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Australia e-journal |
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Townsville, AUS |
Saturday,
September 21, 2002 |
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Factoids: · Money spent for lunch (chips, pop,
sandwich & fries) = A$12 · Hours on bus today: 6 · Time stores close on Saturday in
Australia = 5pm · Flavours of Fanta tried = 2 · Water purchased and consumed thus
far = 1.25 L · Cost to mail postcards
internationally = A$1 |
Another early morning departure from the hotel. We were out the door by 7:30 this AM. Drove against the grain (north) to a rainforest lake tour (boring!), a look at the big fig tree (500 years old, 50m tall, 39m circumference), then a trek over to see Millaa Millaa Falls. I don’t know why but it reminded me of Lucerne, Switzerland. This was the longest day on the bus – listened to many of my CDs today. Batteries are going along strong – hope they hold up tomorrow. Our lunch stop was at the Sugar Cane Museum in Innsfall. D & I avoided the line-up at the restaurant and went next door to the gas station. We picked up some Doritos and Fanta (pineapple). That wasn’t enough for me so I ordered chicken and salad (not chicken salad) sandwich and chips (fries to us North Americans). Of course, the sandwich had beets in it. ARGH. The fries were fresh so they were really nice. On the way to Townsville, we stopped in Ingham – W/C break. We got some water at the Coles supermarket. I was tempted to get some ice cream but changed my mind. Also, I was disappointed we didn’t go to McDonald’s (it was on the way but much too far for me to go there with the limited time at this stop). It was really strange to see a town virtually closed for all business by 5:30pm. That would be unheard of in North America… but this perpetuates the stereotype of the typical lazy Australian. (Ed: if I could close up shop at 5:30 here, I would do so in a second!) Before checking into the Hotel Jupiter, we stopped over at Castle Hill for a panoramic view of the town and harbour. Quite nice with a dangerous drive up (for such a large vehicle). 
We’re at the casino/hotel now. We definitely got an upgraded room – king-sized bed on the 17th floor (everyone else is on 12). No complaints here! We will be eating in the hotel. No safe in the room so we have to go to Reception to store our things (eg passport, traveler’s cheques, plane tickets). Overall, I have to say this is the best room thus far. AAT Kings definitely has not disappointed us in accommodations! (Ed: I spoke too soon…) |