We are now in Port Macquarie.After HerveyBay we had a great daytrip to Fraser island with a great guide who drove us around on the island and knew a lot about the place. We went for a bush walk, drove with the bus right at the beach on thebeach-highway and had a swim in lake McKenzie which is a freshwaterlake that exists of rain water only.
We then made our way further down the coast: brisbane was a shock: a big city, horrible to drive in if you don’t know your way around, expensive to park in and expensive to camp in as well. it was a bit of a stressful day and we were happy after a walk of 2 hours in town to leave the next day-back to nature. In Byron bay I finally had the chance to go kayaking: I saw one dolphin and a sea turtle-yeah! Loved the kayaking, too. We had 3 peaceful days in Byron bay on a loveley camping ground at the beach. Went for a swim and really enjoyed them big waves! We had a stop in Coffs harbour and just came back from the koala hospital in Port Macquarie which was really interesting: the lady told us all about the little patients and how the centre developed, we could even watch them being fed.
Just to give you an idea what our daily routine looks like: Inga usually wakes up at about 7:30 in the morning while I sleep until about 9. quick clean up in the bath, then we usually get the car ready the ride which means: packing up the sleeping bags and airmatresses, putting the back seat back up and then get the backpacks from the front seats into the boot and the other little things as well. then breakfast which usually includes a long talk about life and other things. after that we hit the road and drive to the next destination. depending on the time we arrive we only set up camp, have a nap or go to see a sight of that place. we then checkout the camping ground, set up our “beds” again and then have diner-either in a luxury camp kitchen or with our great camping stove next to the car. We then eat in a luxury camp kitchen or in the back of the car. It gets dark at 7:30 -by then we are ready for bed as we often have no light on the camping ground or if there is light we don’t want to be eaten alive by the mosquitos. well, time to read a few pages in the book. We are often asleep before 10 and somehow we are very tired by then,too. but don’t think we would get an overdose of sleep, no no: during the night we always wake up when the other one moves or gets out for the toilet, the mosquito hunting the car can keep us busy half the night and so on…obviously this routine is flexible: we went out for diner the other day, we use the evenings for phone calls, we stop at internet cafes, hang out at the beach, wash our clothes… After the internet use we have to dicuss all news from home very detailed of course!
The Aussies: yes, they are laid-back. yes, they are friendly and helpful. What you will hear most of the time is: “no worries” that phrase pretty much IS aussie-mentality. another one is :beautiful, no dramas (I love that one). They have an interesting sense of humor which obviously is delighting for the German non-humor: I had it several times that I was buying something when I was told something like: “oh, this book has a hole, I will have to charge you 5 dollars more then” which lead to the German reaction:”WHAT?YOU WANT TO CHARGE ME MORE??!!ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? oh, you ARE kidding me. how funny .(-:
Although I wouldn’t say I am that serious I have to admit I am still confused about those situations.Other than that we learned that the Australians are a lot faster with settling in than Inga and I are used to. Australians start thinking of getting a place and settling early (compared to me at least) They love sport, especially cricket (which I will never, ever understand) by the way, Julian, what is Charmer doing (-:…-even the kids play cricket at the beach! Surfing is big at the eastcoast, they take care of their nature by having many national parks. they have water restrictions. the highest sun sreen level is 30, but it’s stronger then our 30.half of the australians eat veggiemite-if you ask me: it tastes as if it is toxic.their flies have no manners: they fly directly into your ears and eyes and stick to your eyelashes as if they would never want to let go. Their mosquitos are aggressive and can give you a fever. Their beaches are wonderful. Their wildlife is extraordinary. the heat in some places is unbearable and the rain in the north is strong. Altogether: a great place with great people!We certainly enjoyed this trip a lot!!!!
We are thinking of driving into Sydney on Thursday which will give me another full week there to prepare things for New Zealand….
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