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October 23 Australia TripJournal of trip Sept 27, 2006 – Oct 13, 2006: This is a brief recap of my parents 70th birthday trip to Australia with Kelly and I. I've left the itinerary with my comments so you can see how much we tried to do! And, i can recommend all of these accommodations, they were amazing!
27 SEP 06 – WEDNESDAY DEPART THE USA FOR AUSTRALIA
Can’t say the trip was fun, but for a day long journey, it couldn’t have been much better. We met Mom/Dad in LA and the trip to Sydney/Melbourne was fun upstairs in the 747. Great to get underway and good wine on the flight…
29 SEP 06 - FRIDAY ARRIVE MELBOURNE http://melbourne.park.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp
Rooms weren’t ready when we arrived, but the AFL grand final parade was starting at noon so we were able to watch a bit and see some of the city. We walked around a bit and saw the city before getting into our rooms and showering up for a night out. Mom got booed by West Coast Eagle fans because she was wearing a Red/White Warm-up (Sydney Swan colors). We went to Silks in the Crown casino ( a restaurant I’d been to before, and we walked around the casino a bit…everyone was tired, so we went to bed around 10pm.
30 SEP 06 – SATURDAY MELBOURNE
Kelly and I were up early and walked around the City…we found a great Euro café for cappuccino and Croissants, it was called the European and was close to the hotel, across from the Parliament building. Brian, a work buddy picked us up around 12:30 from the hotel and we went to his house for a “footy” BBQ…he had three kids, Simon, Cameron and Phoebe. 10, 8, 6. They were quiet at first, but boy did they warm up. Phoebe had Kelly and I giving her flips all afternoon, she was very charming..
Mom really got into the AFL final…it was a great one with the West Coast Eagles beating the Sydney Swans by one pt after having a huge lead. Brian and his wife Francie were great hosts…we ate so much we skipped dinner…;-)
01 OCT 06 – SUNDAY MELBOURNE
Another day of fun in Melbourne, we went to the Market in Victoria, then went to the river front for a late lunch and some fun. We tried to find a pub for dinner, but with the Final of Rugby League on we ended up at the Hard Rock ;-)
02 OCT 06 – MONDAY MELBOURNE TO MORNINGTON PENINSULA Depart your accommodation and drive to Mornington Peninsula (approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes driving time)
Brian picked up dad and I early Monday and we went to play golf at Royal Melbourne. It was amazing to say the least…really an impressive track. We then drove down to Mornington and the place was amazing. We got there in time to go see a few wineries, T’Galiant and Red Hill. Both were great as was the dinner at the B/B.
03 OCT 06 – TUESDAY MORNINGTON PENINSULA
Another day of golf…this time at the National…we played the Old Course, amazing stuff again…we then went into Sorento and Port Sea, two great cities. We had dinner back at the B/B which was just some wine, cheese and meat…very casual and nice…another great day.
04 OCT 06 – WEDNESDAY MORNINGTON PENINSULA TO AYERS ROCK VIA MELBOURNE
http://www.longitude131.com.au/
Fun drive to the airport (we got lost)…but finally made it in time to get to Ayers Rock…what an amazing place! Pics will speak more than words, but the resort was amazing, the tents were very cool…we didn’t do much on Wednesday but sit at the pool and try to keep the nasty flies off of us…had a great dinner and witnessed a rare storm in the dessert, and of course saw some wildlife ;-)
05 OCT 06 – THURSDAY AYERS ROCK
Two great trips on this day. The first was to Kata Tjuta for a 10k hike around an amazing “rock”…Kelly and I had a great time with fun guides and another couple. In the afternoon we went to Ularu and had a tour with an Aboriginal guide and watched the sunset. Dinner back at Longitude was great as well…
06 OCT 06 – FRIDAY
AYERS ROCK TO THE DAINTREE NATIONAL PARK VIA CAIRNS
Mossman is located in the Daintree National Park, which is made up of lush tropical rainforests, deserted white beaches and breathtaking world heritage areas. Silky Oaks Lodge is surrounded by the lush beauty of the Daintree National Park and overlooks the Mossman River, blending the soothing qualities of the rainforest with the stylish indulgences of a contemporary retreat.
http://www.silkyoakslodge.com.au/
Change of scenery for sure! From the dessert to the rainforest. Another great flight and another great resort.
07 OCT 06 – SATURDAY THE DAINTREE NATIONAL PARK TO CAPE TRIBULATION AND RETURN This morning you will be met at your accommodation by your private car and driver for your journey into the Daintree Rainforest and up to Cape Tribulation and its surrounding areas.
