Good Afternoon to all of our Family and Friends!
This post will be the last about vacation, with two more posts coming, one from myself and one from Diana about a reflection on our trip.
So we last left the two world travelers in Cairns, Australia awaiting their departure into the longest Wednesday ever! The day began with a 9am wake up call, with a 1030 cab to the airport and finally our first flight at 1pm from Cairns to Sydney. The flight was again with Qantas, and perfect as usual with full meal service! We had a 5 hour layover in Sydney before boarding our overnight flight to Honolulu! The flight was wonderful and we all at least got a bit of sleep! When we landed in Honolulu at 1115am (Still Wednesday now) we had to get off the plane, go through immigration, get our bags, recheck them and get to the gate in one hour and fifteen minutes. Alas, this connection was not meant to be. We did not make our connection and after a very frustrating and tension filled hour trying to find another flight (due to stress and a lack of sleep to start), we settled on a 905pm flight that night, with a very early landing in San Francisco! So we had about eight hours to kill before our flight. So Diana and I set off and make our first stop the massage chairs... the best ten dollars for thirty minutes we spent! Afterwards we had a few drinks and food and then pulled up a bit of carpet in the terminal and took a nap. Afterwards we grabbed some more food, we boarded the plane for our final vacation destination, San Francisco!!!
We arrived in San Fran about 430am, very tired, and made our way to the hotel, the Argonaut, located at the end of Fisherman's Wharf. We quickly found our beds and off we went into dreamland! We passed on driving around on Thursday and slept in, by my parents and Johanna (who had arrived safely Wednesday morning) went off to see the Golden Gate Bridge and Muir Woods! Diana and I arose and decided to walk the wharf, having lunch (and lunch Friday and Breakfast Saturday) and Boudin Bread Company, then heading down to pier 39 for shopping. We then settled into Players Sports Bar and Arcade to have dinner and watch the Phillies play the Giants! Johanna came down to join us for food, drinks and games and an excellent Phillies win! After a great night with our bartener Matt, we headed back to the hotel since Friday was an early morning!
Friday, all five of us got up early and headed to Pier 33, which is where the boats to Alcatraz depart from!!! We had pre-purchased our tickets, which you have to do in order to get tickets, so we boarded the 1030 ferry and headed to the island! It was amazing to be there after just seeing it in books and movies for so long!! Diana, Johanna and I toured together, getting the chance to have the audio tour in the main jail cellblock. I even had the chance to get locked up in a solitary cell...it was so dark and a bit scary!! After a few hours, we headed back to the mainland to get ready for the Phillies game that night. We headed to AT&T Park and had incredible seats where we could see the entire park as well as McCovey Cove! The Phils killed the Giants that night and we walked away happy to see the Giants lose!!
Saturday was another early morning as the Phillies had a day game....Our seats for this game were almost exactly the same as the night before and again seeing the Phils beat the Giants 2-1! After the game we headed to do some last minute shopping then had dinner for Johanna's Birthday at this great Italian restaurant on the Wharf. It was a great way to cap off the trip in San Francisco and the trip as a whole!
Sunday was another early day as we departed San Francisco for home. While we were so sad and not so ready to come home (still after a month we could have spent more time away!) the excitement continues as there are many exciting visits, events and parties on the horizon. We thank you for following us throughout or trip and we hope to have inspired you to start looking into your own vacation! Diana and I will each post our thoughts and personal comments about the trip this coming week to close down our blog. Thank you again and we appreciate all your love and support!
Xoxo
Stacy and Diana
Monday, August 8, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
Wrapping up Australia!
Good Afternoon Blog Followers!!!
First a thank you to my wife for her excellent blog post while I was away at sea!
Well here we are, at the end of our Australian leg of our vacation. I arrived back in Cairns yesterday via a very small plane where I got to see the Great Barrier Reef from the air! The diving on the reef was great, but unfortunately limited for both my dad and me. After one dive, my dad came down with a bout of seasickness and did not complete another dive. I, after my third dive, ended up with a clogged ear, and in case you don't know, you cant dive unless you have clear ears. So while we did not dive as much as we hoped, we, in fact, did scuba dive on the Reef!
