trip was fun, it took 75 minutes on a speedy catamaran. First part is still on the Brisbane river and the bigger part of the trip on open sea, the sea was rough sometimes. On the boat we saw the Australian snowboarder Torah Bright getting her golden medal. Her golden run is big news here. They seem pretty laidback the Aussies but are pretty competitive if it comes to almost everything. For example lot’s of advertising mentions Australian owned or Australian made and the restaurants all have won awards. Very much American.
The island is the third largest sand island in the world, the biggest is Fraser island. Fraser island is more north on the Queensland. Maybe we will go there as well.
The island and resort are beautiful and peaceful. Just like on the Gold Coast only a lot of Asian tourist.
The resort is on the beach. After lunch we played in the very calm sea and finished off with a dip in the pool.
We had dinner on the beach. After dinner we walked to the Jetty were Dolphins were being fed. We will be doing that tomorrow night. Walking back from the jetty we stopped at the bar for Karaoke, Sharon and the kids performed together. After their performance, Sharai stayed on the stage to dance with the next couple of singers.
The movie for tonight is Bee Movie. Ruben went to sit on the balcony with his laptop.
vrijdag 19 februari 2010
Last campervan days and Brisbane
17-2-2010 (Wednesday)
Pancakes for breakfast, The kids played with some other kids from Melbourne, Luca and Gabriel, in the playground.
We did not much today. Sharon and Zeb even rented a movie during the day while Sharai and Ruben slept.
At the end of the afternoon we went to a very nice street, Tedder Avenue, very close by. A lot of nice upscale restaurants. We had a nice dinner and afterwards a Baskin Robbins ice cream.
Tomorrow last day in the campervan.
18-2-2010 (Thursday)
Relax morning, is usual Zeb and Ruben went out to get coffee (Two cappuccino with skimmed milk and extra trot).
Off course we checked out the playground next to the beach after which we spent some time a the beach. Heavy current today, but great to swim in and dive in the waves. A lot of kite surfing going on here.
Lunch at the van. We took a walk to have Sharai sleep, but she never slept this afternoon. Ruben had his beard shaved off.
We rented Fiddler on the Roof to watch tonight after we packed. We have to pack because we have to return the campervan tomorrow in Brisbane.
We had dinner in Lemongrass Thai on Tedder Avenue, was recommended by the footprint travel guide we used before for dinner recommendation. Really good food, the place was packed.
19-2-2010 (Friday)
Bringing back the campervan today. We left Gold Coast around 9:30, our first stop was the hotel/apartment where we will stay tonight, Oaks Casino Tower in Brisbane CBD. We just delivered our luggage there, then of to Budget rent a car alos in Brisbane CBD to get our rental for the next month.
We got an Toyota rav4, nice spacious car.
Sharon drove the Toyota following the rest of the family in the van towards the KEA campervan depot. We left there around 1. It was a efficient morning.
For lunch we went to the Southbank of the Brisbane river. A real nice area with an artificial beach, swimming pool and lots of restaurants. The kids played in the park and the playground.
Around 4 we checked in at the apartment, a beautiful two room apartment overseeing the river from the 18th floor. What a space after a month in a campervan.
This serviced apartment concept is big in Australia and is really great if you travel like us. The rates are affordable if you compare with a 5 star hotel and the room/apartment space is much better.
When went for a walk through the shopping area, Queen street mall and got some real good take out. We needed to have dinner on our balcony with a view and also after such a day it’s better to eat with the kids in instead of in a restaurant.
Brisbane is a city with a good vibe.
Pancakes for breakfast, The kids played with some other kids from Melbourne, Luca and Gabriel, in the playground.
We did not much today. Sharon and Zeb even rented a movie during the day while Sharai and Ruben slept.
At the end of the afternoon we went to a very nice street, Tedder Avenue, very close by. A lot of nice upscale restaurants. We had a nice dinner and afterwards a Baskin Robbins ice cream.
Tomorrow last day in the campervan.
18-2-2010 (Thursday)
Relax morning, is usual Zeb and Ruben went out to get coffee (Two cappuccino with skimmed milk and extra trot).
Off course we checked out the playground next to the beach after which we spent some time a the beach. Heavy current today, but great to swim in and dive in the waves. A lot of kite surfing going on here.
Lunch at the van. We took a walk to have Sharai sleep, but she never slept this afternoon. Ruben had his beard shaved off.
We rented Fiddler on the Roof to watch tonight after we packed. We have to pack because we have to return the campervan tomorrow in Brisbane.
We had dinner in Lemongrass Thai on Tedder Avenue, was recommended by the footprint travel guide we used before for dinner recommendation. Really good food, the place was packed.
19-2-2010 (Friday)
Bringing back the campervan today. We left Gold Coast around 9:30, our first stop was the hotel/apartment where we will stay tonight, Oaks Casino Tower in Brisbane CBD. We just delivered our luggage there, then of to Budget rent a car alos in Brisbane CBD to get our rental for the next month.
We got an Toyota rav4, nice spacious car.
Sharon drove the Toyota following the rest of the family in the van towards the KEA campervan depot. We left there around 1. It was a efficient morning.
For lunch we went to the Southbank of the Brisbane river. A real nice area with an artificial beach, swimming pool and lots of restaurants. The kids played in the park and the playground.
Around 4 we checked in at the apartment, a beautiful two room apartment overseeing the river from the 18th floor. What a space after a month in a campervan.
This serviced apartment concept is big in Australia and is really great if you travel like us. The rates are affordable if you compare with a 5 star hotel and the room/apartment space is much better.
When went for a walk through the shopping area, Queen street mall and got some real good take out. We needed to have dinner on our balcony with a view and also after such a day it’s better to eat with the kids in instead of in a restaurant.
Brisbane is a city with a good vibe.
dinsdag 16 februari 2010
Movieworld
16-1-2010 (Tuesday)
Heavy rain during the night. Zeb woke up early but Sharai slept in. At around 9:30 we drove up to Movieworld; a 15 minute drive.
At Movieworld we started at the Shrek 4D show. This was really good, maybe a little scary for the kids. 4d means when one of characters sneezes, you feel water drops . After this show we rushed to the Looney Tunes Musical with Bugs Bunny and Tweetie. Sharai was standing, dancing and singing along in front of the stage and danced with the characters. Zeb watched everything with open mouth, everything is so real for him.
Then it started raining like heaven was coming down. We stayed most of the time in covered Main street. The kids had their picture taken with Batman, Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny , Tweetie and Shrek. Sharai calls Shrek “Fuck”.
Zeb can get really shy with all the characters.
The kids could choose a present, Sharai got Princes Fiona ears (from the Shrek movie and Zeb wanted a Superman wallet). With Zeb it’s funny he could choose anything he wanted and all he choose was this lousy wallet.
If you look at the negative side, you buy a ticket for a shopping mall. It’s as if you are going to a big department store in town but before you enter you have to pay $ 50,-.
But the park was ok, due to the weather we did only enjoy it only partly. And the kids had a great day again.
For dinner we had also a special day today, for the first and last time in the van when we cooked ourselves we did not bbq. But we had a special Pasta a la Ruben. We all enjoyed. Ruben and the kids went to play on the playground (all campsites have perfect playground) and Sharon did the dishes and turned the van from day to night. Every night we hire a movie and for tonight it’s “Funny People”. Tomorrow is a big day… Ruben will see the hairdresser, not for his coupe… but the beard will remain in Surfers…..
Heavy rain during the night. Zeb woke up early but Sharai slept in. At around 9:30 we drove up to Movieworld; a 15 minute drive.
At Movieworld we started at the Shrek 4D show. This was really good, maybe a little scary for the kids. 4d means when one of characters sneezes, you feel water drops . After this show we rushed to the Looney Tunes Musical with Bugs Bunny and Tweetie. Sharai was standing, dancing and singing along in front of the stage and danced with the characters. Zeb watched everything with open mouth, everything is so real for him.
Then it started raining like heaven was coming down. We stayed most of the time in covered Main street. The kids had their picture taken with Batman, Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny , Tweetie and Shrek. Sharai calls Shrek “Fuck”.
Zeb can get really shy with all the characters.
The kids could choose a present, Sharai got Princes Fiona ears (from the Shrek movie and Zeb wanted a Superman wallet). With Zeb it’s funny he could choose anything he wanted and all he choose was this lousy wallet.
If you look at the negative side, you buy a ticket for a shopping mall. It’s as if you are going to a big department store in town but before you enter you have to pay $ 50,-.
But the park was ok, due to the weather we did only enjoy it only partly. And the kids had a great day again.
For dinner we had also a special day today, for the first and last time in the van when we cooked ourselves we did not bbq. But we had a special Pasta a la Ruben. We all enjoyed. Ruben and the kids went to play on the playground (all campsites have perfect playground) and Sharon did the dishes and turned the van from day to night. Every night we hire a movie and for tonight it’s “Funny People”. Tomorrow is a big day… Ruben will see the hairdresser, not for his coupe… but the beard will remain in Surfers…..
maandag 15 februari 2010
Seaworld part II
15-1-2010 (Monday)
Lazy morning. We watched a movie we rented but not see last night because we all fell asleep early.
We packed the van for a drive because we had to do some shopping. We went to shopping mall Australia Fair a 5 minute drive and did we hope our last grocery shopping in the van, we are returning it in 3 days.
In the afternoon we went back to SeaWorld, for a extra $ 5,- we also got access to the Seaworld resort water park. We had a nice afternoon, Zeb took the huge super waterslides by his own and Ruben and Sharon went down a slide on a tube.
But before we went to the water park we walked past the polar bear, that we missed yesterday.
The water park is halfway Seaworld, when we walked back through Seaworld we did some of the rides. Zeb en Sharon took the scary water/train ride again and both loved it. Zeb is really growing up and becoming a big boy. Sometimes we forget he is still young as a matter of fact, cause he is the oldest. The nice thing was that we did not have to stand in line at the end of the day, actually we were the only ones there, so we were the only ones taking the rides. We got everything out of our Seaworld/Movieworld pass already and we did not yet go to Movieworld!!
Expected thunder storms for today did not arrive, we had a hot day again. Good steak on the Barbie and a movie again.
Lazy morning. We watched a movie we rented but not see last night because we all fell asleep early.
We packed the van for a drive because we had to do some shopping. We went to shopping mall Australia Fair a 5 minute drive and did we hope our last grocery shopping in the van, we are returning it in 3 days.
In the afternoon we went back to SeaWorld, for a extra $ 5,- we also got access to the Seaworld resort water park. We had a nice afternoon, Zeb took the huge super waterslides by his own and Ruben and Sharon went down a slide on a tube.
But before we went to the water park we walked past the polar bear, that we missed yesterday.
The water park is halfway Seaworld, when we walked back through Seaworld we did some of the rides. Zeb en Sharon took the scary water/train ride again and both loved it. Zeb is really growing up and becoming a big boy. Sometimes we forget he is still young as a matter of fact, cause he is the oldest. The nice thing was that we did not have to stand in line at the end of the day, actually we were the only ones there, so we were the only ones taking the rides. We got everything out of our Seaworld/Movieworld pass already and we did not yet go to Movieworld!!
