Emily: Green Island Adventure

Waking up at 4 in the morning started off our first full day in Australia! However, the six of us girls (me, Nabila, Kristen, Sarah, Kelly, and other Emily!) were able to rest a little longer and go down to get “brekkie!” It was a great breakfast at the Rydges, complete with pineapple juice, traditional sausage, roasted tomatoes, hard boiled eggs, and, of course, Vegemite! I am waiting for the proper time to consume my first taste, but we had a fun time at our table looking at the brown, sticky substance! 

We then had our second session of the Bridging Cultures Program, finishing with a beautiful walking tour of Cairns. Our hostel, Gilligan’s, was only about two blocks from the Esplanade, or the main “pier”-like area of Cairns. Brad, our Bridging Cultures Leader, was showing us the sights and pointing out historically incorrect facts to mess with our minds! Apparently, Aussie’s love to give foreigners a hard time. 

We then got to the Lagoon – such a beautiful, wonderful place!  Water from the ocean is filtered in to make this gorgeous pool. Because of the wildlife presence in Cairns, the beaches are not ideal for swimming. However, the Lagoon makes up for that! 

Me and Eva at the Lagoon!

After our “tourist stint” (everyone knew we were Americans…), we got back and ready to head out to Green Island for the day! We got to the Reef Terminal, checked in, purchased our stinger suits (super attractive) and grabbed some lunch! It was finally time to depart for our first ocean ride! We boarded the Big Cat catamaran and enjoyed the 45 minute ride there! It was a beautiful view, and we watched the island approach from the bow of the boat. So gorgeous, and incredible. 

We had our snorkel gear all ready to go! Such an incredible moment to just walk into the water…finally, FINALLY, I was in Australia, on the Great Barrier Reef! Though I only snorkeled for a little while (sticking close to the shore, oh asthma!), it was wonderful to experience the life under the water! After awhile, Steph, Gwyne and I decided to explore. We found a great beach, and walked on the rocks. I truly felt like Ariel strolling along the shore!

After checking out the beach, we rounded up the boys and headed to the crocodile and marine life habitat! Unfortunately, we didn’t go in – there were no more open tours for the day! We made the best of our afternoon by walking around and enjoying the weather while everyone humored my need for pictures!

A humpback whale skull! Massive, and impressive!

The boys really wanted to accomplish this!

We finished the day off with a BBQ back at Gilligans’ upper deck called “The Attic,” and a computer session out in the 3rd floor lounge! A great ending to a fun day; the Great Barrier Reef was only a few hours away! 

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