tlrnhi

Ok, so we started our trip on the 18th, arriving in Brisbane, Australia at 7am on the 19th. Yes, VERY long flight.

waiting at the airport
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After a nice meal and a snack on the flights, we landed and made our way to the hotel.
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As we are riding in the cab to the hotel, I see these beautiful purple trees. Of course, the cab driver isn't going to stop for me to take a picture, so I waited until we were checked in and out exploring. Yes, we all took naps when we arrived.
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We stayed in the area known as South Bank. Nice quiet area and they had this beautiful walk along the river. Along this walk there was a huge archway that was just loaded with these beautiful Bouganvillas. South Band was the site of the World Expo a few years ago.
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At the start of the walk was a Maritime Museum. Of course, since Bill is in the Navy, we HAD to go and check it out. Was a pretty nice museum.
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There was also a crocidile hiding out too! No, it's not real, but sure did look real!
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We left there and continued our walk along the river. Tons of birds like this one just running around.
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We continued walking and found the Australian Museum. That was pretty nice too. Had to take some goofy pictures, of course!
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Then it was time for lunch. We were a bit hungry and a bit thirsty.
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On the way back, we walked the walk NEXT to the river and every so often there were mosaics like this one in the cement. Some were pretty beat up from the weather, but this one looked pretty good.
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On the way back to the hotel, we found this monument. Of course, had to get a pic.
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We head back to the hotel for some dinner, coffee and then some rest for our poor aching feet.
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The next day, it was time for me to go and cuddle on the Koalas. We took a very nice boat ride to Lone Pine Sanctuary. The ride was about an hour. The weather was great and the narration on the trip was awesome. There are some beautiful houses along the river that I would LOVE to live in, but know I could NEVER afford it, so I'll just dream about it. There is also a HUGE colony of bats that live along the edge. At night/dusk, you can see them flying along the river over near the museum. One thing I did not know....if the bat were to fall from the trees, they would die. Their feet are on the end of the wings. Ok, they aren't really bats, they are Flying Foxes.
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We arrive at Lone Pine and I cannot wait to get in to do some cuddling.
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There was a lady walking 2 minis around. Of course, I had to stop and ohh and ahh over one of them. His name is Jazz Jr. That's what I named him. lol
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These little lizards were running all over the place. I thought they were pretty cool. When they are scared, their necks flair up. Can't remember the names of them, but they didn't seem scared.
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LET THE CUDDLING BEGIN!!!
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After all the cuddling and snuggling and not wanting to give Wisely back, it was off to the kangaroos.
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There was an Emu running around the area with the kangaroos. It wouldn't leave me alone, it knew I had food.
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I didn't know Ducky was going to be in Australia the same time I was, so I figured I better take her picture. lol
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This one followed Courtney. We think it's her boyfriend lol
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See the joey sticking out of the pouch?
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We roamed around feeding the kangroos, getting our hands slathered in "roo-goo". So glad they had an area outside where you could wash your hands lol Along the way, I met up with more of the lizards. They are pretty friendly, but wasn't going to take them home
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They had a little petting zoo. Courtney went in to feed sheep, I had to run potty....nature was calling. We sat and watched the Birds of Prey show, but where I was sitting it was really shady, so my pictures didn't come out too well. Then off to feed the Lorikeets. There a hundreds of wild ones that live around the area and they feed them 3 times a day. I was lucky to be able to have someone take a picture for me. Bill and Courtney went to find our pictures of "cuddling" that we had done.
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After I was done there, I met up with Bill and Courtney. Got a few more shots of the koalas and roos, then it was time to leave. Grabbed the bus back to the hotel, but on the way, decided we should check out the shopping at Queen Steet Mall. It was starting to get dark and there was this really pretty building. I had to get a picture of it. It's the Treasury Building which is now a Casino, from what I understand. When it's dark, it's all lit up really beautifully.
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No, I don't know why they have it lit in fushia or pink or whatever color you want to call it.
We were walking back to the hotel and there's a HUGE ferris wheel on the river bank. Of course, we had to take a ride.
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Back to the hotel for some much needed rest and foot massage. :)
The next day we just walked around taking in some shopping and touring the botanical garden. This is a pointsettia that's taller than Courtney.
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Now it's time to head off to Sydney.
The airline we flew was called Virgin Blue. This is the bathroom door that I thought was a bit funny.
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We have a wonderful hour and half flight and land safely. Off to the hotel to check in, then for a short walkabout around Sydney Harbor.
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Sydney Harbor Bridge
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This is the oldest pub in Sydney
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We took our time strolling around, then back to the hotel to do it all again the next day. They have a wonderful garden there where I met a nice man that was feeding cockatoos. They fly everywhere. I was taking his picture and he told me to come sit with him.
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Next it's off to the Blue Mountains. The mountains get their name because the trees let off this gas that when the sunlight hits it, it makes the area look bluish. It's very beautiful!
There is also 3 Sisters which is a rock formation. You can Google the story about the sisters.
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We had taken a tour bus up there. I was seated next to this young guy, Bill and Courtney sat together. When we got off the bus for lunch, I asked the young guy to sit with us since he was traveling alone. Then back on the bus, he and Courtney sat together. They pretty much traveled the rest of the day together. He was a nice guy,,,maybe future son in law? lol
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It was a great day. We only took the bus back as far as Olympic Park. The bus didn't go back into the city, so the tour arranges for a ferry ride back. Was really nice!
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The next day, Vanessa (mumtoliam) and I arranged to meet up at the Maritime Museum in Sydney. It was a rainy day and a bit on the chilly side. We were running late and I was hoping she was waiting. We had to go across a bridge and I looked down and she was there. I yelled for her and she was looking around for the voice...told her to look up. Maybe I could have just kept yelling making her think she was hearing voices lol
She had Liam with her and he is such a trip! PURE BOY! We sat and chatted over coffee for a bit and Liam was getting a bit antsy. Bill and Courtney were already in the museum, so Vanessa, Liam and I went in to have a look around. Plus, Liam needed something to do lol
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We toured around the museum, then it was time for us to leave. Vanessa had to get Liam home and I needed to feed my gang. ;) Actually, I think Bill wanted to visit another pub. lol We visited ALOT of pubs in Sydney. The food there is awesome...gotta love pub grub! Plus, the beer is icey cold!
We went to this restaurant and there was this man there. Courtney said she recognized him, but I didn't have a clue who he was. Well, he said he was a manager to Micheal Jackson and he was also in Blackstreet. No clue, as I said.
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We were shopping around and all of a sudden this man walks up to me. A nice handsome man, I must say.....I fell in love with him and HAD to bring him home with me. Do you think I did good? hehe
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Then it was time to say goodbye to Sydney and get back on the plane to Brisbane. Back in Brisbane for 2 more days, then heading home. We were pretty tired at this point and we all decided that next time we plan a 2 week trip, we will cut it short by a few days....it was alot of fun, but so nice to be home.