Expected thunder storms for today did not arrive, we had a hot day again. Good steak on the Barbie and a movie again.
zondag 14 februari 2010
Seaworld
14-1-2010 (Sunday)
Today Seaworld day. We bought a pass for unlimited access to Seaworld and Moviewolrd. Later this week we will go to Movieworld.
We walked to Seaworld, a 20 minute walk. We arrived around 10:20 and kicked off with a Sesame Street show, which the kids loved off course. Sharai was dancing and Zeb clapping his hands. We were only thinking that must be hot to wear big birds suit. It was around 35 today.
After Sesame Street we rushed to the Dolphin show, that was spectacular. After the show we sat down at a Dolphin pool for drinks and fruit.
At 12:30 we went to a big pirate show, Zeb loved it. After the show the kids took a picture with the pirates.
We had lunch in the tavern next to all the kids activities. Sharon took the kids in a ‘helicopter’ ride. They played in the water and Zeb went in to a Big Bird ( Pino) ride that moved up and down.
When we walked around the park Sharai fell asleep and we went to see the Sharks and a lot of other fishes.
Zeb and Ruben went in a very scary ride in a train that run through water and goes from a very steep slide. We have great pictures of that.
We left at around 4 and walked to the Mirage Marine. S and S went shopping and Z and R went to a waterfront bar that showed the cricket and had live music.
After we met up again we had waterfront dinner at a classy place called Glass, we were not really dressed for it after a day in Seaworld. Most people were really dressed up, also because it’s Valentine’s day. It was a funny sight us in this restaurant.
The food was really good, all 4 of us ate well.
Back at the site the kids finished up the day with an ice cream and Barbapapa on dvd.
Today Seaworld day. We bought a pass for unlimited access to Seaworld and Moviewolrd. Later this week we will go to Movieworld.
We walked to Seaworld, a 20 minute walk. We arrived around 10:20 and kicked off with a Sesame Street show, which the kids loved off course. Sharai was dancing and Zeb clapping his hands. We were only thinking that must be hot to wear big birds suit. It was around 35 today.
After Sesame Street we rushed to the Dolphin show, that was spectacular. After the show we sat down at a Dolphin pool for drinks and fruit.
At 12:30 we went to a big pirate show, Zeb loved it. After the show the kids took a picture with the pirates.
We had lunch in the tavern next to all the kids activities. Sharon took the kids in a ‘helicopter’ ride. They played in the water and Zeb went in to a Big Bird ( Pino) ride that moved up and down.
When we walked around the park Sharai fell asleep and we went to see the Sharks and a lot of other fishes.
Zeb and Ruben went in a very scary ride in a train that run through water and goes from a very steep slide. We have great pictures of that.
We left at around 4 and walked to the Mirage Marine. S and S went shopping and Z and R went to a waterfront bar that showed the cricket and had live music.
After we met up again we had waterfront dinner at a classy place called Glass, we were not really dressed for it after a day in Seaworld. Most people were really dressed up, also because it’s Valentine’s day. It was a funny sight us in this restaurant.
The food was really good, all 4 of us ate well.
Back at the site the kids finished up the day with an ice cream and Barbapapa on dvd.
zaterdag 13 februari 2010
Surfers Paradise
13-1-2010 (Saturday)
Our 2nd day at the Gold Coast. The Gold Coast is just Queensland, we came from New South Wales. Today we found out that NSW has one hour time difference with the rest of Australia. Ruben was searching for coffee at 6 this morning instead of 7. With hindsight, what a number of surfers already in the water that early!
But it meant that the whole family was rise and shine very early, after breakfast we went to the beach. A real hot day today. They take the lifeguard thing very serious everywhere, but especially here. The sea has very strong currents and today the red flag is out, meaning be careful. You always have to swim between the flags.
We rented a real body board today, it was really great fun.
Around noon we went back to the van, the kids slept for a couple of hours in the air-conditioning, Sharon watched a movie and Ruben did some payments through the internet.
After the kids woke up they played with their new friends from the caravan park for a while and then we walked along the coast to Surfers Paradise, a 40 minute walk.
Surfers is a really tacky place, shops, shops, shops and restaurants, good to have been there but not to come back. Main Beach is better for us.
We had dinner at a Thai restaurant, ice cream at Baskin Robin’s and walked back to the campsite.
Tomorrow Sea World.
Our 2nd day at the Gold Coast. The Gold Coast is just Queensland, we came from New South Wales. Today we found out that NSW has one hour time difference with the rest of Australia. Ruben was searching for coffee at 6 this morning instead of 7. With hindsight, what a number of surfers already in the water that early!
But it meant that the whole family was rise and shine very early, after breakfast we went to the beach. A real hot day today. They take the lifeguard thing very serious everywhere, but especially here. The sea has very strong currents and today the red flag is out, meaning be careful. You always have to swim between the flags.
We rented a real body board today, it was really great fun.
Around noon we went back to the van, the kids slept for a couple of hours in the air-conditioning, Sharon watched a movie and Ruben did some payments through the internet.
After the kids woke up they played with their new friends from the caravan park for a while and then we walked along the coast to Surfers Paradise, a 40 minute walk.
Surfers is a really tacky place, shops, shops, shops and restaurants, good to have been there but not to come back. Main Beach is better for us.
We had dinner at a Thai restaurant, ice cream at Baskin Robin’s and walked back to the campsite.
Tomorrow Sea World.
vrijdag 12 februari 2010
From Byron Bay via Hastings Point to the Gold Coast
11-1-2010 (Thursday)
We checked our early from the caravan park and parked our van on the public parking on main beach.
The sun was shining (like most of the time) and we had a wonderful morning at the beach. The beach at Byron Bay is really good.
At noon we had lunch, we set up our chairs at the front of our van overlooking the beach and ocean. Was great and felt really how camping should be: free!
We drove up to Cape Byron, the far east point of Australia. A headland next to the ton of Byron Bay. The cape has a lighthouse with a magnificent view. Things like this we do as Japanes or Americans do Europe in two weeks. One of us gets out of the car makes pictures and of we go. It’s no way we offload the kids have a look or walk and load again.
We did some shopping in Byron Bay and set off to Hastings Point, only a 30 minute drive. At Hastingspoint we arrived at North Star Holiday Resort, a 5 star caravan park. We have an ensuite here as well. We checked the swimming pool, also Sharai went down the waterslides.
She develops so fast.
The interesting thing about the caravan parks is that they also have permanent residents in cabins mostly retirees that moved to a coastal park. The big 4 and 5 star parks have whole sections of this permanent residents cabins.
The big parks also rent out cabins, in the 4 and 5 star parks this can be very luxurious cabins with spa, bbq, 2 bedrooms, multiple TV’s. A good option to stay in instead of a hotel or motel. We will see after we move on up north without the van if we stay in these cabins, the parks with it’s pools and playgrounds are great for them..
Today we booked 10 days Noosa Heads, starting 22nd of February. We booked a 2 bedrooms seafront apartment in a place called Maison Noosa.
12-1-2010 (Friday)
The kids played at a very cool indoor playground on the caravan park even when is was already 28c in the morning.
We left the park after one day to move up to the Gold Coast. Somewhere just before Surfers Paradise we bought 2 pairs of new sunglasses for Sharon and Ruben, a Ray Ban and Oakley. We drove on to our campsite on Main Beach. The park is perfectly situated in Main Beach, a 30 minute walk to Surfers and a 15 minute walk to Versace Palace and 30 minute to Sea World.
Sharai slept in the early afternoon and Zeb and Ruben checked out the swimming pool. After Sharai woke up we went to see the beach and walked to Mirage Marine shopping mall. A nice walk along the beach.
It’s like Miami here. We feel at home in these surroundings.
We wanted to get an ice cream for the kids and then sit down for coffee. We ended up at the poolside of the Versace palace (hotel). Did we know the pool is for hotel guest only. The kids played on the artificial beach in the pool and we had a good cappuccino in Versace porcelain.
What a nice hotel!! We checked out the rates to see if we want to stay there one night, we will see.
We checked out some restaurants in the marina and walked back ‘home’. We had hamburgers by Ruben and the kids played with some other kids in the playground.
The kids and Sharon rented Madagascar 2 for the evening. Ruben went to see the cricket.
We will stay here at least 4 days, we want to visit 3 of the main theme parks in Gold Coast. Sea World, Movie World and Wet ‘nd Wild.
We checked our early from the caravan park and parked our van on the public parking on main beach.
The sun was shining (like most of the time) and we had a wonderful morning at the beach. The beach at Byron Bay is really good.
At noon we had lunch, we set up our chairs at the front of our van overlooking the beach and ocean. Was great and felt really how camping should be: free!
We drove up to Cape Byron, the far east point of Australia. A headland next to the ton of Byron Bay. The cape has a lighthouse with a magnificent view. Things like this we do as Japanes or Americans do Europe in two weeks. One of us gets out of the car makes pictures and of we go. It’s no way we offload the kids have a look or walk and load again.
We did some shopping in Byron Bay and set off to Hastings Point, only a 30 minute drive. At Hastingspoint we arrived at North Star Holiday Resort, a 5 star caravan park. We have an ensuite here as well. We checked the swimming pool, also Sharai went down the waterslides.
She develops so fast.
The interesting thing about the caravan parks is that they also have permanent residents in cabins mostly retirees that moved to a coastal park. The big 4 and 5 star parks have whole sections of this permanent residents cabins.
The big parks also rent out cabins, in the 4 and 5 star parks this can be very luxurious cabins with spa, bbq, 2 bedrooms, multiple TV’s. A good option to stay in instead of a hotel or motel. We will see after we move on up north without the van if we stay in these cabins, the parks with it’s pools and playgrounds are great for them..
Today we booked 10 days Noosa Heads, starting 22nd of February. We booked a 2 bedrooms seafront apartment in a place called Maison Noosa.
12-1-2010 (Friday)
The kids played at a very cool indoor playground on the caravan park even when is was already 28c in the morning.
We left the park after one day to move up to the Gold Coast. Somewhere just before Surfers Paradise we bought 2 pairs of new sunglasses for Sharon and Ruben, a Ray Ban and Oakley. We drove on to our campsite on Main Beach. The park is perfectly situated in Main Beach, a 30 minute walk to Surfers and a 15 minute walk to Versace Palace and 30 minute to Sea World.
Sharai slept in the early afternoon and Zeb and Ruben checked out the swimming pool. After Sharai woke up we went to see the beach and walked to Mirage Marine shopping mall. A nice walk along the beach.
It’s like Miami here. We feel at home in these surroundings.
We wanted to get an ice cream for the kids and then sit down for coffee. We ended up at the poolside of the Versace palace (hotel). Did we know the pool is for hotel guest only. The kids played on the artificial beach in the pool and we had a good cappuccino in Versace porcelain.
What a nice hotel!! We checked out the rates to see if we want to stay there one night, we will see.
We checked out some restaurants in the marina and walked back ‘home’. We had hamburgers by Ruben and the kids played with some other kids in the playground.