You will travel along the very scenic Captain Cook Highway to the magnificent Daintree River. Here you will board your privately chartered vessel for an early morning cruise where you will have the opportunity to spot crocodiles in the wild. A beautiful home-prepared morning tea is served on board.
Next you will head north to the heights of the Alexander Range, overlooking the Great Barrier Reef. Past banana and tea plantations, then on to Cape Tribulation. Walk along the beach and through the rainforest to the Cape itself.
From here you will enter the Bloomfield Track, as you climb the Donovan and Cowie ranges traversing jungle clad creeks, through spectacular rainforest with ocean views all the way.
The next stop is on the banks of the Woobadda River, where you will have lunch. Enjoy a swim in the clear waters while lunch is being prepared. From here it is on to the Bloomfield River and the Bloomfield Falls. The falls are just a short walk from the vehicle and flow all year round.
On your return you will stop at a deserted beach for a walk, The Daintree Icecream Company then finally to the beautiful Mossman Gorge before returning back to Cairns.
Kelly took the day off for a spa, but Mom/Dad and I went on an amazing trip through the rainforest…we licked a green ants butt, got to pet an Kangaroo, and saw a very rare tree-climbing Kangaroo…the day was a treat. I even ate crocodile and swam in a river!
08 OCT 06 – SUNDAY THE DAINTREE NATIONAL PARK TO THE GREAT BARRIER REEF AND RETURN This morning you will be met at your accommodation by your guide and coach for a full day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef.
Board your high speed catamaran at Marina Mirage Port Douglas for your cruise to Australia’s spectacular Outer Barrier Reef. There are over 200 varieties of colourful corals and an abundance of giant clams and other marine life. Snorkelling equipment is provided and you can also view fish from the semi-submersible vessel or an underwater observatory. Introductory and certified diving is also available at an additional cost. Your tour includes morning and afternoon tea, a lavish smorgasbord lunch and a reef presentation from a marine biologist. (Cruise vessel can accommodate up to 400 people).
Maybe the best day of the trip up until this point! Wow the reef is amazing. I snorkeled and saw some amazing stuff, Kelly and I took a helicopter ride and it was just amazing, including seeing some sharks…we saw the spot were Steve Erwin died…all in all, great day. We blew off the bus home and stayed in Port Douglas for dinner…all in all…great day. If you go to this part of the world, Port Douglas would be a great place to stay…lots of fun nightlife.
09 OCT 06 – MONDAY THE DAINTREE NATIONAL PARK TO SYDNEY VIA CAIRNS
Finally to Sydney…last stop and great to see Greg and Becky…we made the flight just fine and had a great night staying up and talking with G/B.
10 OCT 06 – TUESDAY We are off to do the bridge climb…can’t wait!! Wow…wish we could have taken pictures of the bridge climb, it was amazing. We had a great dinner in a café by Greg/Becky’s…
11 OCT 06 – WEDNESDAY Boat day!!! What fun out on the harbor…we ate in Darlington Harbour, made it close to the Heads, and just had fun. Becky cooked dinner and we had another great day.
12 OCT 06 – THURSDAY Golf Day! We played at the Australian, amazing course. Then we went to see Pirates of Penxance at the Opera House…truly amazing building.
13 OCT 06 - FRIDAY Home!!! Kelly and i missed our connection in LA and spent a fun 6 hours at LAX, but other than that, no complaints the whole trip!!! February 27 12th Bday partyWow! 9 girls ages 11 - 12 is interesting! The girls all road the bus home with Alex and from the minute they got off the bus it was pure energy. We took a stretch limo to Gameworks and then ate at Benihana...i've never seen Alex have so much fun in my life (or hers)...The girls racked up an impressive non-alcoholic bar tab in thierr Budha glasses full of pina colada's and frozen strawberry stuff ;-)
We got home around 9pm and had cake followed by what sounded like a lot of singing and truth or dare...most of the girls left around 10:30pm except for her friend Carrie who slept over.
Girls gave her so many cute gifts it was amazing, i know she was exhausted and depressed Saturday morning when Carrie finally went home, it was a crazy 16 hours.
