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| View from our Airlie Beach Home! |
Today we left our hotel in Brisbane around 9am after an early morning walk downtown to fetch us some coffee and pastry. (I think we’re already beginning to talk a bit like Aussies – ya’ know what I mean mate?)
We then hopped the AirTrain to the airport and then got our 1 hour flight to MacKay (pronounced mic-eye) where we were set to pick up our car (right hand drive of course). Turned out that our car was not only right hand steering, but it was left hand shifting as well. I tried to find an automatic, but that would have required another $300, so off we go – shifting our way through Australia.
And the drive wasn’t easy at first. (actually it still isn’t) It already takes a bit of adjusting to driving on the left side of the street, but with of course the unfamiliar territory and now having to shift with my left hand – a bit of nervousness ensued.
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| Surfing the Web - with a View! |
After about 2 or 3 miles, we decided to pull over and take a breath – and while we were at it – we pulled over at a Fish & Chips place. Figured I’d get a light snack and something to drink for the 2 hour drive to Airlie Beach. Turns out that the Australian stereotype, of things being larger here, is starting to seem true. You wouldn’t believe the size of the order they gave me. The fish was a good size but the chips (fries) was huge. And then she wrapped it all in butcher paper and when she handed it to me, it seemed it was about 18” long and 10” wide. It was hilarious walking out of there with that “snack”. Ended up only eating some of the fries before heading back out on the road.
The rest of the drive wasn’t really fun – just wasn’t very relaxing at all. A two lane highway with people wanting to pass me somewhat frequently. But the scenery was gorgeous – with sugar cane fields surrounded by hills full of trees, both familiar and new! As we finally approached Airlie Beach we stopped at a grocery store to pick up some supplies (and some “needed” beer and wine) for our stay here. By the way, the prices at the store weren’t bad – but the restaurant prices here in Australia – outrageous! At a casual restaurant (nothing fancy and not fast food) you’d find hamburgers for $12 to $16; a small pizza for $19, and a fish entrée – starting around $29. And a muffin at a coffee shop – about $4.50. Just amazing.
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| There are loads of these beautiful squawkers |
Anyway, our GPS led us to our Airlie Beach apartment, and it is gorgeous! The town, the apartment and the view – all fantastic! The color of the ocean water is beautiful - different color shades of blue. Doesn't get much prettier. After unpacking a bit we headed down to the pool (where we can pick up the internet) and hung out there – enjoying a Guinness Stout, surfing the web and enjoying the view – and the wild parrot that stopped by for a drink. Very nice place to hang out.
For dinner, we decided not to go into town and Joanie magically reconstituted the Fish and Chips, with a bit of salad and some dressing that she whipped up from seemingly nothing – and we had a nice dinner in our apartment. We watched a DVD and then hit the sack – and comfortable sack it was.
A nerve wracking drive to a very beautiful and relaxing beach town. Tomorrow we have no plans – other than to explore the area and hang out and relax. Probably not a better place around to do just that.
