A Home Exchange in Surfer's Paradise

The day has finally come when I get to hold a Koala Bear and see some Kangaroos!

I had been to Australia once before while on my very first home exchange in December 2006 to this very same place on the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise. But as unbelievable as this may sound to you, I NEVER got to see a Koala Bear or a Kangaroo. Well I wasn't letting that happen again, so today(May 7th) Sharon and I headed to the Wild Life Sanctuary in Currumbin. The Sanctuary is home to the world's largest collection of Australian native animals. It's not a zoo but a research and conservation facility with a collection of over 1400 mammels, birds and reptiles.

We wanted to make sure that we would get there in time to hold the Koala's so we left about 9am for the 30 minute drive down the I2 Gold Coast Hwy. Within 5 minutes of paying our $39.60 AUD admission we were holding a Koala Bear! His name was George and he was handed to me by one of the sanctuary employees. She first made sure I had my hands in the right position, then she placed a towel over my hands before she put George in my arms. What was the towel for you ask? Well it seems Koala's just keep poop'in and they will do so during the split second that you get to hold them. I was surprised how heavy George was and I was informed that he weighed about 20 pounds.

After Sharon got to hold George we noticed all the other Koala's nestled in the trees still sleeping. It's amazing how they do this and don't just fall out of the trees.

Okay, where are the Kangaroos! On our way to see the Kangaroo's we stop in to check out the Australian reptiles.

We happened to meet a very nice sanctuary employee who was sweet enough to walk with us in the direction of the Kangaroo's and share some information about the sanctuary and some of the shows that would be going on throughout the day. We came to a fork in the road....Kangaroos to the right, Dingo's to the left. Hmmmm. Well Sharon is a big dog fan so we decide to detour to the left and catch a glimpse of a Dingo. On our way we come across some more Koala's hanging out in the trees munching on some eucalyptus leaves.

Of course we spent entirely way to much time here taking pictures. Somewhat satisfied that we have taken pictures from every angle possible, we wander around a bit trying to decide which way to the Dingo's but we can't seem to figure it out. We did pass a spot where the Wombat's hang out though, but they were nowhere to be seen. Alright then, let's get to the Kangaroo's.

I realize I am a bit obsessed with seeing the Kangaroo's but it comes from a picture that was taken when my son was in this very same place in 1997 and he is kneeling beside a Kangaroo! I was so impressed when I saw that picture and thought what a great experience. And now I have the chance to do the same thing. Who knew!

When entering the area of the Kangaroo's it reminds me of taking my children to a petting zoo. Minus the goats of course. There are Kangaroos everywhere! This was so cool because you could just have a face to face conversation with a Kangaroo about life in Australia.

Well it's time to get something to eat so we decide to buy a sandwich and we settle in at a table that wasn't occupied by an Ibis.

Then Sharon decides that she needs some of those little mustard packets for her sandwich. So she leaves her sandwich behind certain that it would be there when she returned. No I didn't eat it. But within seconds an Ibis swoops down on our table, snatches her sandwich and then boldly lands just steps away from us and proceeds to eat it. I guess this happens a lot here because her sandwich was replaced immediately.

We then bought an ice cream cone and decided to take the little train ride that takes you through the park. But when it arrived at the front of the park, which is where we started, it stopped and the conductor annouced that it would not continue on because the bird show was about to begin. Bummer! So we decided to walk back in the direction of those Dingos! This was the better choice as we were able to see so many more animals. We saw crocodiles, tree kanagroos, wombats, red tailed black cockatoos, emu's, a cassowary, black winged stilts and several other types of birds, and lizards. We were unfortunate though and did not get to see the Tasmanian Devil. But we did see that Dingo!

This has been a full day of being one with the animals of Australia. So what better way to top off this day then to drive just around the corner and be back at the Viking Surf Club. We enjoyed a glass of wine while looking out over the waves crashing against the rocks and tried to wind down from the excitement of our day at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

If you would like to see pictures of all the animals we saw just go to http://www.wheresdebbie.shutterfly.com" and then click on the album "Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary"

The last few days have just been a lot of taking it easy and enjoying the beach. But it's Monday, and Sharon has been here one full day now and we agree that it's time to get out and see some more of the Gold Coast!

Actually Helen and I had already planned a little outing for today while we were shopping in Surfer's on Saturday. So today Helen, Sharon and I are heading into the Hinterland to Springbrook National Park with Helen playing tour guide once again.

Our first stop is "Natural Bridge". Now this is Sharon's first glimpse of the rainforest and she is amazed with the Strangler Figs
and Yellow Carabeen trees that we pass while crossing bridges over creek beds to reach our destination. Of course I am still equally impressed even after hiking twice now through the hinterland.