The kids and Sharon rented Madagascar 2 for the evening. Ruben went to see the cricket.
We will stay here at least 4 days, we want to visit 3 of the main theme parks in Gold Coast. Sea World, Movie World and Wet ‘nd Wild.
woensdag 10 februari 2010
Yamba and Byron Bay
9-1-2010 (Tuesday)
After a rainy night again Zeb and Ruben went to watch cartoons in the kids club. Back at the van we had Frosties (according to the kids: Tiger Chips). We did the whole shebang: new water, toilet empty, waste water empty, van clean, beds into sofa’s , luggage in the shower, prams in the shower, kids car seats installed, sunscreen in, fold in chairs and table in van compartment and finally detach from power.
We headed for Yamba today, a nice coastal town in an area they call the Clarence Valley. We parked the car at main beach and first had lunch. At the beach we set up our sun tent for the first time, it unfolds itself. Few jellyfish in the sea, so no swimming for the kids. Off course we dug a swimming pool and the kids had an ice-cream.
We left the beach at around 3:30 and parked the van in the centre of town. We strolled along the little shops and did some grocery shopping.
All this towns or villages we visited are small, 63% of the people living in NSW live in Sydney
We did not decide on the caravan park before coming to Yamba, no need too in this time of year. We choose Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort because it had two waterslides (www.bluedolphin.com.au).
The park is a 5 minutes drive from the center on the banks of the Clarence River. Again a beautiful resort, with palm trees, playground, two pools etc. for kids these kind of parks are better then a five star hotel.
This time we took something they call a ensuite. We have our own shower and toilet in a little room next to our van. Stupid we had not done this before in other campsites.
Checked in we had a swim after which we had drinks. For dinner today on the BBQ: lamb. As with the fruits and greens, the meat is great. Beef, Lamb, Veal, Chicken, everything.
10-1-2010 (Wednesday)
Pancakes for breakfast. After breakfast we went to the river, the kids played in the water. Fishing is really number 1 hobby in Australia. Everywhere there are boat ramps. Also here on the Clarence river at our park.
A guy came ashore with 2 huge fishes, flat heads. He cleaned them on a designated table on the beach and gave the leftovers to 5 Pelicans, a nice scene.
After this we took a swim in the pool, we left the park at noon and set direction to Byron Bay.
Byron Bay is famous for its free spirit and not to be missed on a trip on the east coast of Australia.
It took us a little bit less than two hours in which we passed by the city of Balina and the town of Lennox Head, famous for its surf breaks.
We found a caravan park on the seafront and in the center, First Sun.
We put the kids in the prams and took a walk around town. Great beach, nice shops, nice restaurants but a lot of backpackers. This town is backpackers heaven.
We had ice cream, bought a bikini for Sharon and did some groceries. And off course we tested the seafront playground.
We had diner in a lovely Thai, Lucy Thai that was recommended by our favorite travel guide, Footprint. Back in the van we watched Happy Feet together.
(there is a sign in the park to be careful for snakes, there was a snake sighting not that long ago in the park. And we saw a snake patrol car driving by)
After a rainy night again Zeb and Ruben went to watch cartoons in the kids club. Back at the van we had Frosties (according to the kids: Tiger Chips). We did the whole shebang: new water, toilet empty, waste water empty, van clean, beds into sofa’s , luggage in the shower, prams in the shower, kids car seats installed, sunscreen in, fold in chairs and table in van compartment and finally detach from power.
We headed for Yamba today, a nice coastal town in an area they call the Clarence Valley. We parked the car at main beach and first had lunch. At the beach we set up our sun tent for the first time, it unfolds itself. Few jellyfish in the sea, so no swimming for the kids. Off course we dug a swimming pool and the kids had an ice-cream.
We left the beach at around 3:30 and parked the van in the centre of town. We strolled along the little shops and did some grocery shopping.
All this towns or villages we visited are small, 63% of the people living in NSW live in Sydney
We did not decide on the caravan park before coming to Yamba, no need too in this time of year. We choose Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort because it had two waterslides (www.bluedolphin.com.au).
The park is a 5 minutes drive from the center on the banks of the Clarence River. Again a beautiful resort, with palm trees, playground, two pools etc. for kids these kind of parks are better then a five star hotel.
This time we took something they call a ensuite. We have our own shower and toilet in a little room next to our van. Stupid we had not done this before in other campsites.
Checked in we had a swim after which we had drinks. For dinner today on the BBQ: lamb. As with the fruits and greens, the meat is great. Beef, Lamb, Veal, Chicken, everything.
10-1-2010 (Wednesday)
Pancakes for breakfast. After breakfast we went to the river, the kids played in the water. Fishing is really number 1 hobby in Australia. Everywhere there are boat ramps. Also here on the Clarence river at our park.
A guy came ashore with 2 huge fishes, flat heads. He cleaned them on a designated table on the beach and gave the leftovers to 5 Pelicans, a nice scene.
After this we took a swim in the pool, we left the park at noon and set direction to Byron Bay.
Byron Bay is famous for its free spirit and not to be missed on a trip on the east coast of Australia.
It took us a little bit less than two hours in which we passed by the city of Balina and the town of Lennox Head, famous for its surf breaks.
We found a caravan park on the seafront and in the center, First Sun.
We put the kids in the prams and took a walk around town. Great beach, nice shops, nice restaurants but a lot of backpackers. This town is backpackers heaven.
We had ice cream, bought a bikini for Sharon and did some groceries. And off course we tested the seafront playground.
We had diner in a lovely Thai, Lucy Thai that was recommended by our favorite travel guide, Footprint. Back in the van we watched Happy Feet together.
(there is a sign in the park to be careful for snakes, there was a snake sighting not that long ago in the park. And we saw a snake patrol car driving by)
maandag 8 februari 2010
Rain, Kangeroos and relaxing.
7-2-2010 (Sunday)
It’s the most rain in Australia for 7 years, in some parts of NSW even the most since 1969. We had our share last night again.
Today we did a daytrip to Coffs Harbour, 20 minutes south from our campsite. We parked at the marina and had fish and chips at the fish market in the marina, really nice. We walked along the harbor and saw a giant turtle swimming up to the surface to grasp some air.
For groceries we went to Palm Beach Plaza, big shopping mall. Most shops were closed due to suday. We did our groceries at Woolworth. The fruits and greens look and taste better then at home.
Driving back, Sharai felt a sleep, and we took some stops at nice look outs. Like Emerald beach and Woolgoolga, the last had a good view from a headland. Driving back we saw at least 6 kangaroos, one of which was huge.
Back ‘home’ we had healthy dinner after the fish and chips for lunch and stayed in due to the rain.
It’s expected that we have some rain tomorrow and then it will get better. Still temperatures are above 25c.
8-2-2010 (Monday)
Woke up with the sun shining again. Zeb and Ruben woke up pretty early, 7:15, when they opened the door of the van two kangaroos were having breakfast in front of the van. When they jumped away and we got at the back of the fan to refill the water tank there was another kangaroo. Excellent way to start the day.
Ruben and the kids took a swim and Sharon arranged the van and did the laundry. After the swim in the pool we went to the beach. WE WERE THE ONKLY ONES ON THE BEACH. The current is very strong so only Ruben took a little body surf. The kids played in the sand while Sharon and Ruben sat down and relaxed (if we do anything else these days).
Back at the van we made some club sandwiches and Sharai went for her afternoon sleep.
We had a relax afternoon with some reading, surfing on the internet for future accommodation and swimming.
After dinner we had a swim, we were the only ones at the pool.
All by all a very relaxing day. Tomorrow we will move further up north.
It’s the most rain in Australia for 7 years, in some parts of NSW even the most since 1969. We had our share last night again.
Today we did a daytrip to Coffs Harbour, 20 minutes south from our campsite. We parked at the marina and had fish and chips at the fish market in the marina, really nice. We walked along the harbor and saw a giant turtle swimming up to the surface to grasp some air.
For groceries we went to Palm Beach Plaza, big shopping mall. Most shops were closed due to suday. We did our groceries at Woolworth. The fruits and greens look and taste better then at home.
Driving back, Sharai felt a sleep, and we took some stops at nice look outs. Like Emerald beach and Woolgoolga, the last had a good view from a headland. Driving back we saw at least 6 kangaroos, one of which was huge.
Back ‘home’ we had healthy dinner after the fish and chips for lunch and stayed in due to the rain.
It’s expected that we have some rain tomorrow and then it will get better. Still temperatures are above 25c.
8-2-2010 (Monday)
Woke up with the sun shining again. Zeb and Ruben woke up pretty early, 7:15, when they opened the door of the van two kangaroos were having breakfast in front of the van. When they jumped away and we got at the back of the fan to refill the water tank there was another kangaroo. Excellent way to start the day.
Ruben and the kids took a swim and Sharon arranged the van and did the laundry. After the swim in the pool we went to the beach. WE WERE THE ONKLY ONES ON THE BEACH. The current is very strong so only Ruben took a little body surf. The kids played in the sand while Sharon and Ruben sat down and relaxed (if we do anything else these days).
Back at the van we made some club sandwiches and Sharai went for her afternoon sleep.
We had a relax afternoon with some reading, surfing on the internet for future accommodation and swimming.
After dinner we had a swim, we were the only ones at the pool.
All by all a very relaxing day. Tomorrow we will move further up north.
zaterdag 6 februari 2010
Day at the campsite
6-2-2010 (Saturday)
Unbelievable, again rain during the night and heavy rain it was. Still some moisture in the air when we woke up, tropical weather!
We all went to the kids club. We were hoping for many kids to show up, but in the end it was just us four in the kids club. Zeb made a kite and Sharon enjoyed even more making it. A Kite with a car in all colors and Zeb wanted “The three sisters” on his kite. We really like the idea that he remembered our trip through the Blue Mountains. Sharai just colored herself, instead of the paper in front of here.
We took a dip in the pool and Zeb went on the waterslide on his own, with his orange floaters on. He, and we all do, really like the slides.
It rained and Sharon did the laundry ($ 4coins and because they’re all concerned about the water, the spinning time is half time we’re used to back home. So nothing is really clean after washing it in the machine).
We had great lunch in front of the campervan and Sharai and Ruben had a sleep. After we walked to rent another movie, we walked to the beach and saw a Kangaroo with a “Joey” (a baby kangaroo). Very sweet and our first joey ever….
The beach was beautiful and we walked up to the shore. It was as if in the movies; misty, blue and no one there; just the 4 of us.
We jumped on the jumping pillow, had another swim in the pool, had a BBQ and a lot of skyping… It rained all night long and it felt like we were about to sail away the morning after.
Unbelievable, again rain during the night and heavy rain it was. Still some moisture in the air when we woke up, tropical weather!
We all went to the kids club. We were hoping for many kids to show up, but in the end it was just us four in the kids club. Zeb made a kite and Sharon enjoyed even more making it. A Kite with a car in all colors and Zeb wanted “The three sisters” on his kite. We really like the idea that he remembered our trip through the Blue Mountains. Sharai just colored herself, instead of the paper in front of here.