Last night was one of relaxation for us, with lunch out and dinner at the hotel watching some cheesy movies! Today we ventured out for last minute shopping and fun. We will finish our packing tonight, as tommorow is our big day of travel. We will be in the air for 18 hours, on three flights, arriving in San Francisco Wednesday evening (we hope!)...a tight layover in Honolulu might mess up the plans! So there will be no post here until Thursday Evening! Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we embark on one very long travel day...and for my sister as well who will be arriving in San Fran Wednesday morning!
So to close the Australian leg, here are some more fun highlights and points of interest!
Love to All!
Stacy and Diana
1. We have tried Kangaroo (pretty much like steak, not gamey at all!) and Crocodile (Tastes like dense chicken...Diana said chicken would be more dense if they had more room to "workout"- like that Yo?!?)
2. We tried Vegemite...terrible from the word go... stay away from it!
3. There are no Burger Kings here...they go under the name Hungry Jack's... Diana had the Whopper, and it was exactly like the Whopper at home, just more mayo here! And the fries were better!
4. Bathroom= Loo (like in England)..Porta Potty=Portaloo...LOL
5. The casino across the street does not have quarter slots...reason?? No 25 cent piece here!
6. We received a full out meal on a three hour flight on Qantas....suggestion...fly Qantas as much as possible!
7. Appetizers are called Entrees... Entrees are called the Main Course
8. My mother has found that Bottled Water here is eerily similar to bottled water at home (this was a huge concern for her before we left!)
9. FYI..Uggs sold in the US are made in China...we were told all are fake!!
10. The people living Down Under are some of the most wonderful we have met and are sad to say goodbye tomorrow....we highly suggest adding Australia to your list of vacation destinations!!
First a thank you to my wife for her excellent blog post while I was away at sea!
Well here we are, at the end of our Australian leg of our vacation. I arrived back in Cairns yesterday via a very small plane where I got to see the Great Barrier Reef from the air! The diving on the reef was great, but unfortunately limited for both my dad and me. After one dive, my dad came down with a bout of seasickness and did not complete another dive. I, after my third dive, ended up with a clogged ear, and in case you don't know, you cant dive unless you have clear ears. So while we did not dive as much as we hoped, we, in fact, did scuba dive on the Reef!
Last night was one of relaxation for us, with lunch out and dinner at the hotel watching some cheesy movies! Today we ventured out for last minute shopping and fun. We will finish our packing tonight, as tommorow is our big day of travel. We will be in the air for 18 hours, on three flights, arriving in San Francisco Wednesday evening (we hope!)...a tight layover in Honolulu might mess up the plans! So there will be no post here until Thursday Evening! Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we embark on one very long travel day...and for my sister as well who will be arriving in San Fran Wednesday morning!
So to close the Australian leg, here are some more fun highlights and points of interest!
Love to All!
Stacy and Diana
1. We have tried Kangaroo (pretty much like steak, not gamey at all!) and Crocodile (Tastes like dense chicken...Diana said chicken would be more dense if they had more room to "workout"- like that Yo?!?)
2. We tried Vegemite...terrible from the word go... stay away from it!
3. There are no Burger Kings here...they go under the name Hungry Jack's... Diana had the Whopper, and it was exactly like the Whopper at home, just more mayo here! And the fries were better!
4. Bathroom= Loo (like in England)..Porta Potty=Portaloo...LOL
5. The casino across the street does not have quarter slots...reason?? No 25 cent piece here!
6. We received a full out meal on a three hour flight on Qantas....suggestion...fly Qantas as much as possible!
7. Appetizers are called Entrees... Entrees are called the Main Course
8. My mother has found that Bottled Water here is eerily similar to bottled water at home (this was a huge concern for her before we left!)
9. FYI..Uggs sold in the US are made in China...we were told all are fake!!
10. The people living Down Under are some of the most wonderful we have met and are sad to say goodbye tomorrow....we highly suggest adding Australia to your list of vacation destinations!!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Great Barrier Reef adventures!!
