Here to See the Wizard

"Toto, I don't think we're in Kans-as anymore." -C'mon, you know who said that.

Yes, I'm really here in the magical land of Oz. I am told that Australia is so nicknamed as a shortened version of the term Aussies and because there really is something magical about the place. Both seem about right.

We arrived in Sydney around 7:30 am yesterday, and after a lengthy slog through immigration and customs, emerged to a lovely, temperate climate outside a bustling airport. An easy ride into Sydney via shared shuttle took us past many backpacker accomodations to our hotel, The Grace. Alas, my backpacker days are long past, but some of those backpacker places looked rather nice. But no complaints on The Grace. It was once a department store, now converted to a hotel in the center of the business district.

The day was spent doing a little overview exploring. Lee, our friend who lives just outside Sydney, took the bus in to meet Beth and me, and show us her town. We then met a friend from Houston, Betty (who had arrived a couple of days before), for lunch across from the harbor. Lee then clued us in on the Central Business District bus, which is (a) free and (b) makes a loop around the center of town. What better way to get one's bearings! We then went up to the top of the Sydney Tower for an 80-story, 360 degree view of the city. Wow!

That was about it for us for the day. A 24-hour journey to the other side of the world really takes it out of you (though, in truth, it wasn't too bad a flight--it just fouls up the body clock).

This morning Beth, Betty and I were up early to catch yet another flight--this time to Cairns (pronounced Kans), the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. We settled in to a wonderful rental apartment called The Alassio in the resort town of Palm Cove. The rest of the day was spent exploring the town. A word about the Alassio--it is pleasant, spacious, and well-situated. The owners, Sue and Daryl, could not be nicer and just can't do enough for you. We're feeling very welcomed here. There's a nice pool on the site: a true cement pond. It's a salt water pool with a cement bottom and fed by a warm waterfall. Needless to say, a swim was in order after a day of exploring.

Tomorrow is what I've been looking forward to for the longest time: snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef.