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.
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