For those of you who remember the pictures of the Japanese bathrooms, I have a treat for you. I have DIRECTIONS on how to use them! We were in the airport in Tokyo waiting on a bus to bring us to another terminal and I HAD to check out the bathroom. Just something I do when I'm in another country. lol
This is the controller for the regular potty
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Here's the one for the hole in the floor
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I have more pictures, but didn't want to take up alot of space here. I'll get them all sorted with a story to go with. I'll then post the link and everyone can see ALL the pictures.

Hope you enjoyed your trip! I sure did!!!

Up North

Wow Terri! Great Pictures of what looked like an awesome time. Everything looked so beautiful!!

Knot Sew

great pictures, I enjoyed your vacation :D

barnbum

Wow!! That's a great illustrated story, Terri! I love so many pictures!! I love the joey in the pouch!! And of course the koala photos!! :D I have a question... what is that big building with the interesting roof in Sydney Harbor? And what are those purple trees??? So pretty!!!

sandpat

Awww.....I'm just plain ole' jealous!!!!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: I've always wanted to go to Australia....but want to stay longer..it does seem like a lot to try to cram into 2 weeks. Loved your pics, thanks so much for sharing!

tlrnhi

Thanks all.
It was a great trip, but soooo glad to be home!

You mean that big white building?
That's Sydney Opera House.
I don't know the name of the purple trees, but they are just so beautiful!
I had seen them one time before and that was on a drive on Maui up to Haleakala

Bevanger

So cool. Thank You soooo much for sharing. I love traveling and I don't have to go on a dreaded plane. (afraid of heights)

joeyoz

Terri, the pictures are wonderful. Thanks for sharing your trip with us. Looks like you had a good time.

sharon b

Terri, looks like a GREAT time was had by all :mrgreen: And that handsome man you picked up.. oh, la,la... ! He is definatley a keeper :thumbup: THANKS for sharing all the pics . It is the only way i will ever get to Australia .

tlrnhi

I had never seen him in a beard. Go figure, huh?
I really liked it and told him he could grow one once he retires.
He was getting some 2d looks from some of the ladies that walked by him. I would see it, grab his arm and just smile at them. lol