I got back from Spring Break last night- I went to Cairns and the Whitsundays. The first day I got there we traveled to Cape tribulation (the one spot on earth where two world heritage sites meet- the rainforest and the great barrier reef). The rainforest was really cool- we went swimming in a gorge, went on a boat cruise and saw some crocodiles, and went to an overlook where we saw the spot Steve Irwin was killed. The next day we went to the reef. After an hour of the roughest boat ride ever (we had to wear wetsuits becuase we were getting so wet) we arrived in the middle of the ocean, jumped off the boat and went snorkeling. It was really amazing being at THE great barrier reef, and the fish and coral were really beautiful. I tried scuba diving, but i was really nervous and couldnt get the breathing right, and had trouble stabilizing my eardrums underwater. The next day we went white water rafting- it was so fun! I felt so adventurous. We went through a ton of rapids. It was kinda like banana boating which most of you know is my favorite activity. That night we took the 12 hour overnight bus ride down to the Whitsundays. I slept the whole way thanks to Mom's Ambien that she smuggled to me in a card. I met Anthony at the Whitsundays, and the next day we got on our boat, the Alexander Stweart Romance of Sail (pictured). It was amazing, complete paradise...definitely the most beautiful spot Ive ever seen and probably on earth. Our boat was this 70 foot wooden sailboat constucted by a plan from the 1800's, so very old fashioned and quaint. Our cabin was better than expected, although not very condusive to romance.
The Whitsundays are the most gorgeous place- imagine lush evergreen mountainous islands surrounded by clear turquoise waters with tons of coral and great snorkeling. I went snorkeling every day- saw amazing fish, giant clams, and even swam with sea turtles. The other couples on our boat were really nice and fun. Anthony and I were the youngest and the only Americans. We made friends with one awesome couple- newlywed lawyers from Ireland who were just hilairous and want us to come visit them! We also went to Whitehaven beach (pictured) the most photographed beach in the world. It is one of the few places that is sooo much nicer in person.
Coming back to Sydney was a bit of a let down since we are now half-way through our stay, but I am starting my internship this week and Mom is coming in under 7 weeks. Check out my pics online also! http://community.webshots.com/user/jessicafischburg
Miss you all.