Photos

It seems the server is down on Snapfish...so, here's the link. I will give a better one if it is offered soon:

http://www5.snapfish.com.au/snapfishau/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=4311269014/a=113203351_113203351/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/

Categories:

Tasmania: The Land of Rainbows and Mushrooms

It's been a pretty relaxed few weeks, but now we have gone on another wonderful weekend trip: Tasmania. We absolutely loved this beautiful land. As the post title suggests, it is a magical land.

Last week, Paul had to go to Singapore on a business trip and I was left to do as I please. So, that was just me packing for Tasmania and getting all our other trips squared away. I felt so bad though when he came back, he was so tired, he just fell on the bed and was asleep in minutes. Although, I did get presents! Anyway, back to the trip.

Saturday: We left early in the morning and arrived in Hobart around 9:30. Our friend Vish took the same flight and was meeting up with some friends that were flying in from Melbourne. Apparently, their flight was delayed, so we took Vish to the Hobart Open Air Market and just walked around. Hobart is a lovely city, almost like Asheville, except it is on a coast. We loved the mountains that surrounded the city and even saw a rainbow! When Vish's friends arrived, we left Hobart and went on our own adventures on the west side of the island.

Although the trees in Australia are not like our trees in autumn where they do the full color change, there were a few trees that were a beautiful yellow. It felt more like fall in Tasmania than in Sydney. Fall is my favorite time of year, so I couldn't stop smiling! We looked at our first night's accommodation's directions and saw that they recommended a salmon farm. We at first scoffed saying why would anyone go to a salmon farm? Paul then of course said why not and we turned off the road. It was a lovely place and the fish were ridiculously big. In our pictures, the ones with the yellow trees are all from the farm. Interesting little stop.

We did a few hikes along the way, including the Russell Falls. The entire west side of Tasmania is a World Heritage area. It was very cool. On our way to Derwent Bridge where we were to spend the night, we drove at night. Such a poor decision because all the animals want to get hit it seems. Luckily we did not hit any of them...however, we did find our first...WOMBAT!!! This little creature has been eluding us for some time. That and the platypus. When we found it, he was just sitting in the middle of the road and I started yelling at Paul to get the camera, but we were too slow. Sadness!

Sunday: From our cabin, we left to see Lake St. Clair and try to find platy-pi...of course, no luck. I guess it's really difficult to find one of them. Also, throughout the trip, we couldn't find a Tasmanian Devil either. But there's a reason for that: they are going extinct. They are suffering from a disease that is killing them off rapidly and it's quite sad. We of course donated to the fund of saving the Tasmanian Devil. Poor things...what's a world without them?

We traveled up to Cradle Mountain, which took longer than anticipated. I did not factor in how long it would take to get from one area to the next. My bad. Well, we made it, and did a circuit around Dove Lake, which is right in front of the mountain. It was beautiful and the pictures show it! It was freezing cold though as the pictures show as well. It is so wonderful to walk around in woods though. We then also found our second wombat, which we took lots of photos and videos! They are so precious and I just wanna hold them. But I was sure this wombat would not have it.

After our trip, we drove from Cradle Mountain, back to Hobart, another long trip. Oops. But I decided to help Paul by driving...first time on the wrong side. It was not so bad...until I hit a kangaroo. It was gross and after I told Paul he had to drive. It left little hairs on the bumper. Ew. Very sad and very gross experience.

Monday: I forgot to mention! Paul had Monday off because in Australia, this weekend is known as Anzac (Australian New Zealand Army Corps) Day-their Memorial day. One town we stopped at had completely shut down to go to a memorial service. So, it was neat to see that.

We then went off to the southern tip of Tasmania and did the Tahune Air Walk, which is a raised platform above the trees that you can walk on. We did a longer hike around as well.

Before we left, we ran off to Mt. Wellington to see the gorgeous view from up top. Yes, the view was spectacular...but the weather was so cold! Of course, we didn't have gloves or hats, so we just froze while taking photos...and my lips were so chapped and windburn, I am still nursing them back to health! But it was worth it. Afterward, we left for Hobart and left for home.

I am going to post a video of the wombat and pictures are ready to go. Let us know what you think, we love to hear from everyone. Next weekend: Uluru and the Red Centre...or to everyone else..THE OUTBACK!

perhaps the steakhouse?

Categories:

SCUBA!

