MAURITIUS The Pearl of the Indian Ocean

                                                                  MAURITIUS

                                                The Pearl of the Indian Ocean

The mysterious and intriguing island of Mauritius is a treasure of the Indian Ocean. It is surrounded by protective reefs, which create a turquoise lagoon. The same reefs can become treacherous traps for shipping in bad weather. There have been a number of ships stranded on the reefs during destructive cyclones of 1931 when Port Louis was demolished and 1972 when many ships were shipwrecked. In fact, the first thing I noticed while visiting Poudre d’ Ore was a ship high up on the reef on the horizon. MV Angel I, registered in Panama, has been on the reef since August having its cargo unloaded to be towed to Port Louis for repairs once afloat on high tide.

The Gardens are a mine of botanic wealth, conglomerate of plant species, some unique only to Mauritius. The freshens of nature and its colors are overwhelming. A visit to the Gardens satisfies all senses and the relaxation is complete listening to the bird song and breathing the sent of flowers.

Mauritius is an intriging destination.

GYMPIE QUEENSLAND

 

GYMPIE

QUEENSLAND

Gympie is a historical city in the Wide Bay area. It has been busy in 1860s when gold was here discovered and still celebrates the event with Gold Rush Festival. The gold discovery saved slow Queensland economy and Gympie became the richest town in Queensland. Its name derives from from Indigenouis Gubbi Gubbi for a stinging tree. It has many historical buildings, heritage architecture.

The main attraction of Gympie is the Mary River Rattler, a steam train some 100 years old. The scenic train tours are very popular.

Scenic rular hinterland drive visiting local villages of Dagun, Amamoor and Kandanga offer a look at Growers Markets and Mary Valley views is also popular.

LADY MUSGRAVE ISLAND QUEENSLAND

 

LADY MUSGRAVE ISLAND

QUEENSLAND

Lady Musgrave Island is a Marine Park paradise. The waters are crystal clear, swimming and snorkeling most enjoyable. The is plenty of reefs in the lagoon and they are stunning, full of colorful coral, fish and turtles.

The island itself is small although beach walk can be a pleasant experience. Just careful since turtles lay eggs on the island between November and March, also it can be full of little hatchlings heading for the sea.

It is a great pleasure to swim with the turtles. However, for those that do not want to swim, there is a glass bottomboat service that allowes to experience marine life.

 

There are regular ferry services to take you to the prestine waters of Lady Musgrave Island.

Lady Musgrave Island experience is unforgetable.

BRISBANE QUEENSLAND

 

BRISBANE

QUEENSLAND

Brisbane is the capital of Queensland, a city built up on the banks of Brisbane River and spreading. In fact many suberbs are facing Moreton Bay, that part of Brisbaneis called Bayside.

There are several bridges across the Brisbane river. The most scenic is The Story Bridge, often displaying fireworks. South Bank is a parkland with restaurants, bars and markets.

Botanical Gardens with many fountains are a place to relax in the middle of a busy city.

SURAMADU BRIDGE SURABAYA JAVA & PULAU MADURA I N D ON E S I A

 

SURAMADU BRIDGE

SURABAYA

JAVA & PULAU MADURA CONNECTION

I N D ON E S I A

Surabaya, secound after Jakarta, biggest city in Indonesia, is industrial and a busy port. But there are remnants of Dutch history and architecture, especially in the old town which blends in with a modern city. The new addition is a bridge connecting Surabaya and East Java to the island of Madura, Suramadu Bridge.

Sailing under any bridge always makes one wonder, till the last minute, will we

clear and fit under. Well, we did fit, with a few meter clearnce but rough seas left us with nowhere to go before nightfall, so we have returned to an anchorage and sailed under the bridge yet again, just on sunset.

 

Sailing under the bridge is a pioneer achievement, leaving Surabaya with its many monuments and specific charm, sad but arriving at a new destination joy.

The views were spectacular and the experience memorable.

BOWEN QUEENSLAND

 

BOWEN

QUEENSLAND

Bowen was a country town until a film “AUSTRALIA” with Nicole Kidman was filmed there. It quicly gained its popularity.

It is a northern gateway to the Whitsundays and many sailing vessels stop by in Bowen.

Bowen is famous for its mangoes, deliciuos fruit spreading Bowen's name all over Australia.

It has a number of stunning beaches, long walking tracks, excellent swimming and snorkelling areas and impressive sunsets.

As a picturesque costal town, Bowen attracts water loving visitors and fishermen, now film lovers as well. A TV series Faraway Downs is being filmed in BOWENWOOD!

KO SAMUI AMAZING THAILAND

 

KO SAMUI

AMAZING THAILAND

Ko Samui is a stunningly scenic island located on the eastern coast of Thailand in the Gulf of Thailand. Fabulous beaches of white sand, crystal clear water. No surprise swimming and beach walking are some of the main attractions. The best way of exploring the island is a bike trip tonumerous temples, markets and restaurants.

The island is mountinious as well and trips to the top of hills and mountains offer attractive views.

Ko Samui offers amazing experiences and is a typically for Thailand friendly island.

Ko Samui is an enchanting destination to relax and have fun.