This is a very short walk and it doesn't take us long before we come upon a waterfall that is spilling into a cave below.

As you well know I could just stand here all day and look at this waterfall. Of all the waterfall's I've seen I have never seen one falling into a cave. The "Natural Bridge" was actually created over millions of years by water tumbling through the roof of this basalt cave. But what has me really excited is that we can actually go into this cave and see the waterfall from there.

This is the coolest thing I've ever seen.

It's too bad we were here early because at sunset this cave is illuminated by thousands of glow worms. But there is more to see here in the hinterland and the day is a wasting!

As we continue on this scenic winding route through Springbrook we come to the border where Queensland meets New South Wales and there are some breathtaking views of the mountains from here.

On our way down the other side of this mountain range we come to the little town of Chillingham N.S.W. which is in the Tweed Valley. We decide to stop at the Chillingham Village Store and have ourselves a bite to eat.

The historic general store was built in 1922 and as we entered, it felt as if we were not in 2009 anymore. We placed our orders with John who seemed to have that bygone era friendliness.

And what better place to enjoy our coffee's, latte's and meat pies then in the beautiful little beer garden just outside.

When we finished we absolutely had to walk next door to the" Chillingham Bush Tucker".

This is Australia's version of a vegetable/fruit stand but not with your typical items you would find in America like tomatoes, corn, bananas, apples, and oranges. No they have Yuzu Fruit, Kaffir Lime Leaf, Budda's Hand and unique Bush products. And plenty of fresh Australian Native Fingerlimes.

I'm sure you are asking yourself "What the heck is a Budda's Hand"? Well it is a citron with a very strong scent and very unusal segments which represent fingers. I have never seen anything like this and I was having some fun with it!

Now what's really neat about this stand is that you can actually take a walk out back and see all of these unusal fruits and vegetables growing. So you know we had to do that!

We end our day in Currumbin at the Vikings Surf Club where we met with some friends of Helen and enjoyed a glass of wine while watching the sun set on another wonderful day on the Gold Coast.

You can see more pictures of our day by going to http://www.wheresdebbie.shutterfly.com" and then click on the album "Natural Bridge"

It's May 2 and my friend Sharon has arrived from Michigan bright and early this morning. We met each other on a Windjammer cruise in the Caribbean in January 2006 and we haven't seen each other since. So what better place to have a reunion than here on the Gold Coast.

We started with a little breakfast out on the balcony along with a Mimosa toast to friendship and a safe journey. While talking non-stop (me?) I noticed that some Rainbow Lorikeets had just decided to take a little dip in the bird bath down below.

As many times of I've seen these beautiful birds now since I've been here I still get so excited to be able to see them in the wild and not behind bars. But this was Sharon's first glimpse of Australian wildlife and she was so surprised to see it in the backyard!

After we got past the excitement and settled back into enjoying our breakfast not 2 minutes later a Kookaburra decides to join us. Well out come the cameras again! This is a first for me too so you can imagine the level of excitement going on now.

It seemed as though the Kookaburra did want his picture taken as he just patiently sat there posing for us.

Then we decided that what he probably really wanted was some fruit. Amazingly the Kookaburra ate right out of our hands as we feed him some grapes.

It wasn't until later though after talking with Helen that we discovered that Kookaburras are meat eaters. I guess this explains why he just held the grape in his mouth and then would drop it after his picture was taken.

It's now time to show Sharon a little bit of where she will be spending her next two weeks. So I suggest that we head on down to Surfer's Paradise and take a walk on the beach where she can unwind a little bit from her long trip. Because tomorrow we are heading to the Hinderland!

You can see more pictures of our day at http://www.wheresdebbie.shutterfly.com and click on the album
"Sharon and Birds and Beaches Oh My!

My first few days in Australia have been filled with so much exploring, hiking for two days in the hinterlands and a day checking out hot spots with Helen. So that is why during the next couple of days I have decided to just take it easy and do some laying around on the beach for a day.So Thursday was a great day for doing just that! And then to top that off, Friday I am invited to Helen's for a complimentary massage by her husband Grant. Well you know I'm not turning this down! Turns out Grant is a qualified massage therapist and personal trainer. Lucky me! So not only did I get a well deserved massage after hiking for two days, I also received some great tips on my workout. Afterwards while Helen and I enjoy a glass of wine out on her patio, she then invites me to join her for dinner with some fellow Bushwalkers. And then knowing that I would like to get some souvenir shopping done, Helen suggests that on Saturday we spend sometime at Marina Mirage and then head to Surfer's to do some of that shopping. First we headed out to the "Spit" and watched some hopeful surfer's practicing their technique during a surfing lesson. This will be something that I will probably never attempt to do because if you know me, I'm not getting in the water! We then backtrack passing Sea World again and spend sometime at Marina Mirage which is situated overlooking the Broadwater. We first take a walk through the newly updated mall that is now filled with designer shops such as Calvin Klein, Domani Shoes, Tommy Bahama, Tommy Hilfiger and so many more. Then as we take a walk around the Marina to have a look at all the boats and yachts, we pass several restaurants, which all have outdoor dining with views of the Broadwater and Surfer's Paradise in the distance. Now a must see is the Sheraton Mirage Resort and Spa which is situated directly across from Marina Mirage. This place has the most incredible view of the beach right from the lobby! And then to top it all off we take a walk through the world's first Palazzo Versace Hotel. This is where famous people like John Lennon had stayed after docking his yacht. Which by the way could not be docked in the Marina because it was just too big. The minute we walk through the doors and enter the lobby I can smell a subtle scent of roses which is coming from the thousands of fresh cut pale pink roses that are displayed throughout the lobby. My eyes are trying to focus on just one thing, but they are drawn to the Italian Marble beneath my feet, and then to a view of the pool which has it's own sandy beach entry. Amazing! We must now head on over to Surfer's Paradise and get some shopping done. As we make our way through all of those little typical "Aussie" souvenir shops, we stumble upon Surfer's newest shopping and leisure precinct, Circle on Cavill. And here I see the "BIGGEST" big screen tv I have ever seen. All I could think about was how great this would be if Stijn were here, he would love this! Especially since his favorite football team (soccer to us Americans) was playing. This is obviously a great spot to stop and have a bite to eat or a cup of coffee and just sit with your head bent back looking up at the "Boob Tube".
Our day has come to an end but certainly not the adventures that still lie ahead. My girlfriend Sharon will be here tomorrow and we have a lot of exploring to do while she is here for the next two weeks!
To see more pictures just go to www.wheresdebbie.shutterfly.com" and click on the album "Lazy Days"

After a wonderful day of hiking and making new friends during my day in the Lamington National Park this past Sunday, I was invited to join the Bushwalkers Club for another hike they would be doing on Wednesday at Tamborine National Park in the Palm Grove section. Well you know I jumped on this offer not only because it was going to be less than 12k but because if the hike in Lamington was any indication as to what I would be experiencing in Tamborine, I'm There! So at 7:30am I was picked up by Wilma and we met up with two Bushwalkers, Helen and Josie in Nerang. We all piled in Helen's car and headed on up to Tamborine where we met up with about 15 more Bushwalkers. After everyone was introduced and I got a group photo, we then began our hike into Palm Grove. Within just a few moments a fellow hiker has picked up a sort of pod to show me and how some animal apparently worked very hard at trying to open it to eat whatever had been inside of here. Soon we come upon one of the biggest Carabeen Trees I've seen since I've been here. These trees are very common in many of the rainforests here in Australia. They have prominent buttresses at the base of the trunk that provide extra support in shallow soils. Or, a great hiding place if you just want to play a little hide-n-seek. As I walk thru this rainforest I am trying to compare it to someplace in the United States. I finally decide that it would be the Redwood Forest National Park in California. The trees of course are different but the setting is much the same with Carabeen Trees as tall as 164 feet (50m) and the groves of tall Palms with the sun flickering through this dense tropical forest. After our hike through Palm Grove we all load up in our cars and head over to the Joalah section of the Tamborine National Park for another hike. But first we stop at a little place called "The Nature Walk Cafe" and have some coffee. But for me I must have an Aussie meat pie! Everyone is ready to go again and we walk across the street and head into those trees. Destination "Curtis Falls". As we walk on the path through more Palms, Carabeen and Strangler Figs I soon hear the sound of a waterfall in the distance. Now if you have been reading my stories here you have a good idea that I love lighthouses. My other FAVORITE is waterfalls! We come into a little clearing and walk onto a platform and there is Curtis Falls. I am a happy girl! We continue on our path following along the little creek from Curtis Falls. And then there is a big dilemma. Or as I like to say "Options" . We must now cross the water to be able to continue on our walk. Now some just decide to get their feet wet and walk through the water and others tested their balance while carefully and skillfully stepping on the rocks making their way across. But then there were the few who decided that was all just to riskey. So we made our way upstream a bit and chose what we felt would be the best method for getting to the other side. This would be sitting on a log that had fallen and scoot across. Some of us could make it on our own while others needed a little push.We are just about to the end of our walk when I hear something that is very different than any of the sounds I have heard during my two days of hiking in the hinterland. I've heard Kookaburra's, Whipbirds and Cockatoos, but this was different. As I look up to the tops of the trees I can't quite seem to make out exactly what all those are up there trying to find the perfect tree limb. Then it is brought to my attention that those are "Fruit Bats". Oh My Gosh! These things were huge and I'm glad that they were more interested in finding a place to hang upside down for their afternoon nap then swooping down on me.
Our hike has come to an end and it is decided that we will eat our lunch in the picnic area of the Botanic Gardens. Afterwards we take a walk through the gardens where there are several trees, shrubs and flowers on display that are native to Australia. It's been another beautiful day and I say good-bye to all the wonderful people that I've had the pleasure of meeting and the privledge of spending time with as they shared with me some of their favorite places here on the Gold Coast in the hinterlands.
As Helen, Wilma, Josie and I are heading on down the mountain we are treated to the unexpected paraglider who is just about ready to take off. So we parked and took our spot on the grass and watched as he waited patiently for just the right wind conditions. And then away he went...........floating gracefully to the valley below. Alrighty then......it's decided that we need to have a glass of wine before heading on down the mountain. So Helen suggests the St Bernards Hotel. As we walk up to the entrance there is "Leo" the St Bernard, napping on the front porch and not the least bit interested in us or of me taking his picture. Now this was a treat but he didn't compare to the view I was about to see from the outdoor dining patio where we would sit and enjoy a glass of wine. As the four of us are enjoying our wine reflecting on our day Josie has a fantastic idea! She invites us to her home for a gin and tonic to top off our day. Does it get any better than this?
There are more pictures of my day at www.wheresdebbie.shutterfly.com". Just click on the album "Another Day in the Hinterland".

