Sydney with Auntie Helen and cousin Elliott part 1

I arrived in Sydney and made my way over to the international terminal to wait for Auntie Helen and Elliot to arrive. Finally they come through pushing their bags. It was so nice to see them and some familiar faces. 

We got in a taxi and made our way to Susan and Brett's house where we would be staying for the next 10 days. After arriving they showed us around the neighbourhood and we grabbed some food.

After a good night's sleep we spent the day chilling on the beach as it's 5 minutes from Susan's house. We found a lovely spot at a cafe then walked the length of the beach and found a great spot amongst the rocks to eat our sandwiches. 

Monty and Pablo playing in the rock pools with some fish and starfish.

On Tuesday we did the costal walk from Maroubra to Bondi. We started off clambering over the rocks then found our way around the streets to the path. 

The path went all the way round the coast till Bondi. It was such a beautiful day and walk, we came across many bays along the way stopping at Gordon's Bay for our lunch. Before reaching Bronte we got diverted through the grave yard as the path is under maintenance. 

As we reached Bondi we watched the surfers and headed back on the bus.

A long day spent on Wednesday visiting the Blue Mountains, these were so spectacular. We started off getting up very early so we could catch the 2 hour train to Katoomba. 

Upon arrival at Katoomba we got the hop on hop off bus so we could see as much as we could in one day. Our first stop was Scenic World, this is where we got the skyway (huge gondola) across the valley with a waterfall below. We rode on the steepest railway in the world down to the walkway through the bush. Then took the cableway (cable car) back up. 

Monty found his own tree, which had been burnt and you could see right up the middle of the trunk.

You could really see why the mountains got their name...they looked so blue. The day was clear and pleasant but super windy. Our next stop was Honeymoon bridge, we did a cliff walk and made our way down to the three sisters. We got right up close and personal and even touched one of them.  It was a hard decision to make but we needed to choose between seeing Leura Falls and Wentworth Falls as we only had enough time to see one. We decided to head to Wentworth Falls. What a lovely walk over and under the cliff hangs, walking towards the waterfall...it was huge and so powerful. We headed closer and closer to the waterfall and ended up crossing it on the stepping stones. After so much walking it was nice to sit down on the journey back.

As we were all so tired the next day we decided to have a lay in and head down to the beach. Helen and Elliot took a dip in the sea while I sat on the beach wrapped up. Not sure how they went in the water...it's too cold for me! 

This was also the day of Susan's birthday, I hope she had a wonderful day and liked her present we got for her. We had an Indian take away for dinner.

Melbourne again - week 2 - 17.07.17 - 22.07.17

Highlights from week two in Melbourne:

Przemek wanted to go on a hike for his birthday. We all met at Southen Cross to catch a train to Little River. When we arrived we had to walk 5.4 km from the train station before we even arrived at You Yang Regional Park. Along the way we kept stopping to pat horses and take photos. Finally we reached the park and started our hike! We took a track; following it around, up and down until we reach a height that had magnificent views.

This is where we stopped for the BBQ lunch of kangaroo sausages. After lunch most people had to head back to the train station but Przemek, Andres, Joaquín and I headed further up and reached a peak. 

The views were even more spectacular from there, seeing Melbourne in the distance. It was then our turn to head back to the station; walking fast around, up but maninly down and straight on to the station which we arrived back with 5 minutes to spare. That was a tiring day but much fun was had.

I met Kate, Reggie and Kelly at the Melbourne Museum, this time we actually got to see the bug exhibition. The exhibition was very well done and planned out, it was very interactive for the children and had lots of facts to learn. I didn't learn many new facts I didn't already know but I did find it interesting how they are using bugs and their features to help design many things (like medicines, robot design and bank note security). Reggie and Kate had to go home.

Kelly and I took a wonder through the rest of the museum with Monty.

Joaquín and I tried bubble tea. I actually had a fruit juice but it was very weird at first to get "bubbles" of flavour that popped in your mouth.

One day when I was trying to update my blog at the hostel the power went out right before I was going to get some lunch...something had tripped a fuse but emargancy lighting worked. It was starting to get a bit chilly so I decided to head out to the acmi (Australian Centre for the Moving Image). I found it interesting to read about how moving photos started and then how they turnt into flims and video games we have today. Only as I returned to the hostel and was walking up through stairs the power came back on! Yeah food time!

