Cairns, Australia 24FEB11

I’m sitting in the cabin in my underwear (actually, less than that) to chronicle our first wipeout day of the cruise. It’s not monsoon season here, but it sure feels like it. We arrived this morning in a torrential downpour which pretty much kept up throughout the day. The rain comes in waves and at its heaviest slants across your body even though there is no real wind. The ship gives everyone an umbrella when they debark but you still get soaked. We’ve been here before so no Barrier Reef for us.
The plan was to deliver a package that one of our condo friends had asked us (we actually offered) to bring to her sister who is a nun in a convent in the area. After the mandatory internet stop at McDonald’s we ventured out in the maelstrom to find out just how to get to our destination. A cab driver told us it would be at least $20 in each direction. The people at the tourist information office gave us detailed bus instructions but when we went to board the bus, the driver told us it would be a very long uphill walk (in the rain) from the closest bus stop and suggested a cab was the best option. We waited out on the street a little while, but with the weather as it was, cab availability was minimal. We solved the problem by going to the post office. You know me, I really would have loved to visit the Sisters of Mercy but the obstacles were too much considering the weather.

After lunch on the ship, we ventured out again just for the exercise. The town is gateway to the Great Barrier Reef so it is really a tourist destination. Walking the streets I was reminded of South Beach in the 1960’s, before it became what it is today. The highlight of this walk was a visit to Woolworth’s, a combination supermarket/Kmart. We bought absolutely nothing and returned to the ship like drenched rats.

Just a word about what the ship offered last night. It was called “A Taste of Australia”. The entire Lido area including the covered swimming pool was transformed into an Aussie barbecue. Kangaroo, emu, venison and weird tropical fruits were displayed in a setting that defies description. The pool had been closed all afternoon. I can’t imagine how much work was involved. Complimentary Australian wines flowed freely but, sad to say, NO Australian beers! Kudos to the staff.

Joe Wagg