Hello from Australia

After six long months in the Gulf, we're finally heading home.  First stop...Perth, Australia!  Well, okay, it's not exactly on the way home...but it's a start.  At least it's not in the Gulf.

Besides, we needed an excuse to Cross the Equator and rid our ship of 2,800 slimy Pollywogs.  Our trusty Shellbacks put together a great ceremony the "wogs" will remember forever. 

In Perth, my liberty buddy chose the hotel - Crown Metropol - and it was a GREAT one!  Not only was it decorated in Black, White and Chrome/Mirrors, but it had a casino attached.  Awesome!

 

Look at the black marble bathroom - love it!

Our main event was a trip to...

Ever seen the mini-series The Thornbirds?  They had a whole exhibit based on the Auatralian farms.  They showed us how the dogs move the sheep around and into the various gates, sheared sheep right in front of us and taught us how to use a whip.  (Best part, they don't use it on the animals - it's just to make noise and steer them in another direction - whew!)

Plus, they showed us how to milk a cow.  I don't think I've ever done that before.  It was very weird.

This little goat is only one week old and he was so cute.  He slobbered on my shirt, tho.

This giant guy is a Wombat.  You're not supposed to touch his whiskers or he goes a little crazy.  So, they said we could only pet his hind legs.  It was kinda weird that they had him all spread-eagle.  Oh well.

This little guy is a Tazmanian Devil.  This is the best photo I could get of him.  I was standing there for five minutes and he just went 'round and 'round this tiny 6 foot diameter hill.  His friend was busy running 'round and 'round a little hill at the back of the cage area.  Every once in a while they would trade hills.  What a couple of goofs!

This is a koala bear.  They also only like to be touched nicely on their backs.  And, we weren't allowed to hold them.  Do you see the claws on that guy?

Kangaroos also have some pretty nasty claws, if you can see in the photo above with Deb.

Hello from Abu Dhabi - Part 2

Sunset Safari

 

There is so much to do at the Sunset Safari!

First, we rode in those white 4-Runners all thru the sandy dunes.  Everyone was hollering and having a merry time - I was white knuckled and hanging on for dear life!!  I had to keep reassuring myself, "They do this every day, they do this every day..."  as we were spinning and sliding on the sand, twisting and turning over the crests and valleys.  It was a lot more fun once I was OUT of the car!

 

The lady standing next to me is my roommate on the ship, Adriane.  She's super nice, and lots of fun!

 

 Once we got to the Safari compound, there were camel rides, 4x4 rides, a huge dune to climb to watch the sunset...and some snowboards to slide down.  But, we ran down as fast as our legs would go.  Inside, there was a henna tattoo person, a flacon owner, a place you could try on the traditional gear - both male and female - and a little store with souvenirs and outfits you can purchase.  There were huka pipes will smelly things to smoke.  And there was yummy food with rice and something that more resembled tortillas than naan, but that's okay.  :o)

 

Ferrari World

 

One of the days we visited Ferrari World.  It's a theme park that is practically attached to the Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi.  I think it's the world's largest indoor theme park...but I know it has the world's fastest roller coaster. 



 

We went on it twice.

 

 

One of the fun displays they had was to dress up as a race car driver and crew.  We had a blast and make them take about 4,000 photos of us.

 

Finally, they had a little go-cart track.  Oh my gosh - it was so fun!  I was thinking it was a little ho-hum during the first couple laps, then after everyone had cleared the starting line...all of a sudden my car got some serious "get-up!"   I had so much fun navigating the curves - and there were a lot - and keeping my traction.  I'm not sure I've ever been on a go-cart that wasn't similar to Autopia at Disneyland.  This was sooooo much better!  I was passing people and zooming around the corners.  Too bad it was only a six-minute ride.  It was awesome!