We took a dip in the pool and Zeb went on the waterslide on his own, with his orange floaters on. He, and we all do, really like the slides.
It rained and Sharon did the laundry ($ 4coins and because they’re all concerned about the water, the spinning time is half time we’re used to back home. So nothing is really clean after washing it in the machine).
We had great lunch in front of the campervan and Sharai and Ruben had a sleep. After we walked to rent another movie, we walked to the beach and saw a Kangaroo with a “Joey” (a baby kangaroo). Very sweet and our first joey ever….
The beach was beautiful and we walked up to the shore. It was as if in the movies; misty, blue and no one there; just the 4 of us.
We jumped on the jumping pillow, had another swim in the pool, had a BBQ and a lot of skyping… It rained all night long and it felt like we were about to sail away the morning after.
vrijdag 5 februari 2010
In prison
4-2-2010 (Thursday)
Again heavy rain during the night. We spend most of the morning in the town center, 2minute walk from the campsite. Did some shopping and had coffee and lunch. Off course the kids tested the local playground.
Afternoon at the pool and bbq for dinner.
Today we bought dvd from Iceage the movie. We buy dvd’s now and then. We and the kids love watching in the evening, and the lids also during driving. Next to watching dvd’s the kids listen to two cd’s while we are driving, one is animal songs and the other K3.
We can all sing all songs by hart now.
5-2-2010 (Friday)
We decided to move on, to where was not determined yet when we left Port Macquire. Our first stop of the day was Trial Bay Gaol. Trial Bay is again an beautiful bay. The Gaol (prison) on the point of cliff was built in 1877 and was used for prisoners working on a watershed and later for German internees during WO 1. We did a tour through the Gaol and had lunch at the edge of the cliff in front of our ‘house’ , it’s very easy that you’ll bring your fridge everywhere.
We checked out some campsites in the bay and went to the little town of New South Rocks, there was a small nice campsite on the beachfront that had no vacancy.
We walked around the town and off course checked out the beachfront playground. Really nice little town. We bought a beach tent, one that jumps open and is a small tent. To fold it in again will be the challenge.
Kids were really tired, they go to bed very late and don’t sleep in, the only time they sleep some extra is during driving. So we decided to move on, around 4 we left New South Rocks and set for Coffs Harbour region. Coffs Harbour is a real city. North and south of the city are good resorts. We chose darlington beach (www.darlingtonbeach.com.au) a 4,5 star campsite. We arrived at 6:30, had dinner in the restaurant on site and rent dvd Madagascar.
The park has a swimming pool has two huge waterslides, two jumping pillows, beachfront, nine hole golf course and a kids club. Due to the end of the summer holidays, the park is very quit. We will stay here for some days.
Also spoke to Ruben’s uncle Lex who is n Australia (Sydney), maybe we can meet him in Byron Bay or Surfers Paradise, for us further up north.
Unbelievable, again rain during the night and heavy rain it was. Still some moisture in the air when we woke up, tropical!
Again heavy rain during the night. We spend most of the morning in the town center, 2minute walk from the campsite. Did some shopping and had coffee and lunch. Off course the kids tested the local playground.
Afternoon at the pool and bbq for dinner.
Today we bought dvd from Iceage the movie. We buy dvd’s now and then. We and the kids love watching in the evening, and the lids also during driving. Next to watching dvd’s the kids listen to two cd’s while we are driving, one is animal songs and the other K3.
We can all sing all songs by hart now.
5-2-2010 (Friday)
We decided to move on, to where was not determined yet when we left Port Macquire. Our first stop of the day was Trial Bay Gaol. Trial Bay is again an beautiful bay. The Gaol (prison) on the point of cliff was built in 1877 and was used for prisoners working on a watershed and later for German internees during WO 1. We did a tour through the Gaol and had lunch at the edge of the cliff in front of our ‘house’ , it’s very easy that you’ll bring your fridge everywhere.
We checked out some campsites in the bay and went to the little town of New South Rocks, there was a small nice campsite on the beachfront that had no vacancy.
We walked around the town and off course checked out the beachfront playground. Really nice little town. We bought a beach tent, one that jumps open and is a small tent. To fold it in again will be the challenge.
Kids were really tired, they go to bed very late and don’t sleep in, the only time they sleep some extra is during driving. So we decided to move on, around 4 we left New South Rocks and set for Coffs Harbour region. Coffs Harbour is a real city. North and south of the city are good resorts. We chose darlington beach (www.darlingtonbeach.com.au) a 4,5 star campsite. We arrived at 6:30, had dinner in the restaurant on site and rent dvd Madagascar.
The park has a swimming pool has two huge waterslides, two jumping pillows, beachfront, nine hole golf course and a kids club. Due to the end of the summer holidays, the park is very quit. We will stay here for some days.
Also spoke to Ruben’s uncle Lex who is n Australia (Sydney), maybe we can meet him in Byron Bay or Surfers Paradise, for us further up north.
Unbelievable, again rain during the night and heavy rain it was. Still some moisture in the air when we woke up, tropical!
woensdag 3 februari 2010
Offroad driving and back in the city
3-2-2010 (Wednesday)
All up very early @ 7:30. At breakfast we decided to go further up north due to the rain coming in. Our stop is Port Macquire, officially the place with the best climate in the whole of Australia.
But the first turn we took we arrived on a gravel kind of road in the midst of a national forest, no way to turn the van. So we drove for 6 km in this huge van on a soft road through a forest. Positive thing was that we finally were in the forest without needing to hike, negative thing it brought some tension in the drivers cabin ;). But we got out well and now we appreciate asphalt even more.
Kids slept most of the way, just before Port Macquire we went to a small zoo called Billabong Koala breeding centre. With most of typical Australian animals. We padded a Koala, feed different kind of Kangaroos, saw snakes, ostriches, dingo’s and all kind of birds. One of the birds a giant eagle.
All though we saw the roos and koala’s in real, touching them was a nice experience.
Around 4 we arrived a our campsite, sundowner Port Macquire, a park situated in the centre of town and on beachfront. Nice to be in a town again, after all we are real cityslickers.
Off course we had a swim in the pool and drinks in front of the van.
Tonight we had Sharon’s belated diner out, we got reference from our favorite travel guide the footprint East Coast Australia. Very comprehensive and clear travel book. We brought more than five guides. Usually we use the guides day before or day of travel, works good for us.
The restaurant we choose was Fusion 7 on Horton street (one of the busy streets). And indeed was an excellent choice, real good fusion cooking.
Walking back Zeb fell asleep and it started raining just when we arrived back in the van.
We got quit some rain during the nights and also some parts of the days, It seems further up north there is more rain the coming week. So we have to see what we will do. We have little more than over 2 weeks in the van before we will hand it back in Brisbane. So we are on track and no need to hurry. As they say over here: “no worries mate”
All up very early @ 7:30. At breakfast we decided to go further up north due to the rain coming in. Our stop is Port Macquire, officially the place with the best climate in the whole of Australia.
But the first turn we took we arrived on a gravel kind of road in the midst of a national forest, no way to turn the van. So we drove for 6 km in this huge van on a soft road through a forest. Positive thing was that we finally were in the forest without needing to hike, negative thing it brought some tension in the drivers cabin ;). But we got out well and now we appreciate asphalt even more.
Kids slept most of the way, just before Port Macquire we went to a small zoo called Billabong Koala breeding centre. With most of typical Australian animals. We padded a Koala, feed different kind of Kangaroos, saw snakes, ostriches, dingo’s and all kind of birds. One of the birds a giant eagle.
All though we saw the roos and koala’s in real, touching them was a nice experience.
Around 4 we arrived a our campsite, sundowner Port Macquire, a park situated in the centre of town and on beachfront. Nice to be in a town again, after all we are real cityslickers.
Off course we had a swim in the pool and drinks in front of the van.
Tonight we had Sharon’s belated diner out, we got reference from our favorite travel guide the footprint East Coast Australia. Very comprehensive and clear travel book. We brought more than five guides. Usually we use the guides day before or day of travel, works good for us.
The restaurant we choose was Fusion 7 on Horton street (one of the busy streets). And indeed was an excellent choice, real good fusion cooking.
Walking back Zeb fell asleep and it started raining just when we arrived back in the van.
We got quit some rain during the nights and also some parts of the days, It seems further up north there is more rain the coming week. So we have to see what we will do. We have little more than over 2 weeks in the van before we will hand it back in Brisbane. So we are on track and no need to hurry. As they say over here: “no worries mate”
dinsdag 2 februari 2010
Surfing and Sharon's birthday
31-1-2010 (Sunday)
Heavy rain during the night again. Sharon finally slept well since the night she saw the spider (Ruben gave her some homeopathic sleeping pills)
Kids day today, everyday is kids day but today some extras starting with pancakes with 100 % pure maple syrup and strawberries for breakfast. After breakfast we went of to the beach.
We bought a small body board with which we had a lot of fun today. The wave were great, first Sharon and Ruben enjoyed.
But later Zeb got the hang for it and became a real Australian surfer dude. Going in the waves with his bodyboard. It’s funny to see because he also wears his inflatable arm cushions. Sharai is a real summer princess, cause with her being only 2 years of age, she also started to bodysurf like a real gorgeous, blond; tanned, blue eyed aussi gir!l
We had a real summer lunch back home () with a Salad Nicoise and a glass of our Hunter Valley rose.
After lunch we took our house for a drive, we went to Nelson Bay to check on the Dolphin cruises and drove on to Shoalbay to have a look. Kids slept while we were driving.
Back at the site we went for a swim in de pool.
The campsite is very quit now, holidays are over and also the weekend is over. We think future campsites will be quit as well. We will stay another night here.
1-2-2010 (Monday)
Quick breakfast and of we went to the marina of Nelson Bay to take a Dolphin watch cruise. We Had a nice small catamaran with a Jacuzzi, water net and slide on board. We set ourselves in the front of the boat next to the Jacuzzi.
We saw at least 10 Dolphins, a few really close. The boat stopped in the bay of SHoalbay where we used the slide to have a swim in the sea.
Zeb slipped from the stairs but is ok.
Back in Nelson Bay we went to the playground and then to the shopping center of Salamander Bay. We did some birthday shopping for Sharon’s birthday breakfast and we bought a birthday present, a Kodak video camera.
Back at the campsite at around 5 we went for a bodysurf in the sea.
For dinner we had the best bbqed burgers ever. In the camper we watched Shrek the Third together, in the master bedroom.
Tomorrow Sharon’s birthday and then on the move to our next stop.
2-2-2010 (Tuesday)
Sharon’s birthday: Lavish breakfast with pancakes, cakes, fruits. OJ and cappuccinos. Already receiving first phone calls from NL.
After breakfast, morning bodysurf at the beach and then packed for driving further up north.
We drove most of the trip today on a scenic route again, passing by two lakes, Myall and Wallis. A part of the way was on a small stretch of land between lake and sea, really beautiful.
We did some shopping in Forster at Woolworth supermarket. Doing shopping in an other counties big supermarket is always fun. Good fresh fruits, greens and meat in Australia.
We had a look at a nice caravan park, but we passed it over to go to a real beachfront park. So we ended up little further on north in Halidays Point. Great pool and on the beachfront.
