An Alphabetical Stroll Through Bali and Australia-A is for: A BIG, FAT FINALE!! Link to new Africa TR (4/5)

[pkondz]

Here, Birdie, birdie, birdie.... <thwap!> <brains spill out>

Had no idea. They are very cool looking for sure. There are tons of cool examples- even the cassowary is like that. (A leap)

That thing looks more like a dinosaur then some dinosaurs!

I saw that and was NOT amused. Give me a break.

Even spelling it with a capital "O" didn't work... Guess I'll have to do this: "Cr0cs" (with a zero)

 

[Steppesister]

That thing looks more like a dinosaur then some dinosaurs!

1,000% I need to see one!

Even spelling it with a capital "O" didn't work... Guess I'll have to do this: "Cr0cs" (with a zero)

Ridiculous!

 

[pkondz]

Ridiculous!

Very

V.E.R.Y.

 

[Steppesister]

Wow! It's been a year already??? Where has the time gone??

My how time flies when you're...


busy!

Hardly. Been really enjoying this TR. So different! (And that's a good thing!)

I'm so happy you enjoyed it! I know folks expect Disney trips here, and I do get that for sure. But here's the thing...


Disney himself MEANT for the parks to be INSPIRATIONAL. He absolutely MEANT for his parks to tell a story and motivate people to GO EXPLORE. The Jungle Cruise is a perfect example. It was originally an educational ride about the jungles around the world and to bring those places to people who might not get to go there. If you have the means I'm positive he'd feel he'd done his job if people went to those places to see for themselves. Disney HAS inspired me to travel to the places the Imagineers present to us with their attractions and theming throughout the parks. He loved cultures and nature... it's time to explore as Uncle Walt would want us to.

(And just like that I've written part of my next TR's Introduction!

Gee... I wonder where...

Just wait til you see it!

Presume you didn't really expect to, either.

I mean...


ok. No.

Intimately, apparently!

I'm honestly surprised they get away with this.

I'd like to think I'm older and wiser too...
But you have the advantage, as I am merely older.

I doubt that.

Ewww!!!
Thanks for that.


not.

Hey, just keeping things real here.

Really! I thought maybe the rain would have cut that.
Apparently... not so much.

Nope, just the opposite. Lots of water to evaporate now.

I keep reading that as Cairns Post Party Ltd.

Naturally I had to look it up:

Pty Ltd is short for 'proprietary limited' and describes a particular type of private company structure commonly used in Australia. These private companies are privately owned with a limited number of shareholders. They do not offer their shares to the general public

Huh!! You went into a lot more observation than I did! I glanced and thought it was just an historic Post Office!

Cool!

That was definitely one of the more photographic trees in the park. Super cool!

Not a fan. Won't keep a secret. Horrid bird.

I wouldn't tough it, though.
Whatever it is... it's in Australia, so trying to kill you.

I"m sure it is tough and I wouldn't touch it either. Kill you? For certain!

It actually does, on occasion. And when it does... I don't return to that particular restaurant.

Seems that is true actually. Chinese, at least around here, is notorious for being horrible more often than not. And it's often a one-and-done. Either really good or really bad.

Huh. I could've sworn I read you having some, before. Must've been in a comment as opposed to what actually transpired in the TR.

No. The only other chance we had really was on KI when we could have gotten a roo burger but chose not to for some dumb reason. In hindsight, I'm glad we went for just braised meat so we could really get a taste of the flavor.

Have one of those here in town. (Different name, same sort of place. Including the STOP/GO block.)

I'd never been to one before. I don't think I'd go back either as I'm generally a super light eater and would never come close to getting my money's worth!

I'm surprised it wasn't required after the pig out!

Except that's impossible if you're staying at Gilligan's.

Did you have meat sweats after?

No, I had menopausal hot flashes. LOL!

Now I want some good slaw? Mayo or vinegar based?

This was a mostly vinegar- based but had a bit of a creamy dressing on top. Slightly sweet but with a bit of tangy too.

Selling both sides?

I've got a great deal for you. Lots of prime real estate and will definitely sell quickly! Just a low deposit will secure your chance of a lifetime.

That's either Anara or a human pretzel. Or both!

She's definitely flexible.

Ugh... but think that dying would've been the worst of the lot.

Nah, just a brief brush with death. I can do that anytime, but may never get another chance to see a dinosaur bird.