Categories:

Autumn in Australia

This week is our weekend off for many reasons: 1. Our bigger trips are for the most part planned. 2. We couldn't think of where to go on short notice and 3. Paul really has not had a break. I think I have stated that before, but really, going on a mini vay-cay every weekend can be exhausting. Especially when you work 70 hours a week. So, I took pity on poor Paul (note the alliteration) and said no, we are to sleep!

Even then though, a weekend in the city is not one to be considered boring. We have always been pleasantly surprised at how much we do while we are "staying in". Friday night, Paul's work had tickets to see The Merchants of Bollywood, which is like a musical revue of Bollywood movies. One thing to note is that they come out with 800 movies a year! That's ridiculous! It was a fun show with lots of hard core dancing, something I thought my sister Becca would enjoy. I of course tried to dance in my chair, but Paul started whispering things like "embarrassing" and "can't get rid of her" :). Then, we went to visit our friends Vish's apartment and our other friend Alison's apartment. Which we are jealous of 'cause they have such nice places! Don't get me wrong, our place is fine, but they have big apartments with balconies and separate rooms from their kitchen. I cannot wait for more space.

Saturday we literally spent the entire morning snuggling inside until we hit the beach with Vish, Alison, Tess, Aaron, and Christopher. It was nice to hang out with friends and just relax. We also spent the evening with the same crowd just relaxing and talking at Alison's apartment. We really want her balcony and Paul is slowly trying to coax her to switch with us. Fat chance of that happening!

Sunday we stayed in and worked on various items, like our wedding website, which is beautifully redone and we are sending out our save the dates...as soon as our parents approve the final guest list. We also finished our registries and thought of our other trips.

Becca, you were wondering about the weather here, so I figured since this will be a short post, I will dedicate a bit of time to the season change we are undergoing. It is indeed fall, but in this city, you would never be able to tell. We have a few big trees that I think would undergo the leaf change...but sadly not. What they do is slowly take back the green and leave a gross, dead, brown color. Not nearly as romantic as you would think. However, I have been told that the leaves change color in the Snowy Mountains, which is our next weekend trip (that or Jervis Bay), so I would like to see that.

As for the temperature, it is a bit cooler. I don't think it will get really cold but it has a September feel, with the look of summer? I guess being at the beach is a change of perspective for me 'cause I never lived in a coastal town. People still go to the beach and lay out, but there are others who have brought out their winter coats. I also give them a funny face.

During the day, I have dedicated my time to planning wedding things, finding a place for us in Atlanta, and also finding a job. The wedding so far is underway. We have our vendors and I feel like it will be a lovely little wedding on a mountaintop. As for the job and house, I have to be a bit more patient. Jobs for teachers are only seriously looked at in June/ July and housing we should seriously consider in May. I am anxious to see everything come to fruition so I don't have to be stressed upon my return home. So, any helpful directions in terms of living in Atlanta or a job would be most appreciated. Anyway, thanks for tuning in! We shall have a more active post next week. Cheers.

Categories:

Whitsundays and GBR (192 photos), by Paul Meggs

Yay! Look for our scuba photos. I love sailing!
Click here to view photos

Categories:

Happy Easter!

Categories:

Rugby, Opera, and Sydney (50 photos), by Paul Meggs

This was from our weekend in Sydney. Rugby, opera, and also a walk through Centennial Park.
Click here to view photos

Categories:

Mutiny on the Magic

Happy Easter!
Hope everyone had a wonderful, relaxing time off with beautiful weather and chocolate. I know we did!

This weekend was our long awaited trip to the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. For Easter, Paul got Friday and Monday off, so it was an extended vacation, which is why I did not update on our Monday. This was one of our favourite vacations yet!

Thursday: We left for the Sydney airport at 5:30 AM (I hate early mornings!) and arrived in Macay, Queensland airport at 12 PM. From there, we took a Greyhound to Airlie Beach, where we were to pick up our cruise ship. We stayed in a hostel-like place but had a private room. Then, Paul and I decided to go on a little hike through a rainforest! It isn't nearly as exciting as you would think...rainforests are hot and humid. Plus, the one we went to was hit by the cyclone that came through a couple weeks ago. The destruction of that cyclone effected everything, including the part of the reef we visited. After our hike, we bought some food from the grocery store and proceeded to cook..without help of any pans or utensils...we apparently had to rent that separately. Either way, our meal of chicken kebabs, croissants and corn on the cob was satisfying enough...even if it was all cooked on a hot plate :)

Friday, we met up with our friends Sarah and Chris and boarded the Whitsunday Magic! This isn't a regular cruise ship in the sense of large, white boat with loads of other people. In fact, picture a pirate ship. That's what it looked like! It was so unique and we only had 30 people aboard. Paul and I loved it, especially the food. Our chef, Dan, made some amazing food. I really liked that we made new friends and that the experience was much more intimate.