Because we could choose to have a birthday dinner in a tavern down the road or at the bowling club we had a Sharon BBQ tonight. Ruben bbqed a salad of greens and Salomon.
About the bowling, this is the British style bowling that we think they call bowls. You have a club with facilities in every little town. It looks it’s played by senior citizens only. They sometimes show it on BBC.
Heavy rain during the night again. Sharon finally slept well since the night she saw the spider (Ruben gave her some homeopathic sleeping pills)
Kids day today, everyday is kids day but today some extras starting with pancakes with 100 % pure maple syrup and strawberries for breakfast. After breakfast we went of to the beach.
We bought a small body board with which we had a lot of fun today. The wave were great, first Sharon and Ruben enjoyed.
But later Zeb got the hang for it and became a real Australian surfer dude. Going in the waves with his bodyboard. It’s funny to see because he also wears his inflatable arm cushions. Sharai is a real summer princess, cause with her being only 2 years of age, she also started to bodysurf like a real gorgeous, blond; tanned, blue eyed aussi gir!l
We had a real summer lunch back home () with a Salad Nicoise and a glass of our Hunter Valley rose.
After lunch we took our house for a drive, we went to Nelson Bay to check on the Dolphin cruises and drove on to Shoalbay to have a look. Kids slept while we were driving.
Back at the site we went for a swim in de pool.
The campsite is very quit now, holidays are over and also the weekend is over. We think future campsites will be quit as well. We will stay another night here.
1-2-2010 (Monday)
Quick breakfast and of we went to the marina of Nelson Bay to take a Dolphin watch cruise. We Had a nice small catamaran with a Jacuzzi, water net and slide on board. We set ourselves in the front of the boat next to the Jacuzzi.
We saw at least 10 Dolphins, a few really close. The boat stopped in the bay of SHoalbay where we used the slide to have a swim in the sea.
Zeb slipped from the stairs but is ok.
Back in Nelson Bay we went to the playground and then to the shopping center of Salamander Bay. We did some birthday shopping for Sharon’s birthday breakfast and we bought a birthday present, a Kodak video camera.
Back at the campsite at around 5 we went for a bodysurf in the sea.
For dinner we had the best bbqed burgers ever. In the camper we watched Shrek the Third together, in the master bedroom.
Tomorrow Sharon’s birthday and then on the move to our next stop.
2-2-2010 (Tuesday)
Sharon’s birthday: Lavish breakfast with pancakes, cakes, fruits. OJ and cappuccinos. Already receiving first phone calls from NL.
After breakfast, morning bodysurf at the beach and then packed for driving further up north.
We drove most of the trip today on a scenic route again, passing by two lakes, Myall and Wallis. A part of the way was on a small stretch of land between lake and sea, really beautiful.
We did some shopping in Forster at Woolworth supermarket. Doing shopping in an other counties big supermarket is always fun. Good fresh fruits, greens and meat in Australia.
We had a look at a nice caravan park, but we passed it over to go to a real beachfront park. So we ended up little further on north in Halidays Point. Great pool and on the beachfront.
Because we could choose to have a birthday dinner in a tavern down the road or at the bowling club we had a Sharon BBQ tonight. Ruben bbqed a salad of greens and Salomon.
About the bowling, this is the British style bowling that we think they call bowls. You have a club with facilities in every little town. It looks it’s played by senior citizens only. They sometimes show it on BBC.
zaterdag 30 januari 2010
Wine and back to the beach
30-1-2010 (Saturday)
A lot of rain during the night again. If it rains it rains hard. But when it was time to wake up it had stopped raining and what we say in Dutch: after the rain, the sun will shine again .
Sharon and the kids went for a good swim after breakfast (many Germans in love in the pool, no kids around) Ruben arranged the van for the trip.
We went to a few vineyards for tasting, the first was Tallavera Grove, after that we went to Briar Ridge. At Briar Ridge we also had a nice lunch (Dip plate and a cheese platter) . We tasted wine and the kids apple juice. We bought one nice bottle of rose.
We passed by one of the pioneers of Hunter Valley, The Drayton’s (since 1858).
Then we set for Port Stephens to the One Mile Beach resort. This was a tip we got from Pardo.
The site is very nice, with a big pool, and again on the beach. We did some groceries in Anna Bay and had a swim in the pool, the pool has a water slide.
We bbqed and Ruben and Sharon watched an Australian movie, ‘Beautiful Kate’ starring the guy that plays Tom Cruise his friend in Cocktail.
A lot of rain during the night again. If it rains it rains hard. But when it was time to wake up it had stopped raining and what we say in Dutch: after the rain, the sun will shine again .
Sharon and the kids went for a good swim after breakfast (many Germans in love in the pool, no kids around) Ruben arranged the van for the trip.
We went to a few vineyards for tasting, the first was Tallavera Grove, after that we went to Briar Ridge. At Briar Ridge we also had a nice lunch (Dip plate and a cheese platter) . We tasted wine and the kids apple juice. We bought one nice bottle of rose.
We passed by one of the pioneers of Hunter Valley, The Drayton’s (since 1858).
Then we set for Port Stephens to the One Mile Beach resort. This was a tip we got from Pardo.
The site is very nice, with a big pool, and again on the beach. We did some groceries in Anna Bay and had a swim in the pool, the pool has a water slide.
We bbqed and Ruben and Sharon watched an Australian movie, ‘Beautiful Kate’ starring the guy that plays Tom Cruise his friend in Cocktail.
vrijdag 29 januari 2010
Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley
29-1-2010 (Friday)
Ruben woke up really early and took a stroll to the lookout point, test of the family also woke up for a early for a long day. Breakfast in the camper and before 10 on our way.
We first went up to some lookout point of which Echo point was the best. Then we went to the town of Leura. Leura is a real nice and pretty town known for it’s gardens and it’s nice picturesque shopping street the Leura mall. We had a coffee and the kids had ice cream. We walked along the little shops and boutiques and Sharai fell asleep.
In the afternoon we went to scenic world and did the steepest railway of the world down the mountain and did a rainforest walk. We went up again with a cable car.
The Blue Mountains are really beautiful, also UNESCO world heritage.
Around 4 we decided to go for the next stop in Hunter Valley. After all a long drive especially because Ruben choose tourist route that was very very bumpy and took 40 minutes more. We finally arrived at 7:30. Instead of cooking we took some Thai out. Campsite is really second tier, but one of the few in the Hunter Valley region. We think we head for the coast again tomorrow, but not after we visited some wineries and a swim in the pool. Our campervan is next to the pool and the kids really need a relaxed morning.
Ruben saw this snake today, luckily from the car.
http://hvbackyard.blogspot.com/2007/10/31-red-bellied-black-snakes.html
Ruben woke up really early and took a stroll to the lookout point, test of the family also woke up for a early for a long day. Breakfast in the camper and before 10 on our way.
We first went up to some lookout point of which Echo point was the best. Then we went to the town of Leura. Leura is a real nice and pretty town known for it’s gardens and it’s nice picturesque shopping street the Leura mall. We had a coffee and the kids had ice cream. We walked along the little shops and boutiques and Sharai fell asleep.
In the afternoon we went to scenic world and did the steepest railway of the world down the mountain and did a rainforest walk. We went up again with a cable car.
The Blue Mountains are really beautiful, also UNESCO world heritage.
Around 4 we decided to go for the next stop in Hunter Valley. After all a long drive especially because Ruben choose tourist route that was very very bumpy and took 40 minutes more. We finally arrived at 7:30. Instead of cooking we took some Thai out. Campsite is really second tier, but one of the few in the Hunter Valley region. We think we head for the coast again tomorrow, but not after we visited some wineries and a swim in the pool. Our campervan is next to the pool and the kids really need a relaxed morning.
Ruben saw this snake today, luckily from the car.
http://hvbackyard.blogspot.com/2007/10/31-red-bellied-black-snakes.html
Camper change, Blue Mountains and liquor
27-1-2010 (Wednesday)
Early coffee, they have a fan with barista that comes into the park and serves good coffee.
Around 10:30 we were on the way, half way stop at Jervis Bay (Hymans Beach) and end destination Kiama. Kiama is 80 Km below Sydney.
We arrived in Jervis Bay around 1:30, our stop was Hymans Beach. They say the whitest sand and bluest sea of the world and indeed AMAZING. We had lunch on the beach and spend there a couple of hours.
Jervis Bay is a big bay they also call bay of plenty due to the huge amount of fish in the bay. There are two villages along the bay, we had fish and chips and an ice-cream in one of them. Else then that was the village nothing special.
We drove further on to Kiama, we passed Nowra. We checked in to the park went out for groceries and were set at our spot around 7.
This is the first park we don’t like that much, no good atmosphere. Also some light rain tonight. We will leave tomorrow, that is the positive thing about a house on wheels.
Tomorrow stop in Sydney at the KEA camper depot to have the airco checked and also the engine, it was leaking oil today and then we’re off to the Blue Mountains.
28-1-2010 (Thursday)
The light rain of yesterday night turned in to a storm during the night and we are wondering how people ‘survive’ in tents. It was pouring rain, and then our house seems pretty small; as if you’re in the rain yourself.
We did the quickest set-up to drive ever. We were on our way at 9:10. Coffee to go in Kiama and then we went up to the KEA depot Milperra, suburb of Sydney. We arrived at 11.
Indeed the airco was broken, we also mentioned that when we got the campervan it was dirty and smelly (especially the restroom).
After some negotiations and intervention by Sharon we got a new campervan and a few days reimbursed. It took some time to change campers and finally at 4 we were on our way to the Blue Mountains.
It started pouring rain, it was a hell of a trip. We had trouble getting up a mountain and finally drove very carefully towards Katoomba. We saw the most beautiful lightening in the storm; up and close. The only positive thing about the storm.
When we arrived at the campsite, small but nice site, the rain stopped. We went shopping and went out for dinner. We had dinner in a Indian Restaurant called Arjuna. The place has a nice view over the Blue Mountains. They are called the Blue Mountains due to the glaze over the mountains caused by the Eucalypts trees.
Back at the site we walked to the edge of a cliff looking at the sun go down. We had the best view and saw already the highlights of the Blue Mountains, the three sisters (a rock formation).
So a difficult day ended with a real highlight.
About liquor:
We had our first BYO (bring your own) restaurant tonight. They don’t have a license selling alcohol, so you are free to bring your own. And because we had our fridge with us, we got a bottle of white wine for Sharon and a beer for Ruben.
One other interesting thing is that alcohol is only sold in specialized shops, called bottle shops. And they have a lot of drive in bottle shops (most famous chain: thirsty camel). We think it’s interesting that a country so active on safety driving and alcohol control have alcohol sold this way.
Early coffee, they have a fan with barista that comes into the park and serves good coffee.
Around 10:30 we were on the way, half way stop at Jervis Bay (Hymans Beach) and end destination Kiama. Kiama is 80 Km below Sydney.
We arrived in Jervis Bay around 1:30, our stop was Hymans Beach. They say the whitest sand and bluest sea of the world and indeed AMAZING. We had lunch on the beach and spend there a couple of hours.