Hello all,
I saw Stacy and John off last night as they boarded Spoilsport, their 4 day liveaboard with about 20 passengers and 12 crew! They will be diving day and night, and will be back on Monday morning. I'm sure they're having a fantastic time and just as you, I can't wait to hear all about it!!
It's Friday night here in Cairns, and I spent my Friday on Reef Experience, a daytripper to 2 outer reefs (Hastings and Saxon). It was a bit bumpy getting out there (those of you who rode the hydrofoil to/from Naples and Capri may know what I mean by bumpy - I was focused on the horizon for a while!)... Anyhow, once at the reef, the waters calmed. I got in and it was absolutely amazing!!! So much coral, so much animal life, and the most different and brightly colored fishies than I've ever seen in one place! I even saw an eel and a dolphin today! I almost spotted a whale, but I think he was hiding :( It was the most awesome experience, I'm so glad I went, even though I was alone! There was a photographer scuba diving in the waters so I did purchase a few professional pics, which I will post asap. I had a great day!
After showering off the salty ocean, I had a yummy steak dinner (yes, beef, not roo or emu - yet!) and then of course some gelato, which is quite abundant in the land down under. Now to relax and get a good night of sleep, especially since I was up so early this morning. It's supposed to be sunny tomorrow, so I think I may spend the day sunbathing by the pool :) Aaah, this is the life!
There was a moment today when I was floating in the ocean in the beautiful reef, a World Heritage location, and I just had to savor it. This is the trip of a lifetime, and today was an experience of a lifetime! And I am so grateful that I am fortunate enough to be able to take a trip like this and experience the world, live life to the fullest, see as much as possible, take it all in. I will likely not be back here ever again in my life, and there are many people who will never get here in their lifetime... and I am just so grateful to be here. I recognize how fortunate I am and promise to savor every moment. Today was definitely a day to sit back and reflect on how awesome this is. The Great Barrier Reef is something I've only read about in books - until now!
Well followers, I'm off and will write again in Stacy's absence asap. Hope everyone has a good start to their weekend and is staying cool!!
Love,
Diana and Stacy
xoxo
I saw Stacy and John off last night as they boarded Spoilsport, their 4 day liveaboard with about 20 passengers and 12 crew! They will be diving day and night, and will be back on Monday morning. I'm sure they're having a fantastic time and just as you, I can't wait to hear all about it!!
It's Friday night here in Cairns, and I spent my Friday on Reef Experience, a daytripper to 2 outer reefs (Hastings and Saxon). It was a bit bumpy getting out there (those of you who rode the hydrofoil to/from Naples and Capri may know what I mean by bumpy - I was focused on the horizon for a while!)... Anyhow, once at the reef, the waters calmed. I got in and it was absolutely amazing!!! So much coral, so much animal life, and the most different and brightly colored fishies than I've ever seen in one place! I even saw an eel and a dolphin today! I almost spotted a whale, but I think he was hiding :( It was the most awesome experience, I'm so glad I went, even though I was alone! There was a photographer scuba diving in the waters so I did purchase a few professional pics, which I will post asap. I had a great day!
After showering off the salty ocean, I had a yummy steak dinner (yes, beef, not roo or emu - yet!) and then of course some gelato, which is quite abundant in the land down under. Now to relax and get a good night of sleep, especially since I was up so early this morning. It's supposed to be sunny tomorrow, so I think I may spend the day sunbathing by the pool :) Aaah, this is the life!
There was a moment today when I was floating in the ocean in the beautiful reef, a World Heritage location, and I just had to savor it. This is the trip of a lifetime, and today was an experience of a lifetime! And I am so grateful that I am fortunate enough to be able to take a trip like this and experience the world, live life to the fullest, see as much as possible, take it all in. I will likely not be back here ever again in my life, and there are many people who will never get here in their lifetime... and I am just so grateful to be here. I recognize how fortunate I am and promise to savor every moment. Today was definitely a day to sit back and reflect on how awesome this is. The Great Barrier Reef is something I've only read about in books - until now!