In the pouring rain I took a walk along the river on the South Bank to Fitzroy Park where I met with Kelly. We went to see Captain Cook's cottage, this was originally in England and Cook's father had it dismantled, numbered and shipped over to Australia and reassembled. It was very small but interesting to learn about it, we got to play dress up in the garden too! 

Afterwards we found the fairy tree then headed off to a market...it was raining so much we had our picnic in the car first.

I visited the State Library and had a wonder around on all levels. 

Then met Joaquín after work for a delicious Indian and then to the cinema to watch Dunkirk. Great film...go and see it if you haven't already.

Went to watch "Supermax" a series from South America, it was all in Spanish...we got to watch the first 2 episodes. I'm not sure about it, I would like to watch the rest just to see how it ended. Afterwards Joaquín cooked the Chilian dish for me again and again it was delicious.

On my last day it was busy...first I had to pack all my things up then it was off to Kate's for a pizza day. Her boses had a pizza day where they invited friends and family. They needed help with making pizzas, looking after the kids and making sure the drinks were flowing. Kate, Kelly and I were super busy on our feet, I ended up making the pizza bases all afternoon.

I really enjoyed it! I also made my own four cheese pizza, it was surprisingly good! 

After all that hard work we headed out to meet Joaquín, Przemek and Tom at Section 8 and then went on to Father's Office for drinks and a dance before I had to say my goodbyes.

Had to get up early for my flight back to Sydney...said goodbye to Joaquín before boarding the SkyBus and jumped on my flight over.

Melbourne again - week 1 - 10.07.17 - 16.07.17

Highlights from week one in Melbourne:

Joaquín showed me his flat, introduced me to his flatmates and took me on a tour of the gym and swimming pool. We had a few evenings in the pool and sauna while I was in Melbourne.

It was Przemek's birthday, we got him a present and cake...which he was so excited about. We then went out for a few drinks to celebrate.

I had a great catch up with Ashleigh for lunch. We went along flinders lane and found a lovely cafe for a light lunch. It turnt into quite a long lunch as we kept talking and talking...It was so nice to catch up.

I took a walk down by St Kilda and then met Kate for a walk along the pier there at sunset. Melbourne as the backdrop on a beautiful sunset was stunning. On the walk down the peir we saw a few penguins coming in for the night.

At the hostel I was sharing a room with 2/3 others, Robert was one of them and he invited me to play some pool one afternoon. It was a close match but he just won as he potted the black ball first we then played a doubles match with some others from the hostel, which we won!

Joaquín and I danced the night away at Latino party. The first one we had arrived at had finished because there was not  enough people so we caught the tram over to another one where it was packed, we enjoyed dancing away together.

I met Kate and Kelly at the Melbourne Museum to go into the bug exhibition but by the time we had queued the only slot the could give us was too late as Kelly had to go back to work. I think it was because of the school holidays. We went for ice cream instead. 

Kelly went off to work so Kate and I went shopping and stumbled upon Finders Keepers Market it was packed with stalls selling cloths, homewear and food. They had live entertainment as well. Kate and I brought a candle but before we did so we had to smell all the candles in the whole market! Afterwards we met up with Kelly and Joaquín for a drink at Heartbreakers, a really cool bar.

Saturday I went to an Afl (Australian Football League). Annoyingly we missed the first quarter because the bank decided to take there time when we went in the morning! Joaquín and I arrived at "The G" (Melbourne Cricket Ground) and got our tickets then headed up to the heavens to find some seats. Kate was already there watching the game with the family. The match was between the Geelong Cats and the Hawthorns...I obviously supported the Cats! They were loosing when we got there but it was an interesting game and a close match. 

With the last quarter being the most competitive but in the end the Cats won! After the match we met up with Kate and and went for coffee before heading off to Joaquín's friends BBQ.

