Sydney:
Our trip to Australia began with a 12 hour drive north from Wellington to Auckland on the 22nd of April. It took us two days and a bit of sight seeing before we made our destination. Our flight was at 6:00p.m. New Zealand time and we made to Sydney before 8:00 p.m. Aussie time. Before we left NZ however we took advantage of the duty free store purchasing 3 bottles of booze and a small box of cigars. (It didn't last long) Once off the plane we went right to our hostel which was infested with cockroaches, so we decided it best to find new accommodation before heading into the night to celebrate my Birthday! The night was one to remember.....or forget, maybe It might be a bit of both.
Our first night in Sydney was eventful but the next day sadly was not. We spent most of the day sleeping off the night before but with what time we had left we decided it was crucial in the spirit of Easter to attend a local church service. It was an Anglican service, which lasted over 2 hours and was extremely traditional. The rest of our time in Sydney we, well I guess I need to describe who "we" are first. Myself and three of my friends from Penn State (sadly, I know it's a shame) Evan, Craig and Tyler. We spent the next two days taking tours of the city, hitting up the night life and going to the Casino (bad choice, their idea of blackjack was one that involved no "pushing or standing"). On Wednesday morning we left at 6:00 A.M. for the northern city of Cairns and where the Great Barrier Reef awaited us!
Cairns:
I did not mention it earlier but the weather in Sydney was less than satisfactory, while in Cairns it was (besides one day) sunny, 27 degrees C ( or 83-90 degrees F) with beaches and grassy hills. In other words AMAZING. We spent the first night exploring the town and asking what trips were best suited for poor students like ourselves.
The second day was one at sea. It was time to see the Reef and experience it in the only and best way possible.. scuba diving! It was my first time and it only lasted 25 minutes but I am happy to say I'm hooked! The wild life was incredible and the company overall did a wonderful job of helping us get comfortable. We got to dive twice, snorkel twice and had a very large lunch of steak, fish and prawns! It should go without saying that after we had been swimming and being out in the sun all day we were extremely tired, so it was nap time once more. The night life in Cairns can only be compared to a Cancun spring break paradise for young travelers like us. We went through our duty free supplies quicker than we thought and it was time to purchase a 2 litter goon. (Goon is bagged wine and it is nasty!)
Our next day included sitting by the beach and or pool, drinking $3.50 beers, sleeping in the shade and enjoying good conversation. While the beach was peaceful enough we were on the lookout for crocodiles, jellyfish and snakes. Luckily we did not find any of the three and all us together after hearing story after story of wildlife attacks agreed we made the right choice studying in New Zealand.
On the last day before we had to get on a 5 hour flight to Auckland followed by the 12 hour drive back to Wellington, we decided to go ATVing or "Quading" as they call it. Got a bit dusty but we all agreed it was a great way to end an awesome trip! Besides the hit our pocket books took we found Aussie was a great vacation to our bigger vacation (haha). The four of us declared many times "we couldn't have gotten along better." Its nice when everything works out the way you want it to and at the same time knowing friendship and fellowship are felt unanimously day in and day out.
Currently back in NZ, hoping that you are experiencing your own adventures. Step out the door because the world is waiting for you!
Photos coming soon!