Well followers, I'm off and will write again in Stacy's absence asap. Hope everyone has a good start to their weekend and is staying cool!!
Love,
Diana and Stacy
xoxo
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Hello from Cairns (Pronounced Cans)
Greetings to the fellow blog followers from my terminal at the local 24 hour convenience store!
We have arrived safely in Cairns after our short flight from Sydney. Cairns is everything Sydney is not. It is like going from New York City to a Resort point in Florida! So yesterday was basically our travel day..not too much else to report from there!
Today however was very exciting! After sleeping in (YAY!), the four of us headed off to tour the world's oldest rainforest. We did this two ways. First we arrived at the Skyrail, which is a gondola car that carries us for an hour above the rainforest tops, with two stops to walk around for pictures! When we arrived at the top we came across the little town of Kuranda, a town in the middle of the rainforest, complete with hotel, supermarket and post office! We spent time walking the streets and happened upon a Koala Sanctuary, where we (Diana and I) actually held a real live Koala!!!!!!!!!! Picures will be uploaded as soon as possible...network issues! We then had lunch, the four of us, at a little cafe, and more shopping commenced. At 3:30, we boarded a train that would take us for our return trip down the rainforest...the train's cars were some that rode the tracks when they were first laid 120 years ago!!! We arrived back at our hotel at 530, just in time for Happy Hour where Diana, Sharon and I enjoyed some yummy wine and spirits! We capped off our evening with some terrible chinese food (Never eat at the chinese place inside the casino in Cairns!) and played a few games of Roulette. We will be heading off to finish our evening as soon as I am done typing!
Tomorrow I head off for 4 days of Scuba Diving along the Great Barrier Reef...Diana has said she will update the blog with her activities and I will fill you in when I get back Monday (Sunday for you guys!) Until then, have a great weekend and go Phils!
Love
Stacy and Diana
We have arrived safely in Cairns after our short flight from Sydney. Cairns is everything Sydney is not. It is like going from New York City to a Resort point in Florida! So yesterday was basically our travel day..not too much else to report from there!
Today however was very exciting! After sleeping in (YAY!), the four of us headed off to tour the world's oldest rainforest. We did this two ways. First we arrived at the Skyrail, which is a gondola car that carries us for an hour above the rainforest tops, with two stops to walk around for pictures! When we arrived at the top we came across the little town of Kuranda, a town in the middle of the rainforest, complete with hotel, supermarket and post office! We spent time walking the streets and happened upon a Koala Sanctuary, where we (Diana and I) actually held a real live Koala!!!!!!!!!! Picures will be uploaded as soon as possible...network issues! We then had lunch, the four of us, at a little cafe, and more shopping commenced. At 3:30, we boarded a train that would take us for our return trip down the rainforest...the train's cars were some that rode the tracks when they were first laid 120 years ago!!! We arrived back at our hotel at 530, just in time for Happy Hour where Diana, Sharon and I enjoyed some yummy wine and spirits! We capped off our evening with some terrible chinese food (Never eat at the chinese place inside the casino in Cairns!) and played a few games of Roulette. We will be heading off to finish our evening as soon as I am done typing!
Tomorrow I head off for 4 days of Scuba Diving along the Great Barrier Reef...Diana has said she will update the blog with her activities and I will fill you in when I get back Monday (Sunday for you guys!) Until then, have a great weekend and go Phils!
Love
Stacy and Diana
Sunday, July 24, 2011
A Little Fun!!!
To change things up we have a little fun.... We came up with a few top ten lists, and today we deploy our first list....and now Diana and Stacy present....
Top Ten important observations so far on Vacation
10. Burger King is called Hungry Jack
9. You can swipe your debit card, enter it as credit, and give your pin...confusing??
8. We should have packed more Mucinex D ( who really thought we would go through that much!)
7. Stacy should have packed another pair of jeans, cause both were wet at the same time.
7a.Stacy should have packed another sweatshirt, cause both were wet at the same time!