Thanks so much for writing about this trip! Very much looking forward to hearing all about the next one!!

You are very, very welcome. There was a lot to share for sure. More stories coming up soon....

 

[Steppesister]

That public pool looks really nice. I can see why you spent a lot of time there.

It was so clean and refreshing. Definitely a perk that Cairns has going!

It all looks very good.

Quite a spread that was very tasty! The pineapple is very easy to make at home for sure.

I can't any real rest on an airplane. It is not a comfy place to sleep.

Me neither. I close my eyes and I do that for sure, but actual sleep is very hard to come by. My neck and back are just awful and usually I just suffer...

I'm not surprised about that. Bali was my sister's favorite vacation spot, too.

I really hope to get back there someday. It was just so peaceful and relaxing.

 

[pkondz]

My how time flies when you're...


busy!

I'm so happy you enjoyed it!

I really did!

I know folks expect Disney trips here, and I do get that for sure. But here's the thing...


Disney himself MEANT for the parks to be INSPIRATIONAL. He absolutely MEANT for his parks to tell a story and motivate people to GO EXPLORE. The Jungle Cruise is a perfect example. It was originally an educational ride about the jungles around the world and to bring those places to people who might not get to go there. If you have the means I'm positive he'd feel he'd done his job if people went to those places to see for themselves. Disney HAS inspired me to travel to the places the Imagineers present to us with their attractions and theming throughout the parks. He loved cultures and nature... it's time to explore as Uncle Walt would want us to.

Well said. <slow clap>

(And just like that I've written part of my next TR's Introduction!

From my inspired comment. You're welcome.

I'm honestly surprised they get away with this.

In Oz? I'm not.

I doubt that.

No, no. It's true. Definitely not getting any younger.

Nope, just the opposite. Lots of water to evaporate now.

Good point.

I"m sure it is tough and I wouldn't touch it either.

Ya caught me.

Chinese, at least around here, is notorious for being horrible more often than not. And it's often a one-and-done. Either really good or really bad.

At least here, if I try a place and it's not good, I can go back to a place I know that is good.

No. The only other chance we had really was on KI when we could have gotten a roo burger but chose not to for some dumb reason.

Maybe I was thinking of that?

Except that's impossible if you're staying at Gilligan's.

Except that.

No, I had menopausal hot flashes. LOL!

This was a mostly vinegar- based but had a bit of a creamy dressing on top. Slightly sweet but with a bit of tangy too.

Sounds really good.

I've got a great deal for you. Lots of prime real estate and will definitely sell quickly! Just a low deposit will secure your chance of a lifetime.

I'm in! Send the incredibly small print paperwork.

She's definitely flexible.

Apparently!

Nah, just a brief brush with death. I can do that anytime, but may never get another chance to see a dinosaur bird.

You are very, very welcome. There was a lot to share for sure. More stories coming up soon....

 

[Steppesister]

Well said. <slow clap>

Hmmm, I detect some sarcasm... ?

From my inspired comment. You're welcome.

Well, yes, of course!

In Oz? I'm not.

Heh, it was definitely in the party zone of town. Hormones running high there.

No, no. It's true. Definitely not getting any younger.

Silly goose! I'm suspecting you don't think clubbing til 4:00 is your cup of tea.

Ya caught me.

All in good fun! The one you got me on earlier was pretty funny!! LOL!

At least here, if I try a place and it's not good, I can go back to a place I know that is good.

For a lot less money than a r/t ticket to Oz.

I'm in! Send the incredibly small print paperwork.

This particular tract of land, conveniently located in the Everglades Ecosystem, may or may not remain arable year-round. Furthermore, land use studies have not been thoroughly conducted and may or may not be subject to unnecessary taxation. Additionally, zoning and use permits are questionable.

 

[pkondz]

Hmmm, I detect some sarcasm... ?

Not at all! I completely agree with you.

Heh, it was definitely in the party zone of town. Hormones running high there.

Silly goose! I'm suspecting you don't think clubbing til 4:00 is your cup of tea.

pfftt... I can easily go clubbing until 4pm. As long as dinner isn't later than 5:30pm.


Piece of cake.


hmmm... now I want cake.

All in good fun! The one you got me on earlier was pretty funny!! LOL!

For a lot less money than a r/t ticket to Oz.

