So… I took a day off from the blog yesterday.  We flew from Sydney to Cairns (3-hour flight), checked into our hotel, walked down the boardwalk to get a late lunch and, exhausted from our go-go-go schedule and the 100-degree heat, took a nap and ordered room service for dinner.

Cue today.

Our first full day in Cairns was filled with highs and culture. We so fancy.

We started off the day super early – we got up with a 3 at the front of the number on the clock to make our 4:30 pickup for a hot air balloon ride. An hour ride north up a winding mountain road, and we came to a field where four huge balloons were being inflated. Ours, we were told, was the second-largest balloon in the Southern Hemisphere. So there’s that.

The balloon ride itself was amazing. Beautiful views, watching the sun rise over the mountains, and kangaroos – who are plentiful, like deer at home – hopping across the fields and woods. After the balloon ride we went to a gorgeous resort called Palm Cove for a champagne breakfast as part of our tour. Wonderful meal with a beautiful view. I fell in love with coconut jam.

Our next stop was the Tjupakai Cultural Center, which was kind of like the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii. There were shows and demonstrations, and we got to throw spears and boomerangs. I ruled at both; maybe I was a warrior in a previous life? Mom was not so good at either (although I was pretty proud that she got in and out of the balloon basket on her own – a rule they have, and she aced it both ways! Go mom!).

Our final stop was back at the hotel, where we put our pinkies in the air for high tea. The service was awful, but the food and drinks were pretty darn good. I had a champagne high tea (natch) while mom opted for the traditional with actual tea. Our favorite high tea food was the scone with jam and clotted cream. Yum!

A bit of shopping – including grabbing bread, cheese, salami and wine again for dinner in our room – and we’re back in the room for the night. It’s so darn HOT here – heat index hovering around 100 degrees – that we are exhausted by mid-late afternoon.

Another day, another snotty comment about Donald Trump by a non-American. I mean, I understand the comments at home, but c’mon people! The US isn’t your country or Trump your president, and many world leaders have their own issues and baggage (I’m lookin’ at you, Canada). I’m trying to enjoy my vacation and don’t need you making snide comments about MY president. So far, I’ve managed to hold my tongue, and my intention is to continue to do so.

Oh, one final thing – they use GPS to fly balloons now. Where’s the romance in that?

Yawo.
(our Tjupakai guide’s aboriginal language word for goodbye)