6. Diana did not need her water shoes... Could have packed another pair of jeans...lol!!
5. Australia Ketchup= Tomato Sauce....tomato sauce=??????
4. We got to see a Dugong and Duck Billed Platypus!!
3. Who knew we needed rain gear.. Wettest July in 50 years...only while we are here!
2. Not only do they have Kangaroo Jerky, but Emu Jerky as well! Might need to try it!
And the number one observation is...
1. Local bank LJ Hooker, where their motto is, " No one does it better!!!!!"
Top Ten important observations so far on Vacation
10. Burger King is called Hungry Jack
9. You can swipe your debit card, enter it as credit, and give your pin...confusing??
8. We should have packed more Mucinex D ( who really thought we would go through that much!)
7. Stacy should have packed another pair of jeans, cause both were wet at the same time.
7a.Stacy should have packed another sweatshirt, cause both were wet at the same time!
6. Diana did not need her water shoes... Could have packed another pair of jeans...lol!!
5. Australia Ketchup= Tomato Sauce....tomato sauce=??????
4. We got to see a Dugong and Duck Billed Platypus!!
3. Who knew we needed rain gear.. Wettest July in 50 years...only while we are here!
2. Not only do they have Kangaroo Jerky, but Emu Jerky as well! Might need to try it!
And the number one observation is...
1. Local bank LJ Hooker, where their motto is, " No one does it better!!!!!"
Exploring Sydney and Beyond!
Good Morning Blog Followers!!!
I am back at the helm of writing after giving Diana a crack at it and taking the day off yesterday!
So here we have completed our weekend as it is currently Sunday evening here, with to or row being our last full day in Sydney:( Our weekend, however, was most excellent as the rains finally subsided ( the most rain here in July in 50 years, go figure!)
So yesterday (Saturday), Diana and I got up early and headed down to Circular Quay ( in the last of the rain),to catch the city hop on, hop off bus, where we get to see the entire city and get off and on the bus as we please! We got to see Pitt Street, the most expensive street in Australia with some fancy stores! We then saw Hyde Park, a swing by the Opera House, out to the " happening" section of town...wink, wink.. And a few of the older buildings. We finally hopped off the bus in the Rocks where the street was shut down for a outdoor market! We walked the market, stopped in a store for fresh scones, cream, jelly and beverages...very lovely! We walked back through town to the Hyde Park Barracks, which have been there since the time of the convicts! Afterward we hit the Australian Museum, because we are nerds like that, and then went to Queen Victoria Place, one of the shopping areas.
After our very busy day, we rested and headed out for dinner at, again, Wagamama! We capped off the evening at the hotel bar, with Albert, our fantastic bartender! My parents came by after church and drank and ate dinner at the bar with us! My parents also got to do their tour of the Opera House today too! It was a great day and fantastic evening!
So today, Sunday, Diana and I were again up and out!! We decided on a trip west to the Blue Mountains, which we found out are blue because of the eucalyptus oils emitted from the trees creates a blue haze... Totally awesome! So we hopped the city trains and two hours later were well into the mountains where we again, grabbed a hop on, hop off bus and we found ourselves in one amazing setting! Please consult Diana's fb page for some fantastic pics! We then hopped back on and back to the little town of Katoombah ...where we found a lovely cafe...imagine Cracker Barrel on steroids! It was great! Lunch was pumpkin soup and open faced grilled cheese! We then headed back into Sydney for a relaxing evening!
Tomorrow will be time for my Dad and I to climb to the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge, then the zoo!!
Hope everyone at home is holding up in the heat...we sympathize with you!!
Much love
Stacy and Diana
I am back at the helm of writing after giving Diana a crack at it and taking the day off yesterday!
So here we have completed our weekend as it is currently Sunday evening here, with to or row being our last full day in Sydney:( Our weekend, however, was most excellent as the rains finally subsided ( the most rain here in July in 50 years, go figure!)