This particular tract of land, conveniently located in the Everglades Ecosystem, may or may not remain arable year-round. Furthermore, land use studies have not been thoroughly conducted and may or may not be subject to unnecessary taxation. Additionally, zoning and use permits are questionable.

Little bit too small to read, but I'm sure it's fine.

 

[Steppesister]

Not at all! I completely agree with you.

Gotcha!!! Sometimes hard to tell in print. Thanks for reading along; sure hope you'll join me for the next trip!!

pfftt... I can easily go clubbing until 4pm. As long as dinner isn't later than 5:30pm.


Piece of cake.


hmmm... now I want cake.

Little bit too small to read, but I'm sure it's fine.

OH yes. I promise! For a small down payment I can guarantee unending prosperity!! Just need your bank routing and acct numbers to lock this in.

 

[pkondz]

Gotcha!!! Sometimes hard to tell in print. Thanks for reading along; sure hope you'll join me for the next trip!!

OH yes. I promise! For a small down payment I can guarantee unending prosperity!! Just need your bank routing and acct numbers to lock this in.

PM sent!

 

[Steppesister]

PM sent!

<but did you sign the legal documents absolving all liability?>

 

[pkondz]

<but did you sign the legal documents absolving all liability?>

 

[irene_dsc]

So many great adventures in this trip report! Thank you so much for sharing with us! You know that I'm one who actually prefers the non-Disney trip reports (oddball Dis-er that I am). Heck, it's now about 10 years since our last WDW trip - too many other places to explore.

I am definitely looking forward to hearing about your new Africa trip. Safe travels while you adventure!

 

[disneyAndi14]

I really enjoyed your Asia/Australia report. I couldn’t find my pictures of The Daintree rainforest. Just picture me many years younger and sweating profusely haha I’m sorry you didn’t see any crocs. We saw some mighty big ones! We did a boat tour and that is how we saw them.
I’m excited to hear all about your mysterious African journey coming up!

 

[missjackiemcg]

I was FIVE pages behind somehow!!! I'm glad you mentioned in your other TR that you had wrapped this one up--it made me go and check this out to see how much I'd missed!

Nudey Beach (named after a Naval Admiral, NOT because it's a nudist beach)

Hilariously named...I wonder if anyone shows up there thinking otherwise!

The “jungle” was filled with hanging vines, and we took turns channeling our “Inner Tarzan”. Sadly, this particular hike was cut short as the torrents of water from the day before created areas too flooded to pass over. The trail just petered out and we had to turn back.

This must've been so fun! Love the pictures of you both Such a bummer that the rest of the trail was flooded out, but I'm glad you got to experience what you did since they ended up closing it entirely! Good timing on your part!

He looks exactly like Slim in A Bug's Life!

The East Coast of Australia has the dangerous phenomenon of Jelly Season and it was in full swing for the deadly Irukandji Jellyfish- small and mostly invisible and one of the most venomous on earth.

This is INSANE!!!! I'm glad you did your swim with them before reading that lady's experience--HOLY CRAP! I never would've attempted it.

I struggled on. I truly, truly thought “this is it; I’m probably going to drown out here”. But I fought on against the outgoing tide and actively swam, arms and all, barely making it back.

SO. SCARY. I'm so glad you were able to power your way back to shore.

Gorgeous!

(Such cool, prehistoric looking plants!)

I kept thinking the same thing. It looks like a dinosaur should roam by any second in so many of those pictures!

BABY CASSOWARY

YAY! You saw one!

I got a scoop of the Wattleseed just to say I’d tried it. I did. It was sweet and nutty, just like me.

Just the way we like you!

At one point, at a little bridge over a small tributary, we stopped and again looked for crocs. Again, zero luck. Maybe the cyclone chased them all away too...

I wonder if they behave like alligators do during hurricanes? They sink themselves way down to the bottom of the water and ride it out. I don't know for sure, but sounds like a possibility.

(This is not a bird. God knows what it is, but I'm just making sure you're paying attention. Weird stuff grows in Australia.)

I was paying attention. That thing was very odd!

I'm glad you saw it!! I would've been disappointed not to see it, too!

This was such an incredible adventure, Liesa!!! Thanks so much for all the details! I feel like I was right along for the ride. Very much looking forward to your next trip and the report to follow! Hope you're all staying safe despite the crazy flooding down there.

