Daintree Rainforest by Margot Justes

Third day in Cairns took me to Daintree Rainforest.  It’s quite a hike, a good 2 hours plus pick up time from various hotels. The ‘safari’ truck was not the most comfortable mode of transportation, every bump on the road left an impression, and there were quite a few.  For me it was worth the effort. I’ve never seen a rainforest before, and didn’t really know what to expect. Our guide told us that the rainforest is over 125 million years old. Simply amazing.

The tour included, a two hour walk in the forest, a chance to swim in a creek in crystal clear water, sample the local fruit, and local Billy tea, basically an earthy bush tea, rather a muddy flavor, a barbecue lunch, a visit with captive kangaroos, and a Daintree River cruise in search of crocodiles. There was also a stop at Cape Tribulation,  a walk to the lookout to see where the rainforest meets the reef.

The first thing you notice as you enter the forest is the soft mist, the gently falling rain, the serenity, the tall trees and branches aiming for the sun, along with lush ground vegetation. You can hear drops fall on the leaves, listen to the countless birds chirping, and wild turkeys strolling in the distance.  

Even with the tourists, the clicking cameras and resounding footsteps, it was one of the most peaceful couple of hours I have ever spent. There is a boardwalk  designed for tourists, otherwise the bush is thick with vegetation. We searched for the ever elusive Cassowary birds, but we weren’t lucky enough to see one. The flightless birds are related to the emu, and are considered to be the heaviest birds in Australia.

After our tour of the forest, it was on to the creek for a swim and fresh fruit. I’m still not a fan of papayas, but loved the passion fruit. It’s actually quite delicious mixed with yogurt.  It became my breakfast treat, both in Cairns and Sydney.

Lunch was served in a local restaurant, where our tour guides put a steak on the barbie for us. I got to feed a couple of kangaroos. The restaurant keeps maimed kangaroos in a fenced yard; they survive, are well treated, and it’s great for the tourists. I have never seen a kangaroo before, and found these quite docile, and strangely awkward except when they run. The locals are not so delighted with the creatures, they are considered to be a nuisance. I loved them.

The last thing on the agenda was the Daintree river cruise, we were in search of crocodiles. It was a cloudy, rainy day, perfectly suited to the location, and we even found a large crocodile, along with birds, and Mangrove trees. You can see the roots well above the water, they thrive in salty, swampy coastal waters.  

The day was long, packed solid, and well worth it. It was an exhausting excursion, my endurance was well tested, I’m not as young as I used to be. Would I do it again? You bet.

Cheers,

Margot  Justes

A Hotel in Paris

A Hotel in Bath

A Hotel in Venice

A Fire Within

Blood Art

www.mjustes.com

Green Island and the Great Barrier Reef by Margot Justes redux

Cairns is the getaway to the Barrier Reef, among other places. Ie booked a tour to Green Island and the Great Barrier Reef. According to the brochure, Green Island is a beautiful 6000 year old coral cay located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

It’s a 45 minute boat ride to Green Island from Cairns. The boat ride to Green Island was peaceful, even a whale paid us a visit, checked us out and went on his merry way.

The ride from Green Island to the Barrier Reef was exhilarating. Let’s just say it was a choppy ride-really, really choppy, knuckle white choppy. Even the crew had to hold on. I like speed boats, but that day my knuckles really were white. I was on the top deck, and couldn’t have moved if I wanted to, and believe  me I didn’t. I clung to the railing with both hands, and didn’t let go until long after the boat stopped moving.

Green Island was beautiful. Lush with vegetation, unspoiled and protected. There is one resort with a swimming pool, but it was a bit chilly, and only the birds swam. There were a couple of gift shops, a restaurant, and a cafe; all part of the resort. After a walk about, I stopped for a cup of coffee-not a surprise-the setting was beautiful, right in the center of the entrance to the resort. Who could resist?  If you were not a guest, you couldn’t get to the resort property, but access was available to the restaurant, gift shop, scuba and snorkeling gear.

It is isolated, but there are plenty of snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. Peaceful and serene, and cut off from the rest of the world, it’s a perfect place to commune with nature, and just relax, savor a cup of coffee, take a deep breath and enjoy.

After Green Island, it was on to the Great Barrier Reef. The boat docked along a pontoon, and we spend the rest of the day there. While the crew cooked our lunch, it was time to scuba dive, snorkel, take a helicopter ride, or a trip in a semi submersible to view the reef. I tried snorkeling once, but the water tastes terrible. Yes, I know you’re not supposed to drink the water.

I did go in the semi submersible, twice, because it was so incredible. I have never seen anything like the reef before, the vitality and variety of the life below was astounding,  because of the continuous movement of life, it seemed to dance. There are a few pictures, but they are cloudy, shooting through a thick pane of murky glass is not the best way to get great pictures. But I found Nemo. I really did.

More next week.

Cheers,

Margot  Justes

A Hotel in Paris

A Hotel in Bath

A Hotel in Venice

A Fire Within

Blood Art

www.mjustes.com

Cruising the Caribbean by Margot Justes Redux

This is a stroll from the past, 2013 to be specific. I hope for a  repeat in 2017 with the same friends.

Ft Lauderdale appeals, in that it is relaxing, a perfect getaway before or after a cruise. It gives an instant sense of well being, and this feeling that this really is a vacation with little to do, and my perfect getaway before I boarded a ship for a cruise to the Caribbean.

A leisurely morning before boarding the ship, my lap top kept me company while I waited for friends at the restaurant, early morning is my favorite time of day. Not only did I have a constant supply of coffee, but the sun and warmth felt terrific on my weary bones. While waiting for them to join me, my little lap top kept me company, and I wrote.

Alfresco dining is sublime, no matter time of day, birds flocked hoping to pick up a few scraps, a kind waitress brought me a double espresso, because I mentioned the brew was weak; it was passable this morning but the espresso jolt was a delight.

After breakfast, I repacked a bit and joined my friends by the pool. The Hilton Beach Resort, is a beautiful property, well kept up and clean. After checking out, we hailed a cab for the short ride to the port, and our first day at sea.

Like many immigrants, I came to this country in a  ship, believe me when I tell you, it’s nothing like a cruise ship. My crossing when coming to this country was a totally utilitarian mode of transportation in the bowel of the ship-versus-luxury, comfort and incomparable service.

The check-in went without a mishap, quick and efficient and we were welcomed aboard. Lunch was being served on deck nine, and the cabins would be ready by one.

It’s an amazing to see the amount of luggage that has to be handled and delivered to each cabin, massive suitcases, one after the other are loaded and dumped by the elevators on each deck, after which the crew has to deliver said luggage to each cabin. The work is long and arduous, people as a rule do not travel light. I have never had an issue with the service provided on board.

This particular ship, Vision of the Seas, from Royal Caribbean is old, and has yet to be updated, and is scheduled to go into dry dock this September. It needs it.

The inside cabin was a pigeon hole, two people couldn’t sit on the couch at the same time-third of a couch with rounded edges. To get to half the bed you have to climb over said bed. I can still type, there is room on the practically non-existent desk top for my tiny Acer, but I had to ask them to remove the bottled water, pop and whatever else was on sale. Regular coffee, tea and milk is included in the overall price, but specialty items are an extra charge. I would have moved the stuff myself, but there was no place to store it. I was amazed that it was even in the cabin, considering the minimal amount of space available.

I haven’t unpacked yet, and while looking for my sandals, I made the huge mistake of walking barefoot, and stepped into something wet & sticky. I asked for it to be cleaned, and they apparently brought a big towel and attempted to dry it-but not well enough, it was still sticky and stained. I mentioned it again to our cabin attendant. That was an unusual incident, normally the cabins are clean, and response is quick.

However, shoes are staying on my feet at all times, unless I’m going to bed. By evening it was shampooed and a huge fan was running in the room to dry the area. However, that was a good reminder, shoes still stay on my feet unless I’m horizontal. That applies to hotel rooms as well.

Dinner was wonderful, my friend who is Romanian has a talent for finding all the Romanians on board, so far out of the twenty crew members, she found four that serviced the restaurants, and that included our waiter. 

The fact she spoke Romanian broke the ice that much quicker.

We chatted with the couple sitting next to us, who booked a balcony from the onset-I always watch the prices and upgrade accordingly-in this case that was a huge mistake, the cruise was sold out. Live and learn. 

The staff is friendly and after dinner I went up on deck ten and walked four laps; it was windy, the water choppy, and absolutely marvelous. Not going to spend much time in cabin that is for sure.