February 22 First Vball TourneyWell, Alex and her team had their first tourney. Results weren't good on the scoreboard, but the girls had fun and got better every game almost winning their final contest. Alex played well and had a great day. We were in Everett from 8am until 5pm+ Long day, but a lot of fun...can't wait for tourney two on March 18th. January 25 Where is the time going!End of January...only 4 1/2 months left for Alex in Seattle. She had her Honor Band concert the other day and i must say, she's an excellent Tuba player!!! Good news about the concert for Alex is that her schedule gets a little better now that it's over...she actually gets a free evening now...
After 28 days of rain, the sun is finally shining a bit, which is good. Alex is doing great at Volleyball and Gymnastics so life is good ;-)
Mark December 22 Holiday timeAlex has made it to the holidays...Grades are great and her Volleyball team went undefeated. Her Christmas list is long as usual...lots of games and gift cards on the list...
Alex had her first skiing experience...she's a natural and i forsee lots of time on the slopes this winter! Check out the pix from Mt. Baker
January will be busy, as she's on a new volleyball team that practices Wed/Saturday, she has Honor Band twice a week...plus gymnastics...
November 01 Alex's First Month in SeattleIt's been a busy first month for both of us in Seattle. Alex is making friends, getting into her activities and settling in. We've found a part-time nanny who is helping out after school, she's had a handful of sleepovers and of course has had several good shopping trips ;-).
Her schedule these days includes:
Monday: 8:00am Band, 4:30 Tuba lessons, 6:30 VB practice
Tuesday: 5pm horseback
Wednesday: 2:30 Gymnastics
Thursday: VB games
Friday: 8:00am Band
I've attached some pictures from her first Band concert and from Halloween. More to come!!!
July 25 Italy JournalJune 20 – July 12th You'll need to follow along with the pictures from "my blog"
A lovely time spent in Italy with my daughter, Alex, Kelly, her two kids (Derek and Emily) and her Mother Jan. Here we are in the limo going to the airport…when I was a kid of 11 a stretch limo would have been a big deal…our kids are a bit different ;-)
We arrived in Rome via Detroit from Seattle on Tuesday, June 21st and checked into a great hotel, Capo De Africa, just blocks from the Coliseum. Alex liked the modern art in the hotel:
On the first day, we walked from the hotel to the Spanish steps…not a short walk…on the way we stopped at the Trevi fountain and got shooed away by the Police for having our feet in the fountain (ignore my thumb too):
Alex walked the Spanish steps with me and we took some great photo’s of the city from high above:
Tuesday night I had a conference call for wok (promise I didn’t do too much in my 3 weeks, but duty called that night…the troops went out for dinner that night…everyone slept well.
Wednesday June 22nd (yes, my 39th Bday!!!)
Another walk to the Spanish steps so all the kids could count them…then on to the Rome Zoo…on the way the kids found a kiddy ride in Villa Borgehse:
The day was marked by Emily’s obsession with the 6 person park bikes that she wanted to rent…thank god we passed ;-)…The zoo was fun, but day two meant tired kids…so not much else on Wednesday…
Thursday, June 23rd
We had a tour guide and saw ancient Rome. Started at St. Cemente Church near our hotel which was fascinating…they’ve excavated below the church and found an old Pagan Temple and what was likely a Mint for Roman coins…amazing that they’ve gone 2 levels below the church to find all of this…we visited the Coliseum, Roman Forum and the Pantheon…I think the kids were blown away by it all…here are some of the pic highlights:
Coliseum :
Roman Forum:
Pantheon:
Played games all night with the kids on the deck of our hotel…Alex’s first Farkle game (don’t ask) and Grandma Jan’s empty Bilini glass ;-)
Friday June 24th
Off to the train to find some ruins at Osteia Antiqua. Kids enjoyed roaming the ruins of this ancient city…Alex and Emily ended up sitting with two Nuns on the train ride and had quite the talk…wish we could have heard this one. This was a port town during the Roman Empire days…apparently the key diet was bread in Rome and because of the water system back then, grain was housed in this town before moving up to Rome…it was amazing. Alex had the camera this day and took more pictures than could ever be shown…but here is a great one of the theatre that was in amazing shape:
Friday night we had a nice meal and got some rest for the travel day.
Saturday, June 25th
Nice drive from Rome to our Villa outside of Sorrento…nice if you like driving a van on roads barely big enough for two smart cars!!!! More on that later. But we made it to the Villa and it was amazing…here is the first sunset from our porch:
Sunday June 26th
After driving to the Villa I decided I couldn’t drive more than every other day on these roads or the vacation would be ruined ;-) So Sunday was spent, as many days would be, in the pool….and hanging out at the villa playing games.