Jervis Bay is a big bay they also call bay of plenty due to the huge amount of fish in the bay. There are two villages along the bay, we had fish and chips and an ice-cream in one of them. Else then that was the village nothing special.
We drove further on to Kiama, we passed Nowra. We checked in to the park went out for groceries and were set at our spot around 7.
This is the first park we don’t like that much, no good atmosphere. Also some light rain tonight. We will leave tomorrow, that is the positive thing about a house on wheels.
Tomorrow stop in Sydney at the KEA camper depot to have the airco checked and also the engine, it was leaking oil today and then we’re off to the Blue Mountains.
28-1-2010 (Thursday)
The light rain of yesterday night turned in to a storm during the night and we are wondering how people ‘survive’ in tents. It was pouring rain, and then our house seems pretty small; as if you’re in the rain yourself.
We did the quickest set-up to drive ever. We were on our way at 9:10. Coffee to go in Kiama and then we went up to the KEA depot Milperra, suburb of Sydney. We arrived at 11.
Indeed the airco was broken, we also mentioned that when we got the campervan it was dirty and smelly (especially the restroom).
After some negotiations and intervention by Sharon we got a new campervan and a few days reimbursed. It took some time to change campers and finally at 4 we were on our way to the Blue Mountains.
It started pouring rain, it was a hell of a trip. We had trouble getting up a mountain and finally drove very carefully towards Katoomba. We saw the most beautiful lightening in the storm; up and close. The only positive thing about the storm.
When we arrived at the campsite, small but nice site, the rain stopped. We went shopping and went out for dinner. We had dinner in a Indian Restaurant called Arjuna. The place has a nice view over the Blue Mountains. They are called the Blue Mountains due to the glaze over the mountains caused by the Eucalypts trees.
Back at the site we walked to the edge of a cliff looking at the sun go down. We had the best view and saw already the highlights of the Blue Mountains, the three sisters (a rock formation).
So a difficult day ended with a real highlight.
About liquor:
We had our first BYO (bring your own) restaurant tonight. They don’t have a license selling alcohol, so you are free to bring your own. And because we had our fridge with us, we got a bottle of white wine for Sharon and a beer for Ruben.
One other interesting thing is that alcohol is only sold in specialized shops, called bottle shops. And they have a lot of drive in bottle shops (most famous chain: thirsty camel). We think it’s interesting that a country so active on safety driving and alcohol control have alcohol sold this way.
dinsdag 26 januari 2010
Morning swim and scenic route
24 & 25 -1-2010 (Sunday and Monday)
Ruben woke up early (7:45), took a 50 meter walk to the beach and had a morning swim. Brought back two fresh Capucinos from the café.
With the kids to the trampoline, jumping pillow and mini golf. Relax Sunday.
Whole afternoon we had two Kangaroos around our campervan
Monday was early again for checkout of the park, to keep on track we move every two or three days.
Ruben had an early ocean dip again, no one else in the Sea.
We were all set to go before 10, record time. Because before we leave we have the van to get drive ready, meaning taking of the bed, disabling the beds, getting the power plug out, get new water etc.
We first went to do groceries in Merimbula, nice village 10 minutes drive from Pambula. We did groceries for three days. Tomorrow is Australia day, so no shops open.
We are driving north today with end destination, Batemans bay. We planned to have a view nice stops today end take the day to get there.
We took the Saphire Coast Drive towards Tahtra then to Bermagui. In Bermagui we had self made lunch on the sea shore. The bay is beautiful There, the bay is called horseshoe bay.
From Bermagui we drove to Central Tilba, recommendation of one of our eight travel books. Small old village where we bought real Dutch Drop, went to a cheese factory with disgusting cheese (really nothing beats Dutch cheese), had a coffee and went around all the little shops.
From Central Tilba it was another 85 km to Batemans bay. We took a stop at Mystery bay, nice bay with big rocks in the bay. We drove through Narooma, where we took a scenic detour through Forster Bay. Last drive thru was Mogo, an old gold diggers town.
We arrive in the Batemans Bay Beach park (also a BIG4 park) at around 6. The camp is also on the sea shore, maybe 100 meter walk to get in the Sea. Amenities are clean and modern, nice!!
The route we drive today was really so pretty, with small wooden bridges over sea inlets, lakes connected with the sea and a lot of forest. The sea looks so clean and beutifull along the coast
Tomorrow Austarlia day, they told us people start drinking in the morning and have BBQ whole day. Australia day means also the end of the summer holiday, so less people in the caravan parks and cheaper stays. It means we don’t have to pre book anymore.
26-1-2010 (Tuesday)
Today is Australia day. So also little party for us, we baked pancakes for breakfast. Real American pancakes with maple syrup.
Most of the morning we were at the beach, in de afternoon we stayed around de van after lunch, Zeb rented a bike and we went for a swim in the pool.
For dinner we bbqed again. Today lamb and salmon. The meat over here is really tasty and affordable. Ruben loves bbqing every day.
So today was a very relax day with a lot of sun. Tomorrow on the way again.
Ruben woke up early (7:45), took a 50 meter walk to the beach and had a morning swim. Brought back two fresh Capucinos from the café.
With the kids to the trampoline, jumping pillow and mini golf. Relax Sunday.
Whole afternoon we had two Kangaroos around our campervan
Monday was early again for checkout of the park, to keep on track we move every two or three days.
Ruben had an early ocean dip again, no one else in the Sea.
We were all set to go before 10, record time. Because before we leave we have the van to get drive ready, meaning taking of the bed, disabling the beds, getting the power plug out, get new water etc.
We first went to do groceries in Merimbula, nice village 10 minutes drive from Pambula. We did groceries for three days. Tomorrow is Australia day, so no shops open.
We are driving north today with end destination, Batemans bay. We planned to have a view nice stops today end take the day to get there.
We took the Saphire Coast Drive towards Tahtra then to Bermagui. In Bermagui we had self made lunch on the sea shore. The bay is beautiful There, the bay is called horseshoe bay.
From Bermagui we drove to Central Tilba, recommendation of one of our eight travel books. Small old village where we bought real Dutch Drop, went to a cheese factory with disgusting cheese (really nothing beats Dutch cheese), had a coffee and went around all the little shops.
From Central Tilba it was another 85 km to Batemans bay. We took a stop at Mystery bay, nice bay with big rocks in the bay. We drove through Narooma, where we took a scenic detour through Forster Bay. Last drive thru was Mogo, an old gold diggers town.
We arrive in the Batemans Bay Beach park (also a BIG4 park) at around 6. The camp is also on the sea shore, maybe 100 meter walk to get in the Sea. Amenities are clean and modern, nice!!
The route we drive today was really so pretty, with small wooden bridges over sea inlets, lakes connected with the sea and a lot of forest. The sea looks so clean and beutifull along the coast
Tomorrow Austarlia day, they told us people start drinking in the morning and have BBQ whole day. Australia day means also the end of the summer holiday, so less people in the caravan parks and cheaper stays. It means we don’t have to pre book anymore.
26-1-2010 (Tuesday)
Today is Australia day. So also little party for us, we baked pancakes for breakfast. Real American pancakes with maple syrup.
Most of the morning we were at the beach, in de afternoon we stayed around de van after lunch, Zeb rented a bike and we went for a swim in the pool.
For dinner we bbqed again. Today lamb and salmon. The meat over here is really tasty and affordable. Ruben loves bbqing every day.
So today was a very relax day with a lot of sun. Tomorrow on the way again.
zaterdag 23 januari 2010
Huntsman Spider
22-1-2010 (Friday)
Lakes Entrance is at the end of the ninety mile beach and has lakes and seashore. In front of our campsite is a kind of lake, when you cross that by the footbridge you get to a stretch of dune that has a beach front to the Bass Strait (sea between Australia mainland and Tasmania). The land around here is like that along the coast, really beautiful. We will try to make a picture tomorrow form a lookout point.
We went to the beach and the kids collected a whole bucket of beautiful shells. In the afternoon we stayed in and around our ‘house’. Sharon did some shopping with Zeb and Sharai slept for a couple of hours.
Off course we had a bbq.
Ruben had some beers with some guys that came down from Sale (100 km west of here), two of them have Dutch parents. In these area lots of Dutch people life. Sharon did some email and Skype.
Coming back in the van at midnight Ruben saw this giant spider, Huntsman Spider http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huntsman_spider. Sharon screamed the whole park awake. We caught it an threw it away. Quit an adventure.
The tone was set for the night, Sharon went to bed with a torch and was looking for spiders almost al night from the bed. On top of this it started storming and our sunscreen attached to the car was still out and was going up and down like crazy. So at 3:30 we rolled it in, because it’s not working well it was very difficult and even dangerous.
Finally we slept for a few hours. WHAT AN ADVENTURE FOR US.
23-1-2010 (Saturday)
This morning we found out that our sunscreen was damaged due to the storm last night. Our friends from Sale repaired it.
Today we moved up along the coast in the direction of Sydney. We left Victoria and entered New South Wales. We drove for 3 ½ hours to arrive in Pambula Beach. The holiday park is on the ocean front, our van is first row, it takes us 50 meter to jump in to the ocean.
The park is great, huge pool area, big playground with trampolines. And coolest of all Kangaroos hopping around.
Good change we stay here for a couple of days.
Only negative thing till now is the state of the campervan, airco is not working and the mosquito’s nets covering the windows are broke. KEA sucks.
Sharon has a new flashlight for the nightly spider search!!
Lakes Entrance is at the end of the ninety mile beach and has lakes and seashore. In front of our campsite is a kind of lake, when you cross that by the footbridge you get to a stretch of dune that has a beach front to the Bass Strait (sea between Australia mainland and Tasmania). The land around here is like that along the coast, really beautiful. We will try to make a picture tomorrow form a lookout point.
We went to the beach and the kids collected a whole bucket of beautiful shells. In the afternoon we stayed in and around our ‘house’. Sharon did some shopping with Zeb and Sharai slept for a couple of hours.
Off course we had a bbq.
Ruben had some beers with some guys that came down from Sale (100 km west of here), two of them have Dutch parents. In these area lots of Dutch people life. Sharon did some email and Skype.
Coming back in the van at midnight Ruben saw this giant spider, Huntsman Spider http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huntsman_spider. Sharon screamed the whole park awake. We caught it an threw it away. Quit an adventure.
The tone was set for the night, Sharon went to bed with a torch and was looking for spiders almost al night from the bed. On top of this it started storming and our sunscreen attached to the car was still out and was going up and down like crazy. So at 3:30 we rolled it in, because it’s not working well it was very difficult and even dangerous.
Finally we slept for a few hours. WHAT AN ADVENTURE FOR US.
23-1-2010 (Saturday)
This morning we found out that our sunscreen was damaged due to the storm last night. Our friends from Sale repaired it.
Today we moved up along the coast in the direction of Sydney. We left Victoria and entered New South Wales. We drove for 3 ½ hours to arrive in Pambula Beach. The holiday park is on the ocean front, our van is first row, it takes us 50 meter to jump in to the ocean.