Cheers,

Margot  Justes

A Hotel in Paris

A Hotel in Bath

A Hotel in Venice

A Fire Within

Blood Art

www.mjustes.com

Island of Delos, Greece by Margot Justes

About a thirty to forty five forty minute (depending on weather) ferry ride from Mykonos, Greece is the island of Delos. And what an island it is. Uninhabited, that is not exactly true-there are approximately 25 people living there, but they are either archeologists or security personnel. Everyone else stops for a few hours and heads back to Mykonos.

The island is bare, there are no snack shops, no hotels, no restaurants, and the wind can whip up in a quick frenzy,  it is in fact quite desolate.  There is a museum where you can buy books and other Delos souvenirs, but that is the extent of the touristy trade.

What makes this island unique are the ruins. Amazing ruins. The whole island is a ruin. It is an immense site and one not easily forgotten.

Delos is said to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Archeological traces indicate the island was inhabited as early as 3000 B.C. Some of the ruins are so well preserved that you can actually imagine what the structures looked like and how they were utilized.

From the Doric Temple of Isis to the Archaic Lions, the mosaic floors, the sites are truly inspiring.

Off the beaten path, I observed an archeologist crouched on a low portable chair, a pad and pencil in hand as he meticulously measured something on the ground and then put it on paper. I snuck up on him and watched as he quietly continued his research. Time stood still and the serenity on the island was disturbed only by the fierce wind.

If you ever find yourself in Mykonos, do take the time to visit Delos. I promise, you will not be disappointed, you will in fact be enthralled.

Cheers,

Margot  Justes

Blood Art

A Fire Within

A Hotel in Paris

A Hotel in Bath

A Hotel in Venice

www.mjustes.com

Excursions During the Transatlantic Cruise by Margot Justes

The third and last cruise is the 15 night transatlantic one, and once again the port city is Rome, and we’ll disembark in Ft. Lauderdale Florida, and a much shorter flight home without any jet lag, since time is adjusted every evening while at sea. There will be a total 9 nights at sea, 2 nights between Palma and Tenerife, and the other 7 crossing the Atlantic.  

Florence, Italy

One of my favorite Italian cities, Florence is said to be the birthplace of the Renaissance. Age, architecture, history and art combine to make it a mesmerizing and fascinating place. I chose an excursion that included Pisa. I thought it might be fun just to see the tower once, and the Piazza dei Miracoli-Square of Miracles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The rest of the time will be spent in Florence, included in the tour is Piazza del Duomo, and the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, and lunch at a local restaurant.  

Provence, France.

A second stop in Provence will take me for a drive along the rough coastline to Cassis, where the quays are lined with delightful with shops and cafes, and a visit to the artsy seaside town of Sanary-sur-Mer, touristy to be sure, but should prove to be a delight.

Barcelona, Spain

This tour will take me first to Barcelona city center, and the focus will be on Gaudi’s work. I’m a huge fan of his architecture, and his work is simply beyond whimsy.  I’m looking forward to a return visit.

Next we head up high in the mountains to Montserrat,  and a visit to the old Benedictine Monastery that dates back to the 11th century.  It is about a forty minute drive from Barcelona, and what a hairy ride it is, lanes are narrow, steep, and the curves are eye popping, good thing the buses are small. It is a must stop, and the views from above are breathtaking. Looking forward to a bit more research for the next hotel book, which of course takes place in Barcelona, with a side visit to Montserrat. The tour ends with a “sumptuous lunch at the Montserrat Restaurant.”

Palma de Mallorca

This is a scenic look at Palma, starts with a drive along the shore to Bellver Castle, then we continue to La Seu Cathedral, a 750-year-old Gothic-style church, and to Plaza de Toros, I’m not a fan of bullfighting and most likely will skip that part, even thought I doubt there will be a bull fi8ght, I’m not even sure they pursue the  so called sport, but even the thought of an animal being tortured is enough for me to pass on the event.

Tenerife, Canary Islands

In Tenerife we head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of La Laguna, the cultural and religious capital of Tenerife.  We’ll visit a market, and the many colorful houses along main street. Then there is a wine tasting at Bodegas Alvaro and La Casa del Vino, and there is a visit to a wine museum in a house that dates to the 17th century, the tasting will be paired with cheeses; a terrific combination.

While I'm away, I scheduled some blogs from my trip to Australia, and a short blog about Delos. I will be writing blogs about my visits, but won't be able to post anything while at sea.

In the meantime, have a fun Halloween!

Cheers,

Margot  Justes

Blood Art

A Fire Within

A Hotel in Paris

A Hotel in Bath

A Hotel in Venice

www.mjustes.com