The name of this blog is coming from a song that I am currently listening to: Ripple (2013 remaster) by the Grateful Dead. Ripple came on and I found the name very fitting to the current climate of the world - one small action is spreading waves to every single person on this earth. Lainie and I flew to Brisbane, Australia today and are meant to travel to Bali tomorrow for the last month of our trip. The only problem? Indonesia is about to close their borders to tourists, and the USA may not let us back in in a months' time. We even had to run (literally) to a clinic in Airlie Beach, Australia today - before our flight to Brisbane - in order to get a "clean" bill of health to provide once we arrive in Indonesia, as well as to our volunteer coordinators. Needless to say, we are frantic but still rolling with the punches.
Since my last blog, Lainie and I traveled to Sydney, Australia (which may be one of my favorite destinations thus far). As we began our flight descent, I was gripped with excitement as I stared out the window at the magnificent Sydney Opera House! I'm still not sure why it made me feel such exhilaration, but I almost grabbed my sleeping sister and I had to take a photo - which came out horrible. Maybe because it's so highly regarded/so famous? Anyway, we landed and immediately began exploring the city - earning ourselves about 27,000 steps! On that first day, we saw St. Mary's Cathedral, Hyde Park, and Circular Quay where we took a tour of the opera house. The next couple days were chock-full of the most incredible views from coastal walks (multiple!), and wandering around the city. We visited Taronga Zoo and saw a stand-up comedy show, as well.
Lainie and I were running out of funds - naturally - and decided to take trips to the grocery store for food (protein bars, yogurt, cheese/crackers, fruits and veggies) for breakfasts and dinners. To be quite honest, munching on a homemade charcuterie plate - and some wine - for dinner never got old!
On our last night in Sydney, Lainie and I were fortunate enough to get together with one of our friends from volunteering in Vietnam! It was great to see Neil. Him and I had become great friends while volunteering and have kept in touch ever since. Neil and his mate took Lainie and I bar-hopping in Newtown and we had a blast!
The next day, Lainie and I flew to Airlie Beach, Australia, for a "vacation from our vacation." Airlie is on the mainland but a short boat-ride from the Whitsunday Islands and some breathtaking snorkeling. I usually hate snorkeling, but because we were in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, I pushed myself to go and I do NOT regret it. We took two boat trips devoted to snorkeling and exploring a couple of the Whitsunday Islands. The lookout views were spectacular - especially the swirling sands of Hill Inlet - and the snorkeling was like a neon dream full of colorful fish and live coral. It was extraordinary!
As I mentioned, we flew to Brisbane today and will (hopefully) board for Bali tomorrow. The Bali portion of this adventure is one that Lainie and I have been really looking forward to, so my fingers are crossed that everything works out in our favor. I can't help but feel that we are being selfish with our time because we have not cut our trip short. Is it rude to others that we are still crossing borders, even while we feel healthy? At any rate, beautiful Bali, we are excited to see you!!
Hoping everyone is staying healthy and happy,
Lilly
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