The park is great, huge pool area, big playground with trampolines. And coolest of all Kangaroos hopping around.
Good change we stay here for a couple of days.
Only negative thing till now is the state of the campervan, airco is not working and the mosquito’s nets covering the windows are broke. KEA sucks.
Sharon has a new flashlight for the nightly spider search!!
donderdag 21 januari 2010
Koala's and Pengiuns on Philip Island
20-1-2010 (Wedensday)
Wow that was the first night in our campervan, we all slept pretty good. The caravan park where we are staying is called San Remi Caravan park and costs $ 25,- per night.
Today is our Philip Island day, but first off to the local playground. We will publish a book on best playground in Australia when we are back.
In San Remo, next to the bridge to Philip Island, we watched a whole bunch of Pelicans. Our first wildlife of the day.
Around noon we headed for the Island stopping at the Information Office. We bought a pass for the three highlights of the Island: Old farm, Koala park and Penguin parade.
The farm was the first stop. We really find it fantastic that we bring our house (campervan) everywhere. The farm was nice, we could hold baby ducks and rabbits and see a lot of farm animals like cows, sheep and horses.
Sharai is afraid of most animals and when she held a baby Rabbit (Nijntje) and the little one started to climb, she screamed and loud as she’s able to. From that moment on, she didn’t want to hold nothing no more.
We also saw a chicken with here chicks, she enjoyed the idea that mummy chicken was taking care of here babies (the next morning she talked about it).
Next we drove up to the Koala park, we had the most amazing encounter with a Koala. We where standing less than a meter from a Koala. We have good pictures of that. We also saw a baby Koala. Zeb thinks babies are cute. Koala’s were brought to the island some 100 years ago. The Island belonged to a former mayor of Melbourne, Mister Samuel Ames.
Around 4 we drove to a beach called Red Rocks next to the main village of Philip Island, Cowes. Driving up there Ruben saw a Kangaroo crossing the road.
The beach was a quite isolated beach, really beautiful. The way we hope to encounter more beaches.
After digging a ‘swimming pool’ in the sand and a small swim we got back to the campervan. We bbqed at the beach. In Australia they have electrical BBQ everywhere and you can use these for free. This to prevent bush fires.
Ruben prepared the best hotdogs, the whole family loved.
At 7 we went to the Penguin parade, hoping the kids would sleep for a couple of hours till the Penguins would come ashore. They didn’t, so we went in early.
This was really one of the most amazing things we have ever witnessed:
On a kind of stand set up in the dunes we saw almost 200 Penguins come back from a day fishing to feed their wives and Chicks. Then we saw them wondering around in the dunes looking for their burrows. The Penguins here are called little Penguins and they are, about 30-40 centimeters high.
Sharai fell asleep during the Penguin parade, Zeb stayed awake till they end, around 11. One penguin wasn’t able to find his home (burrow) and Zeb was really sad about it. The morning after he asked Sharon if everything went well after all. Sharon told him that he came home safe and sound.
We drove our home back to the caravan park and had a good night sleep.
GREAT CHOICE WE WENT TO PHILIP ISLAND!
21-1-2010 (Thursday)
Early wake up, we tend to rise earlier in the campervan then we did in the hotels. Ruben did some morning shopping and we had a nice breakfast in front of the campervan.
We decided to drive to Lake Entrance today, a 3,5 hour drive (250KM). We had a few choices from the big campsite book. The first we called from the car had vacancy.
We arrived at around 5 in Wateredge park ( a big4 park: big4 is a kind of chain.)
The park is nice, we had our bbq. At the central bbq place you meet other people cooking. Some daily talk about the bbq, the cricket, where we are from and some advice for next place to visit for us.
Wow that was the first night in our campervan, we all slept pretty good. The caravan park where we are staying is called San Remi Caravan park and costs $ 25,- per night.
Today is our Philip Island day, but first off to the local playground. We will publish a book on best playground in Australia when we are back.
In San Remo, next to the bridge to Philip Island, we watched a whole bunch of Pelicans. Our first wildlife of the day.
Around noon we headed for the Island stopping at the Information Office. We bought a pass for the three highlights of the Island: Old farm, Koala park and Penguin parade.
The farm was the first stop. We really find it fantastic that we bring our house (campervan) everywhere. The farm was nice, we could hold baby ducks and rabbits and see a lot of farm animals like cows, sheep and horses.
Sharai is afraid of most animals and when she held a baby Rabbit (Nijntje) and the little one started to climb, she screamed and loud as she’s able to. From that moment on, she didn’t want to hold nothing no more.
We also saw a chicken with here chicks, she enjoyed the idea that mummy chicken was taking care of here babies (the next morning she talked about it).
Next we drove up to the Koala park, we had the most amazing encounter with a Koala. We where standing less than a meter from a Koala. We have good pictures of that. We also saw a baby Koala. Zeb thinks babies are cute. Koala’s were brought to the island some 100 years ago. The Island belonged to a former mayor of Melbourne, Mister Samuel Ames.
Around 4 we drove to a beach called Red Rocks next to the main village of Philip Island, Cowes. Driving up there Ruben saw a Kangaroo crossing the road.
The beach was a quite isolated beach, really beautiful. The way we hope to encounter more beaches.
After digging a ‘swimming pool’ in the sand and a small swim we got back to the campervan. We bbqed at the beach. In Australia they have electrical BBQ everywhere and you can use these for free. This to prevent bush fires.
Ruben prepared the best hotdogs, the whole family loved.
At 7 we went to the Penguin parade, hoping the kids would sleep for a couple of hours till the Penguins would come ashore. They didn’t, so we went in early.
This was really one of the most amazing things we have ever witnessed:
On a kind of stand set up in the dunes we saw almost 200 Penguins come back from a day fishing to feed their wives and Chicks. Then we saw them wondering around in the dunes looking for their burrows. The Penguins here are called little Penguins and they are, about 30-40 centimeters high.
Sharai fell asleep during the Penguin parade, Zeb stayed awake till they end, around 11. One penguin wasn’t able to find his home (burrow) and Zeb was really sad about it. The morning after he asked Sharon if everything went well after all. Sharon told him that he came home safe and sound.
We drove our home back to the caravan park and had a good night sleep.
GREAT CHOICE WE WENT TO PHILIP ISLAND!
21-1-2010 (Thursday)
Early wake up, we tend to rise earlier in the campervan then we did in the hotels. Ruben did some morning shopping and we had a nice breakfast in front of the campervan.
We decided to drive to Lake Entrance today, a 3,5 hour drive (250KM). We had a few choices from the big campsite book. The first we called from the car had vacancy.
We arrived at around 5 in Wateredge park ( a big4 park: big4 is a kind of chain.)
The park is nice, we had our bbq. At the central bbq place you meet other people cooking. Some daily talk about the bbq, the cricket, where we are from and some advice for next place to visit for us.
woensdag 20 januari 2010
Troostwijk goes camping
19-1-2010 (Tuesday)
We gave the rental car back in CBD Melbourne and took a taxi to KEA Camper Depot.
There she was right at the depot: our house for the next month. Troostwijk Family goes camping and we’re excited, slightly nervous.
First some paperwork and the a quick tour in and around the campervan, expect the cleaning of the toilet container, everything looks ok and good to handle for us first time campers.
Sharon brings little experience from her sailing holidays with the family and Ruben did some camping back in the days in Israel, but this is a whole new experience.
The nice lady at KEA set us up with a campsite at Philip Island south east of Melbourne, well known for its penguins.
At around 2 we drove away and all we could think is:”wow what a huge car”. Now we know how a truck driver feels. WE ARE KING OF THE ROAD. Ruben suddenly has a lot of respect for all the bus drivers in the world but he himself did a pretty good job, driving this enormous house on wheels, as if he never had done anything else in his life.
It’s a 2 ½ hour drive to Philip Island. We arrived at 4:30, in a real 2nd tier camping site. Our van is the biggest and nicest of the whole place. But it’s good to start at the bottom. At least the toilets and showers are clean….At least cleaner then our own toilet on our campervan.
Sharon stuffed our clothes away in all the small compartments and she’s really happy ‘bout the fact that she pact very well back home. Ruben and Zeb went shopping. Steak and sausages for our first outside BBQ.
Before dinner, Sharon went to the playground with the kids and Ruben set up the fold in table, chairs and the sunscreen. Putting back the sunscreen later at night was a nightmare, did not pay enough attention at KEA. Actually, the woman helping us out in Melbourne, probably thought we were experienced campers, cause she ran over all the important stuff. Now we needed help from two local campers, who were hardly understandable with their accents and looked like they’re smoking 24/7. Again new friends. Really camping is better then facebook.
We had our first outdoor dinner, and the steaks were great. Own made marinade, thanks to local bought Ketjap Manis from Conimex.
Tonight’s dilemma; shall we wash the dishes in the van, meaning we lose water we have to collect later, or to do it in the central washing place. Sharon did the later, but this is an example of the difficult choices we are facing these days.
The kids are sleeping together on top of the driving area and had a bath in one of the showers of the campsite together. We will sleep in the back, in the living room. Neither one has a clue how to set up the bed, but we’’ll find out.
Today was a GREAT adventure, but it seems to be the start of a wonderful month camping.
We gave the rental car back in CBD Melbourne and took a taxi to KEA Camper Depot.
There she was right at the depot: our house for the next month. Troostwijk Family goes camping and we’re excited, slightly nervous.
First some paperwork and the a quick tour in and around the campervan, expect the cleaning of the toilet container, everything looks ok and good to handle for us first time campers.
Sharon brings little experience from her sailing holidays with the family and Ruben did some camping back in the days in Israel, but this is a whole new experience.
The nice lady at KEA set us up with a campsite at Philip Island south east of Melbourne, well known for its penguins.
At around 2 we drove away and all we could think is:”wow what a huge car”. Now we know how a truck driver feels. WE ARE KING OF THE ROAD. Ruben suddenly has a lot of respect for all the bus drivers in the world but he himself did a pretty good job, driving this enormous house on wheels, as if he never had done anything else in his life.
It’s a 2 ½ hour drive to Philip Island. We arrived at 4:30, in a real 2nd tier camping site. Our van is the biggest and nicest of the whole place. But it’s good to start at the bottom. At least the toilets and showers are clean….At least cleaner then our own toilet on our campervan.
Sharon stuffed our clothes away in all the small compartments and she’s really happy ‘bout the fact that she pact very well back home. Ruben and Zeb went shopping. Steak and sausages for our first outside BBQ.
Before dinner, Sharon went to the playground with the kids and Ruben set up the fold in table, chairs and the sunscreen. Putting back the sunscreen later at night was a nightmare, did not pay enough attention at KEA. Actually, the woman helping us out in Melbourne, probably thought we were experienced campers, cause she ran over all the important stuff. Now we needed help from two local campers, who were hardly understandable with their accents and looked like they’re smoking 24/7. Again new friends. Really camping is better then facebook.
We had our first outdoor dinner, and the steaks were great. Own made marinade, thanks to local bought Ketjap Manis from Conimex.