On this day, we also were prepped for our introductory scuba dive by our instructor, Thierry, the most hilarious Frenchman ever. He made us feel so comfortable, despite all our fears of killer jellyfish and unexpected surprises that may arise during the dive. It is disconcerting when you see warning signs everywhere on the coast telling you not to go into the water or you'll get stung. And what to do if you get stung. Also that they supply vinegar on the beach...really disconcerting. But apparently there are very few times people go to the hospital for stings so said our Aussie friend Prue who works at a hospital. Good.

Anyway, back to our adventures, our bathroom was so tiny! Our shower was the toilet and sink.
Our Friday was spent relaxing and enjoying the wonderful, clear weather on the high seas!

Saturday: SCUBA DIVING!! Our morning started really early when the captain (Paul) started the engine at 5 AM..ugh. However, the voyage was rough going and my Paul started getting a little woozy. I myself was not affected and tried to sleep longer, but I had to go hear about our scuba diving experience. We made it out to Bait Reef, on the outer part of the reef. Paul and I were the last and only couple in our group, so it was really nice to have the personal attention on our first dive. So, while we waited, we snorkeled on the surface. I have never seen such awesome coral and such beautiful fish! My favourite fish was the parrot fish...it looks like it got stuck in the 80s with hyper colors! We also saw starfish and
A SHARK!!!! I saw the big shark, Paul saw the little shark, but it was really cool to be following one and at such a close proximity! Sarah and Chris had a digital underwater camera so, we will definitely post them once we get them from our dear friends.

After our fabulous diving experience, we had a relaxing day, which included a glorious nap and another dive, but with not so many exciting fish like the first time.

That night, we stayed outside and found some squid in the water...and then dolphins chasing them! Something about watching dolphins brings out the kid in everyone because the sounds our boat was making in awe of these creatures was hilarious. After a nice look at the stars, Paul and I went off to our night in Hades...

Apparently, the Germans/elderly couples were complaining about the noise of the air conditioner and so one of the newer crew members turned it off...which also turned off the A/C in our room. It felt like 100 degrees and I could not have been angrier at 2AM. We were roasting and then, I got so disgruntled that I took my pillow and went up on the deck to chill out in the open air. And I would've stayed there too if Paul didn't say how uncomfortable it was on the deck chairs. Should've brought my blankets to cushion! Back in the depths of despair, Paul left our door open so that some breeze could make it down, but it still felt quite miserable and we slept very little. I don't wake up happily and couple that with lack of sleep, you get a very aggressive Rachel. Sarah and Chris made it a point to not say too much to me.
At least our captain made it up to us with free chocolate bunnies! Excellent!

Sunday: This day, we went to Whitehaven Beach, which has the purest sand in all the world. It's so pure that they use it to make the lens for the Hubble Telescope. Very cool. That's where a lot of our neat photos came from. Hill's Inlet which is right there is where all the swirly sand pictures were taken and it was gorgeous! We didn't like the intermittent rain, especially the deluge when we were traveling from the ship to the shore. Oh well! On the way we at least saw a sea turtle. He was huge! It was a pleasant day, especially after a good air conditioned nap.
Monday: Our last day on the boat! We were all very sad to see it end. We did a touch more snorkeling and found a starfish and a huge clam. We also trekked through a rainforest, but didn't see anything too wild. Turkeys are populous here. At 1 PM we disembarked sadly and made our way back to Sydney. It was so sad to see it end,
but it was amazing while it lasted.

Our next couple of weekends are not the most interesting, but who knows? We could always spontaneously go somewhere so keep checking up on us. Our next really big trip is Tasmania!!!!!!

So sad, but now I have to start thinking about our move back to the States. Hopefully, everything will work out for us in terms of finding a place to live and me getting a job! EEK! So, keep us in your thoughts, especially in June. Anyway, let us know what is new with you. Cheers.

Categories: