Day 9 -- June 16

 

Chippy and I in Kuranda

Summary:

Largest tree in Rain forest

Life-size cassowary model

Today was our last day in Australia. We went up to a rain forest on a mountain in an old Western styled train. It was such a pleasant and bright day. When we got up to the top of the hill/mountain there was a tiny little town named Kuranda that had lots of cute restaurants and cafes, places to shops, and a street market. Our group was determined to go see the koalas in the zoo in town, so we ate quickly and headed over there. Luckily for us, the lady selling tickets was kind enough to let us all through as children (half price), and we walked through! Each person in our group got to hold a koala named Chippy and take a picture with her. In each person's picture, we all have genuine smiles on our faces, because we're all sort of in love with this koala in our arms, and trying not to hug her too hard. She was adorable. Afterwards, we went to a pen where we got to feed wallabies and pet them. I also saw kangaroos and a wallaby, but they were asleep. I even saw baby joeys in the kangaroos' pouches! When we met back up with the group, everyone else was really jealous that we got to hold a koala. To get to our next destination, we took a gondola up the mountain. The scenery was gorgeous. Then we took a 20 minute tour through the rain forest and learned some history of the plants. Then we went to an Aboriginal show before learning how to throw boomerangs, spears, and watch two shows; one about the creation story, and one explaining and demonstrating the didgeridoo. When we got back to the hotel we were able to go out again for dinner and dessert, but came back early to get packing. 


Top ten of the trip:

One of many signs on the ground in Kuranda

1. The Great Barrier Reef -- It was absolutely amazing. The animals and plants are so diverse, I saw different corals and fish everywhere I turned. I loved snorkeling among the fish and coral, and there were huge clams dotting the ocean floor that shut their jaws as I swam past. It was breathtaking.
2. Kuranda -- The quaint little town was adorable! Everywhere we turned, there were cute little sculptures that either progressed from a lump of clay to a colorful frog on a lily pad or were all associated with each other, like mouths, noses, eyes, and ears all being scattered along the same stretch of sidewalk.
3. Rain forest -- The rain forest was enormous and spectacular. I loved the trees and the plants and all the colorful birds. Being in a gondola above it helped me see just how vast it was, but I'd have loved to hike around in the rain forest.
4. Kuranda Koala Experience -- I know I already mentioned Kuranda, but here I got to hold a koala and hand-feed wallabies! It deserved its own slot. I felt so happy and excited when I was here. It was wonderful.
5. Rotorua -- Although it smelled like eggs, I adored this town. The scenery was picturesque, and I loved the historical quality to everything. Also, I really enjoyed seeing the hot springs and vents in the ground and steam rising everywhere I went. It was beautiful.
6. Tewhakarewarewatangaoteopetauaawahiao -- Whaka Thermal Village was gorgeous. I loved seeing a  traditional Maori village, and the fact that their lives were centered around the geothermal activity in the area made it even more fascinating. I loved the decorations on the building, and how each picture symbolized a different part of their history. The hot springs felt amazing, and the mud made my face feel smooth and clean (ironically). Even the smell was clean.
7. The Sydney Bridge -- Luckily, I'm not afraid of heights, or I would have missed out on this incredible experience. Even though it was about a three and a half hour climb (our guide made sure we were getting our money's worth), it felt like almost no time at all. Seeing all of Sydney stretched out underneath us was amazing. 
8. Rangitoto College -- I fell in love with this school and everyone in it! The food was good, the music better, the welcome dance great, the Haka intimidating, and the war dance downright terrifying. I met so many people that I hope to remain friends with for a long time to come. It was amazing, and I wish we could have stayed. Three hours weren't enough.
9. Jade/Opal Workshop and/or Museum -- I really enjoyed seeing the stones' histories and how they're mined. The jewelry was stunning, and everything was beautiful. I didn't really consider jade as a hard stone, but in actuality, it's nearly as hard as diamonds. I learned so many interesting facts about these precious stones.
10. The Agrodome -- I liked the sheep and the dogs and the geese and the petting zoo. It was cute, and the dogs did neat tricks, but the show made me sad. The sheep all had wounds on their heads from butting heads with each other all the time (stress in an enclosed environment) and the youngest/smallest dog was clearly abused, because every time the host turned in her direction, she'd flinch and run to the other side of the stage. Also, one of the dogs attacked another, and the victim's eyelid was bleeding when I went to go and pet him after the show. He was really sweet though, and every time I tried to stop petting  him and walk away, he'd put his paw on my arm as if pleading with me not to leave. It was very sweet.

Koala!

Me hand-feeding a wallaby