Cairns 01.07.17 - 09.07.17 - Part 3

6th July
We wanted to hire a car for the day to visit the waterfalls but because it was the school holidays all cars were booked out! We had a chilled day instead; checked out of the hostel, went to the bank and postoffice and for a stroll around town before heading to a new hostel in Northern beaches (the top of Cairns). Made lunch, played ping pong (I lost...obviously!) and chilled before we headed out into town using the free hostel shuttle to get dinner and then met with Pablo for drinks. Luis (who I also met in Melbourne) landed that evening in Cairns so he came to join us for drinks.

7th July
This was a surprise day for me as I didn't know what Joaquín had planned. Got woken up with breakfast in bed before we had to head out somewhere...we arrived down at the peir. I was left waiting outside while Joaquín sorted something then we sat on a bench for a while before he lead me down the peir and boarded a boat which was taking us to Fitzroy Island. 

I was excited that we were visiting the island but I had no idea of the days adventure. After arriving we collected a snorkel and mask and made camp on a coral beach. 

Joaquín went snorkeling but I found the water quite cold so took me a while to get in. I saw some white fish and Joaquín lost his snorkel...woops! He went and got another one but that let all the water in...it was not his day for snorkels! 

We then went on a glass bottomed boat tour of the reef, we saw about 5 or 6 turtles (one type was a Hawksbill and the other a Green Sea Turtle) and learnt about dying coral. It takes millions of years for the coral to grow but only months for it to die and it is dying at such a quick rate at the moment...it's sad to hear and see! 

Picnic on the beach for lunch then off around the bay in a double kayak, I loved this...I was streeing at the back and gave my arms a good work out. The day has gone by so fast that it was nearly time to hand back our snorkel  and mask in so we tried to go for another snorkel but the rocks and coral were so close to the beach it was hard to swim out...woops, cut my foot on the coral. Handed in the equipment and got my cut looked at. Not the best place or time to get a cut as we wanted to walk to the "Secret Garden". The board said it was a 45 minute return journey...we only had half an hour. So we had to walk quickly (or as quickly as I could go with my cut) it only took us 7 minutes to get there...Australian time! Where did they get 45 minutes from? We made it back for the departing of the boat and headed back to the hostel once back at the peir. Joaquín made a Chilean dish for dinner, it was delicious...I hope he makes it for me again someday. In the evening it was time to meet the boys again for drinks, it was Ricardo's birthday.

8th July
Leisurely got up for my day and Joaquín had no idea what was going to happen. Breakfast was waffles, Nutella and strawberries before heading off on a long day of walking. I took Joaquín to the Royal Botanical Gardens to explore. We saw a river, some lakes and went through a rainforest walk.

Next we came upon a conservatory with many plants and beautiful butterflies.

I then found a spot for our picnic lunch where we ate cheese and crackers...one of Joaquín's favourites! Finished lunch so was then time for more walking with a hike up part of Mount Whitfield. Many, many steps up to the top with amazing views back over the city and to the airport. Walked back down towards the Northern Beaches to have a look at that area for the sunset then back to the hostel to get ready for dinner out at Nandos.

9th July
Our last day in Cairns was spent packing up, checking out and chilling. First we had a strange breakfast finishing everything off we had left (except the garlic!). Then we took a chilled walk all the way along the sea front from the top of Cairns into the city ending up at the Lagoon. The weather was perfect and many people were out sunbathing, we chilled on the grass and met up with the boys and girls...it went by fast and we were soon saying our goodbyes.

Had lunch before we headed to the airport. It was sad to be leaving Cairns as we had such a great time there and the weather was so, so nice. Caught the flight to Melbourne where it was super cold in comparison; took the SkyBus into the city before I could check into my hostel and get tucked up in bed!

Cairns 01.07.17 - 09.07.17 - Part 2

4th July
Great Barrier Reef trip

Up early and down to the peir to catch our boat out to the reef, it had finally stopped raining so we had a beautiful day with the weather. Upon boarding the boat we had to collect snorkel, mask and fins. Then we were briefed about safety and the day events. It took about 2 hours to reach the first reef, many people got sea sick...I stayed clear of them! 

Norman's reef...we had arrived so we geared up and jumped in the water. It was so much fun seeing all the fish and coral. Joaquín and I hired an underwater camera and had a blast taking photos and videos of us and the fish. 

We also joined another couple for a guided tour around the reef with a marine biologist. She told us lots of facts about the coral and fish. One fact I loved (and remembered) is: Sea cucumbers breath out of their bums so there hole is always open, some fish have decided that in there is a perfect place to make a home! I got to see Nemo (clown fish) but numbers of these have declined in the wild because people come and take them for pets and selling since the movie was made. That is a real shame! After about 2 hours in the water it was time for lunch. Off to another reef called Hastings Reef for some more snorkeling, saw more beautiful fish and took many more photos. 

It was annoying being on quite a big boat with many people, you had to swim quite far to have your own space and not be kicked by people who had never worn flippers before! It was then time to get out and dry off for the journey back to main land; we had some live entertainment all the way back. After arriving back at the hostel we were both soooo tired, after downloading the photos we had a nap but my nap turned into a nights sleep. Joaquín went out with Pablo for pizza.

5th July
Rainforest

Up early again to be picked up by minibus which took us to Freshwater station. We waited here to board the train which took us up to Kuranda, we saw some magnificent scenery and went past a huge waterfall. 

We passed through loads of tunnels, went over many bridges and round lots of bends. 

Before arriving at Kuranda we stopped at Barron Falls, another huge waterfall, for a few minutes.

Monty enjoyed the views from the window.

After arriving we got some lunch and then had a wonder around the markets. Joaquín hadn't tried fudge before so we got some. Eating fudge we did a jungle walk through the rainforest and down by the river before coming up to the skyrail.

Monty enjoyed hanging about in the rainforest!

We jumped on the skyrail and headed over the mountains just above the canopy and heard some lovely bird songs. 

Took a coach back to the hostel and had a chilled evening.

Cairns 01.07.17 - 09.07.17 - Part 1

There is so much to say about Cairns that I have to do it in 3 parts.

Day one - 1st July
This was the day I left work, said my goodbyes and headed off on a 2 hour train journey to Sydney. The station is old and has no screens for the train times. I waited and waited ages for the trian; I doubled checked I had the right time, checked the website (that said the train had already left), then I started to panic! But I still just waited and waited, it eventually turned up half an hour late. I arrived in Sydney with 5 bags and met with Susan and Janet to drop a few off before I headed to lunch with Lewis (the Canadian I met in Canberra), it was nice to hear what he had been getting up to in Sydney. It was then time to head to the airport.

Look who I found there!

Joaquín

We had a pleasant flight to Cairns and found our way to the hostel for a good night's rest.

2nd July
After a nice lay in we woke up to rain...we did venture out to the supermarket for some food, grabbed lunch and then in the pouring rain took a walk to the fruit and veg market. On the way there Joaquín slipped and broke his flip-flop (thongs as they like to call them in Australia) so he had to walk bare foot. The market was bustling with many people buying their weekly supplies, towards the end - near closing time sellers were selling cheap...shouting out prices, we got quite a few bargains.

On the way home Joaquín brought some new flip-flops then we watch a programme and cooked up some of our lovely food.

3rd July
It rained and rained all night and all day. We decided to go and see the latest Pirates of the Caribbean film in the cinema. The rain had eased after the film so we walked through the city and to the waterfront and around the peir. Back to the hostel to cook my famous chicken one pot dish! Delicious! This evening we went to check out the night market but on the way there I noticed some birds crossing the road...a car came, they didn't move. I saw a baby chick just frozen still I got a plastic bag to go to pick it up but the parents kept hissing at me.

Eventually the parents moved the other side of the road so I took the opportunity to quickly move the chick to safety. The parents didn't like it and came hissing back but then I looked around a saw an injured chick. A car was coming so I got out the road...phew it missed it! Another 2 cars followed but the chick we not so lucky that time. At least it wasn't in pain anymore and the other birds were out of the road.

The night market was interesting and a lot of massages places, when leaving we got some churros and headed to see Pablo at his hostel to say hi.

Monty's help at work

Monty has been helping around the yard and property during his time here.

First he watched the farrier

Took a ride in the tractor

Helping at competitions

Making the feeds

Mucking out

Gardening

Riding

Unpacking boxes

Keeping warm by the fire

He also made many many friends with the neighbours