Tonight’s dilemma; shall we wash the dishes in the van, meaning we lose water we have to collect later, or to do it in the central washing place. Sharon did the later, but this is an example of the difficult choices we are facing these days.
The kids are sleeping together on top of the driving area and had a bath in one of the showers of the campsite together. We will sleep in the back, in the living room. Neither one has a clue how to set up the bed, but we’’ll find out.
Today was a GREAT adventure, but it seems to be the start of a wonderful month camping.
zondag 17 januari 2010
Stokehouse and Puffingbilly
16 & 17 -1-2010 (Saturday and Sunday)
We checked out of the Lorne hotel and headed for the beach in Lorne, so the kids could play with the girl they’ve met yesterday. But when she finally came the kids were already very tired so we left the beach around noon and drove towards Melbourne.
Arriving in Melbourne at our serviced apartments it seems in the middle of Jewish Melbourne. The streets are more like Jerusalem then Melbourne. Our serviced apartments are partly kosher and it runs a kosher restaurant on Sunday night.
We have good rooms, Sharon thinks it looks like a Jewish elderly home.
After checking we took a shower and went to St Kilda on the beach. We had dinner in a real nice please on the beach Stokehouse (www.stokehouse.com.au). The kids were tired after a day travelling and ready for bed.
Saturday night we discussed the daytrip options for the next two days. Options are Mornington peninsula, Philip island or Dandenong Ranges.
Sunday morning breakfast in the room we decide to go to Belgrave in the Dandenong Ranges. The Dandenong ranges are a mountain (more hill) range 45 minutes drive east from Melbourne.
From Belgrave goes a very old steam train, Puffingbilly (www.puffingbilly.com.au). We bought tickets for the train. The kids thought Billy is a friend of Thomas the train. The trip was beautiful and off course the kids enjoyed the ride. We stopped at a station called Lakeside, indeed next to a small lake. We ate our self made lunch and then took the train back to Belgrave.
All by all we left at 10 and were back in east st Kilda at 4.
Back in the hood we went to Carlise street, the shopping street of the neighborhood. A lot of kosher shops here as well.
We had dinner in a Israel meets Morocco restaurant that played funky live music: a great band. Good pitot and houmous. Kids got an ice cream and we went back, what we call home these days.
Indeed the restaurant in the hotel was filled with beards and kippot. It’s funny without deliberate looking for it that as well in Sydney and Melbourne we ended up in a very Jewish neighborhood.
We checked out of the Lorne hotel and headed for the beach in Lorne, so the kids could play with the girl they’ve met yesterday. But when she finally came the kids were already very tired so we left the beach around noon and drove towards Melbourne.
Arriving in Melbourne at our serviced apartments it seems in the middle of Jewish Melbourne. The streets are more like Jerusalem then Melbourne. Our serviced apartments are partly kosher and it runs a kosher restaurant on Sunday night.
We have good rooms, Sharon thinks it looks like a Jewish elderly home.
After checking we took a shower and went to St Kilda on the beach. We had dinner in a real nice please on the beach Stokehouse (www.stokehouse.com.au). The kids were tired after a day travelling and ready for bed.
Saturday night we discussed the daytrip options for the next two days. Options are Mornington peninsula, Philip island or Dandenong Ranges.
Sunday morning breakfast in the room we decide to go to Belgrave in the Dandenong Ranges. The Dandenong ranges are a mountain (more hill) range 45 minutes drive east from Melbourne.
From Belgrave goes a very old steam train, Puffingbilly (www.puffingbilly.com.au). We bought tickets for the train. The kids thought Billy is a friend of Thomas the train. The trip was beautiful and off course the kids enjoyed the ride. We stopped at a station called Lakeside, indeed next to a small lake. We ate our self made lunch and then took the train back to Belgrave.
All by all we left at 10 and were back in east st Kilda at 4.
Back in the hood we went to Carlise street, the shopping street of the neighborhood. A lot of kosher shops here as well.
We had dinner in a Israel meets Morocco restaurant that played funky live music: a great band. Good pitot and houmous. Kids got an ice cream and we went back, what we call home these days.
Indeed the restaurant in the hotel was filled with beards and kippot. It’s funny without deliberate looking for it that as well in Sydney and Melbourne we ended up in a very Jewish neighborhood.
vrijdag 15 januari 2010
Lorne and live Koala's
14-1-2010 (Thursday)
Long night, we watched the movie Australia till late. Due to hard blowing vans outside our room, sleeping was difficult for us, not for the kids they slept well again.
So when we woke up we checked for a new room (with ocean view) and got one. So Sharon had to pack again and Ruben and Zeb went for groceries. After moving in to the new room and a small breakfast we headed for Koala beers along the Great Ocean road in ‘Kennet river’.
After 5 km we saw the sigh for a waterfall (Sequa fall) and went of the road, the walk to the waterfall was around 600m. People just came back from the walk and they told us it was rather disappointing so it would better to go to ‘Erskine fall’. And because the kids wanted to see the waterfall badly we went back in direction of Lorne and drove up to the waterfall. It was a 10 minute walk from the parking lot. Due to Sharai, who wants to walk always it took us longer.
The funny thing is that thru all our stay here Sharai wants to walk always and Zeb always wants to sit in the stroller against the way we want it. So most things happen one gear lower due to Sharai walking. Also in eating it’s the other way around, Sharai eats very well and healthy, Zeb prefers to only eat Peanut butter sandwiches, Ice cream, Chips and an occasional cucumber or tomato.
From the water fall we continued our journey to the Koala’s, but this time Sharai was a sleep when we past Kennet river so we drove on to Apollo Bay, also a small two along the Great Ocean Road.
We had lunch in the park along the beach and the kids played at the playground.
Finally we ended up in Kennet river and saw our first Koala’s in the wild. We saw at least 5 from up and close. Because they sleep for over 20hrs a day we were very happy to see one of them awake and busy eating. People told us, the only thing they do is; sleeping, grooming and ‘go to the little room’.
Back in Lorne Zeb, Sharai and Ruben went to the beach to play and Sharon made sure our new room was cozy again.
We had dinner in the hotel and that was really great, maybe the best food till now. If you compare with the hotel you wouldn’t believe it.
After dinner we went for a Trampoline session that Sharon and the kids really loved.
Sharon drove most of the day, also for her a new experience driving on the left. She better coops with it (that she drives) then Ruben does!!!!
15-1-2010 (Friday)
Perfect day; the perfect kids day. We started at the Trampoline and the playground with the kids and walked along the shops of Lorne.
We had lunch in the room (choco pasta) and then took a walk along the coast towards the west. The kids in their strollers (our 2 prams) and we\e walked to a pier where people were fishing and swimming. People swim in the sea, although they know sharks and stingrays swim along and with them. We found that unbelievable.
Back in Lorne we did some small shopping. The kids played in the room (knutsellen) and Ruben watched some cricket (3rd test against Pakistan). Zeb made a book for Juf Benna and the kids talk a lot about their friends and family back home.
Tomorrow we are driving back to Melbourne and will stay there 3 nights. We are staying in St Kilda near the beach in serviced apartments ( http://www.questeaststkilda.com.au/). We will explore the east side of Melbourne and hopefully will see the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) and the sports museum. And maybe visit the penguins at Philip Island.
This is the first accommodation we did not prepare in advance, finding this we had help from the local KH campaign. Due to the tennis (Australian open) it’s hard finding accommodation now.
After dinner and walked to the trampoline again and made our first holiday friends. A Israeli couple travelling with their 2,5 year old daughter, Romy. His name is Idan and hers …. They are travelling for 5 months. Zeb and Sharai really enjoyed playing with her till almost 10. We will meet them tomorrow at the beach and the kids are really looking forward meeting her again.
Long night, we watched the movie Australia till late. Due to hard blowing vans outside our room, sleeping was difficult for us, not for the kids they slept well again.
So when we woke up we checked for a new room (with ocean view) and got one. So Sharon had to pack again and Ruben and Zeb went for groceries. After moving in to the new room and a small breakfast we headed for Koala beers along the Great Ocean road in ‘Kennet river’.
After 5 km we saw the sigh for a waterfall (Sequa fall) and went of the road, the walk to the waterfall was around 600m. People just came back from the walk and they told us it was rather disappointing so it would better to go to ‘Erskine fall’. And because the kids wanted to see the waterfall badly we went back in direction of Lorne and drove up to the waterfall. It was a 10 minute walk from the parking lot. Due to Sharai, who wants to walk always it took us longer.
The funny thing is that thru all our stay here Sharai wants to walk always and Zeb always wants to sit in the stroller against the way we want it. So most things happen one gear lower due to Sharai walking. Also in eating it’s the other way around, Sharai eats very well and healthy, Zeb prefers to only eat Peanut butter sandwiches, Ice cream, Chips and an occasional cucumber or tomato.
From the water fall we continued our journey to the Koala’s, but this time Sharai was a sleep when we past Kennet river so we drove on to Apollo Bay, also a small two along the Great Ocean Road.
We had lunch in the park along the beach and the kids played at the playground.
Finally we ended up in Kennet river and saw our first Koala’s in the wild. We saw at least 5 from up and close. Because they sleep for over 20hrs a day we were very happy to see one of them awake and busy eating. People told us, the only thing they do is; sleeping, grooming and ‘go to the little room’.
Back in Lorne Zeb, Sharai and Ruben went to the beach to play and Sharon made sure our new room was cozy again.
We had dinner in the hotel and that was really great, maybe the best food till now. If you compare with the hotel you wouldn’t believe it.
After dinner we went for a Trampoline session that Sharon and the kids really loved.
Sharon drove most of the day, also for her a new experience driving on the left. She better coops with it (that she drives) then Ruben does!!!!
15-1-2010 (Friday)
Perfect day; the perfect kids day. We started at the Trampoline and the playground with the kids and walked along the shops of Lorne.
We had lunch in the room (choco pasta) and then took a walk along the coast towards the west. The kids in their strollers (our 2 prams) and we\e walked to a pier where people were fishing and swimming. People swim in the sea, although they know sharks and stingrays swim along and with them. We found that unbelievable.
Back in Lorne we did some small shopping. The kids played in the room (knutsellen) and Ruben watched some cricket (3rd test against Pakistan). Zeb made a book for Juf Benna and the kids talk a lot about their friends and family back home.
Tomorrow we are driving back to Melbourne and will stay there 3 nights. We are staying in St Kilda near the beach in serviced apartments ( http://www.questeaststkilda.com.au/). We will explore the east side of Melbourne and hopefully will see the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) and the sports museum. And maybe visit the penguins at Philip Island.
This is the first accommodation we did not prepare in advance, finding this we had help from the local KH campaign. Due to the tennis (Australian open) it’s hard finding accommodation now.
After dinner and walked to the trampoline again and made our first holiday friends. A Israeli couple travelling with their 2,5 year old daughter, Romy. His name is Idan and hers …. They are travelling for 5 months. Zeb and Sharai really enjoyed playing with her till almost 10. We will meet them tomorrow at the beach and the kids are really looking forward meeting her again.
donderdag 14 januari 2010
Abonneren op:
Posts (Atom)