 

[Steppesister]

So many great adventures in this trip report! Thank you so much for sharing with us! You know that I'm one who actually prefers the non-Disney trip reports (oddball Dis-er that I am). Heck, it's now about 10 years since our last WDW trip - too many other places to explore.

I am definitely looking forward to hearing about your new Africa trip. Safe travels while you adventure!

It was certainly A trip of a lifetime. Another is about to unfold! Huzzah! I'm thrilled you've been here for so many trips and especially the ones abroad! I agree with you, Disney has inspired me for decades and now it's time to see the places they've romanticized.

 

[Steppesister]

I really enjoyed your Asia/Australia report. I couldn’t find my pictures of The Daintree rainforest. Just picture me many years younger and sweating profusely haha I’m sorry you didn’t see any crocs. We saw some mighty big ones! We did a boat tour and that is how we saw them.
I’m excited to hear all about your mysterious African journey coming up!

You sweat in the Daintree?! No way!! The air is suffocating there.

I'm not sure we'd have even seen them from a boat with the weather. In fact, I'm not even sure the boat tours were even running.

TR coming up soon!

 

[Steppesister]

I was FIVE pages behind somehow!!! I'm glad you mentioned in your other TR that you had wrapped this one up--it made me go and check this out to see how much I'd missed!

I'm glad you came back to see the final adventures!

Hilariously named...I wonder if anyone shows up there thinking otherwise!

I wondered that myself! LOL! Reminds me of a time in about 5th grade when my bestie told me she thought it'd be fun to have a skinny-dipping poll party, but when I showed up with just a towel on... ugh, one of those "most embarrassing moments".

This must've been so fun! Love the pictures of you both Such a bummer that the rest of the trail was flooded out, but I'm glad you got to experience what you did since they ended up closing it entirely! Good timing on your part!

It was good timing. I don't think at the time we realized the enormity of the storm or how long it'd last, but we did what we could and like you say, good timing!

He looks exactly like Slim in A Bug's Life!

RIght?!

This is INSANE!!!! I'm glad you did your swim with them before reading that lady's experience--HOLY CRAP! I never would've attempted it.

Crazy how such little things can be so deadly! WOW!

SO. SCARY. I'm so glad you were able to power your way back to shore.

Me too. OY! Such naive mistakes that could very easily been fatal.

Lessons learned.

I kept thinking the same thing. It looks like a dinosaur should roam by any second in so many of those pictures!

The plants are so HUUUUUGE there. They truly reminded me of the picture books I had as a kid of dinosaurs.

I wonder if they behave like alligators do during hurricanes? They sink themselves way down to the bottom of the water and ride it out. I don't know for sure, but sounds like a possibility.

That is a very distinct possibility. They had more sense than we did! LOL!

I'm glad you saw it!! I would've been disappointed not to see it, too!

It's so iconic and deeply reminds me of Finding Nemo!

This was such an incredible adventure, Liesa!!! Thanks so much for all the details! I feel like I was right along for the ride. Very much looking forward to your next trip and the report to follow! Hope you're all staying safe despite the crazy flooding down there.

You are so very welcome! I hope someday you might get to experience the amazing diversity and wonder that Australia has. It was truly a trip of a life time.

The floods are receding but Spring is just getting started. AT least there's no drought.

 

[Steppesister]

Here is a link to the New Africa TR! (<< Link)

I'd love to find you there and for you to follow along on another Steppe-style Adventure!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

(This is not a bird. God knows what it is, but I'm just making sure you're paying attention. Weird stuff grows in Australia.)

(Willie Wagtail; Hey, I don't make these names up)

We have Willie Wagtails in Ireland. Love them. They are such comical wee birds and often tap at the windows trying to get inside.

We hustled back to Gilligan’s after our nomalicious meal and got changed for a bit of pool time!

Both your food and that pool looked great.

(random art on the walk back to Gilligan's)

Love this.

Who knows, maybe we’d be so tired starting our 24+ hour journey we’d actually be able to get some in-flight rest.

(Hey, did I tell you about the few acres of dry land I have for sale in Florida?)

Ach now sure I’d have made you an offer but I see @pkondz got there first

(Outbound, I found it!!!!

Happy days.

The skies bid us a beautiful farewell to the Eastern hemisphere and thus ended another wonderful trip…..

Thank you so much for this trip report. I have loved following along and reading all the details. Great photography and many laughs sing the way. Looking forward to traveling to Africa with you soon