Travel Guides and Stories

Some say, "God favors Australia—he gave all his blue to Australia." Others say, "Australia is the sapphire on God's necklace." In any case, this place really is paradise. I joined a tour group during Chinese New Year, and now, over six months later, I've forgotten most things except some truly unforgettable moments, which I want to share here. I’m not one for fancy words or historical research, so I’ll just post some photos. For those who love the color blue, or are joining a similar tour, here’s a sneak peek (lots of spoilers—if you don’t want them, quickly press Alt+F4).    
We departed at 4:40pm, arrived in Singapore for a layover at 11:20pm, and landed in Brisbane the next morning at 10:20am, all local times. While waiting in line at immigration, staff warned us not to take photos.

Emirates A380—this is the plane we were about to take... Well, actually, it’s the plane next to ours, but later on we did fly on one to New Zealand. The guide said not every group gets to board one. Honestly, there’s nothing too special inside—can’t even see the bar or anything.

This little flight attendant was working the Singapore flight—her skin was really dark. I chatted with a male flight attendant in a mix of Chinese and English and he actually understood most of it...

Changi Airport in Singapore. This little guy was in our group—American citizen, studies in China, all kinds of advantages. Envy!

Almost there—brilliant blue skies.

This little entertainment system was a lifesaver—watched Thor and Real Steel, listened to music, played games. Wish domestic flights had this!

Now this is what a livable place looks like.

I kept wondering—where are all the sheep?

Our driver uncle worked hard and was very professional.

Everything felt so comfortable.

The local guide was a recent university grad. He knew exactly what Chinese tour groups wanted to know: shopping, immigration, studying abroad.

Everything felt so peaceful.

Clean roads.

Aussies love these big “booty” cars, and pickups too.

Heading into the city.

It really is spotless.

Everywhere has a bit of an artsy vibe.

After parking, we went for a meal at a Chinese restaurant—group lunch.

Paradise Country Farm

Sheep peeking at us.

Alpaca

Spent the next few days rooming with this guy—he’s in high school, traveled with his parents’ colleagues, and is impressively independent.

Sleepyhead

It really is a rest area.

Actually, it’s a tourist farm built just for visitors.

Sheep shearing show

He saw me taking a photo and struck a pose.

Shearing a sheep is super fast!

They also put on some small shows.

There was a performance, but the Chinese audience didn’t tip at all... The performers tried several times to ask for tips but gave up in the end.

Sheepdog show

Then we arrived at Surfers Paradise

Lots of foreigners love this activity.

The wind was so strong, and when it got cloudy it felt like Resident Evil.

This was the next morning—the hotel was very clean, but no internet. Seems like there’s never free Wi-Fi in Western hotels.

Bronze grandpa—lots of people of all ages exercising on the roadside. Aussies really love an active lifestyle.

So blue!

So civilized.

Of course, keep left—they drive on the left here, part of the Commonwealth.

The itinerary was relaxed, so we had time for a stroll before packing up and heading out.

Dog couple

Warner Bros. Movie World—personally, I didn't find it that interesting.

This show was pretty good though—definitely worth seeing, and the guide recommended it.

Lunch was on our own—tough for us working folks!

Element guy

Afterward, we visited a few scattered sights—this is Griffith University.

Now this is the life!

The city is full of parks.

Australia Day was just a few days away.

Kangaroo Point—be sure to take a 180° panorama shot here.

What locals strive for.

Off to the airport for a flight to Cairns—bottom right is their long-distance coach. Yup, that's a coach bus...

Cairns was a highlight of the trip—so excited!

Evening glow

Landed in Cairns. To be continued...