Monday June 27th
Ventured off to Sorrento to see the sites, get our bearings, etc…beautiful place with amazing old streets and shops:
And of course, the day we realized the kids were getting BURNED and incredibly tired:
Tuesday, June 28th
As the rules were stated…this was a day for the villa ;-) No driving two days in a row for me…
Wednesday, June 29th
Now I remember why I made the rule…and realized why all the cars have their side mirrors either tucked in or removed…I drove on some of the hilliest, narrow roads with mountains and or cliffs that I care to remember. Drove through Positano, Amalfi and stopped in Ravello…home of some of the best ceramics in the world. Kelly had a shopping spree to say the least…
One of the wide roads:
View from Ravello…their ability to farm on the side of a mountain is amazing…
Thursday June 30th
Great day…we were driven to the Marina where we took a small boat up and down the coast. Truly spectacular views. We stopped in Positano and Amalfi and got to look around and shop…unfortunately, I forgot my camera ;-)
Friday July 1st: The other rule was no driving on the weekends…we’d let the Tourists take over and enjoy the Villa…luckily, we got the sunset of a lifetime. This is the sun setting over Capri…did I mention I liked the Villa? Save the bugs of course and the barking dogs…
Saturday, July 2nd and Sunday July 3rd
More of the same from Friday ;-)
Monday, July 4th
Off to Capri!!! We took a Ferry over to Capri and Alex, Derek and I road up a chair lift to the top of Anacapri…felt like we were on top of the world to say the least!!!
Alex also got her first pair of handmade shoes…this picture proves it ;-)
Enjoyed Capri to say the least…
Tuesday, July 5th
One week left in Italy…wow time is flying…kids are in the pool with Puff (one of the many donations we’ll be making to the Villa) and I’m catching up on the journal…
Wednesday, July 6th
Off to Pompeii!!! Great time looking at some amazing ruins…how could your favorite not be the cast of some poor guy buried in ash for 1000 years?
Add to the ruins an amazing drink that was a mixture of fresh orange and lemon juice and you have a great day!!!! Of course, convincing the girls that Vesuvius was going to blow again and we’d be buried alive (causing crying, praying and nightmares) was fun for me ;-)
Thursday, July 7th
Kid day for me...I dropped off Kelly and Jan at 9:30am in Sorrento and had the kids at the villa…well…after a stop in Santa Agata for some good coffee for me…it was a good day, picked up the gals around 6pm and had dinner out at a great restaurant in Massa….all in all, casual, fun day…
Friday, July 8th
Last day at the Villa…spent doing laundry, getting packed, last fun in the pool and eating all the leftovers we could manage!....fun relaxing day, last of the Farcle, and other fun games…said goodbye to Puff the inflatable dragon ;-). It was amazing shopping every other day for fresh food in the local towns, going to separate butcher, fruit/veggie, pastry shops, etc to make meals that were so fresh and amazing…add the $7 Euro wines that were amazing and eating at the Villa was a highlight for weeks.
Saturday, July 9th
Back to Rome and 100mph speeds in the Van…got back with little trouble…and walked around a bit. Got into trouble for letting Derek and Emily have a second Gelato cone, but such is the price of being a grown up kid with money ;-). New hotel is nice, Regina on Via Venetto…here is Alex in a big comfy chair on Sunday…
Sunday, July 10th
Off to see some stuff we’ve missed like the Piazza Navarro
We also went to see the Saint Maria Maggiore church…one of the most amazing churches for me…the art, the history…next to the Vatican (see notes for Monday ;-) it is the best sight in Rome…well, we also went back to Trevi Fountain for more Gelato…
Had our first minor accident as Jan tripped on a lose stone and chipped her two front teeth…she was an absolute warrior though and never once complained…
Monday, July 11th
Vatican day and the reminder that you need at least 3 days at the Vatican to see anything…Day started by us cutting in an hour long line because our tour guide was so aggressive we had no choice. We were not very popular ;-). We started with the Rafael rooms and Sistine Chapel. From there, off to St. Peters. Sylvia was great, anyone wanting to go to Rome should use this woman, she was excellent especially with the kids. Here are a few good pics from the Vatican
Pope John Paul II tomb:
Kids with the Swedish Guards:
Alex touching St. Peter’s foot:
Kid’s with our tour guide Sylvia:
Tuesday, July 12th
Up early…3:30am for the flights…we almost made it home without issue, but with a few hours to go, Emily got an upset stomach and Derek got a migraine…so the last few hours were interesting ;-)…but we made it…the trip is over and the jet lag has begun….
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