So yesterday (Saturday), Diana and I got up early and headed down to Circular Quay ( in the last of the rain),to catch the city hop on, hop off bus, where we get to see the entire city and get off and on the bus as we please! We got to see Pitt Street, the most expensive street in Australia with some fancy stores! We then saw Hyde Park, a swing by the Opera House, out to the " happening" section of town...wink, wink.. And a few of the older buildings. We finally hopped off the bus in the Rocks where the street was shut down for a outdoor market! We walked the market, stopped in a store for fresh scones, cream, jelly and beverages...very lovely! We walked back through town to the Hyde Park Barracks, which have been there since the time of the convicts! Afterward we hit the Australian Museum, because we are nerds like that, and then went to Queen Victoria Place, one of the shopping areas.
After our very busy day, we rested and headed out for dinner at, again, Wagamama! We capped off the evening at the hotel bar, with Albert, our fantastic bartender! My parents came by after church and drank and ate dinner at the bar with us! My parents also got to do their tour of the Opera House today too! It was a great day and fantastic evening!
So today, Sunday, Diana and I were again up and out!! We decided on a trip west to the Blue Mountains, which we found out are blue because of the eucalyptus oils emitted from the trees creates a blue haze... Totally awesome! So we hopped the city trains and two hours later were well into the mountains where we again, grabbed a hop on, hop off bus and we found ourselves in one amazing setting! Please consult Diana's fb page for some fantastic pics! We then hopped back on and back to the little town of Katoombah ...where we found a lovely cafe...imagine Cracker Barrel on steroids! It was great! Lunch was pumpkin soup and open faced grilled cheese! We then headed back into Sydney for a relaxing evening!
Tomorrow will be time for my Dad and I to climb to the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge, then the zoo!!
Hope everyone at home is holding up in the heat...we sympathize with you!!
Much love
Stacy and Diana
Friday, July 22, 2011
Drying out!
Mornin friends!
Friday in Sydney started off as a soggy mess yet again. Apparently Sydney is experiencing record-breaking rain... Go figure! After breakfast, we headed to the Sydney Opera House for a scheduled morning tour. Well, we were delayed due to both main concert halls being in use, so we had to reschedule for the afternoon. We took a ferry ride around Sydney and Darling Harbours just for fun to pass some time while it rained and rained!
The Sydney Opera House is absolutely stunning inside! We weren't sure what to exactly expect, but we were amazed at the architecture and beauty of the exterior of the building as well as the inside space. If we ever happen to be back in Sydney, we would love to catch a show... All sorts of shows are put on there, from opera to plays to orchestral performances, even rock concerts!
When we left the opera house, the rain had stopped!! We were so excited that Stacy was skipping along the harbor...hahaha... So we went for a nice walk along The Rocks, took some pictures, did some window shopping, and then had dinner at a restaurant called Pancakes on the Rocks! Delicious!
The rain is supposed to ease up the next 2 days, so we are hoping to do some more outdoor activities without our umbrellas!
I think I will enjoy reading a book tonight since Stacy has confiscated the TV and is watching cricket... Lol. Happy Friday everyone!
Xo,
Diana and Stacy
Friday in Sydney started off as a soggy mess yet again. Apparently Sydney is experiencing record-breaking rain... Go figure! After breakfast, we headed to the Sydney Opera House for a scheduled morning tour. Well, we were delayed due to both main concert halls being in use, so we had to reschedule for the afternoon. We took a ferry ride around Sydney and Darling Harbours just for fun to pass some time while it rained and rained!
The Sydney Opera House is absolutely stunning inside! We weren't sure what to exactly expect, but we were amazed at the architecture and beauty of the exterior of the building as well as the inside space. If we ever happen to be back in Sydney, we would love to catch a show... All sorts of shows are put on there, from opera to plays to orchestral performances, even rock concerts!
When we left the opera house, the rain had stopped!! We were so excited that Stacy was skipping along the harbor...hahaha... So we went for a nice walk along The Rocks, took some pictures, did some window shopping, and then had dinner at a restaurant called Pancakes on the Rocks! Delicious!
The rain is supposed to ease up the next 2 days, so we are hoping to do some more outdoor activities without our umbrellas!
I think I will enjoy reading a book tonight since Stacy has confiscated the TV and is watching cricket... Lol. Happy Friday everyone!
Xo,
Diana and Stacy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)