After a nice relaxing day on Monday I was treated to a phone call from Helen early Tuesday morning inviting me to join her for a little beach trip to Currumbin.I had met Helen on Sunday during the Bushwalkers Club hike we did in the Lamington National Park. So how excited was I to be able to spend some more time with her on what turned out to be a gorgeous day on the Gold Coast. Helen picked me up around 8:30am and we headed out to Currumbin. On our way we made a stop at Broadbeach to take a little walk along the beach.The ocean is magnificent and the water is several shades of blue with the wall of the waves looking like glass because the water is so clear. The sand is so fine that as I walk I can hear a sort of squeaking with each step I take. After about 30 minutes or so we head on down the coast and make another stop at the Miami Beach headland. After having our pictures taken Helen has a great idea for me! She suggests that I take the little hike up and over this rock outcropping to enjoy some more incredible views and she would drive over and meet me on the other side at North Burleigh Headland.So I start out on the marked path and I am stopped dead in my tracks when I see this tree. I am a bit intrigued, yet embarrassed to be taking pictures of it. You know, someone might think that I am a bit of a pervert or something. Any idea why they call this a "Mangrove Tree"? As I make my way to the other side I am stunned by the views from here. After meeting up with Helen on the other side, we decide it is time to have a coffee. So we head on down to Currumbin to one of Helen's favorite spots, The Beach Shack. But first we see a sculpture just across the street that is left over from the huge Swell Sculpture Festival they had here back in September. So you know I must have pictures of this life size sculpture of a woman who is enjoying soaking up some rays. We finally make it to Currumbin and Helen can not wait to get in the water! I of course chose to walk over to the other side and pick our spot on the beach where we ended up lying out for about an hour while having some great girl talk.It's about 3:00pm now and we are ready for a glass of wine! So we head to another of Helen's favorite spots, The Currumbin Vikings Surf Club. This is a great open air restaurant with seating inside and alfresco. After we order something to eat and get our glass of wine, we head straight to the deck and claim our beach view table. It only takes me a slpit second to realize why this is one of Helen's favorites. We are literally sitting over the beach watching the waves crash against the rocks as we enjoy our wine. As Helen and I make a toast to new friendships, I can't help but think how this was a perfect ending to a perfect day!
If you would like to see more pictures of our day just go to www.wheressdebbie.shutterfly.com" and then click on the album "A Day Spent With Helen"

It was a long journey, but well worth the 21 hours it took to get here. I arrived in Brisbane at 11:00am on Saturday April 25th, gathered my luggage and looked for the shuttle bus driver who would be taking me to my new home for the next 3 weeks in Benowa, which is just an hour's drive south of Brisbane.As we pull up in front of the house I am breathless when I see this picture perfect little house tucked neatly in a lush garden surrounded by several types of tropical plants, bushes and trees. I am greeted by the sounds of numerous types of birds who are enjoying there afternoon in the trees. I love this! All I ever hear is the cooing of pigeons with the occasional chirp of a sparrow back home in Las Vegas.I settle in and take a little tour of the house and from the kitchen I step out onto a veranda and I am looking out over the backyard which has a swimming pool surrounded by more incredible foliage. After about 10 minutes or so I have guests arriving with a bottle of Champagne to welcome me to Australia. Josie and Cliff introduce themselves as the couple who will be joining Warren and Pamela in my home. While we enjoy a glass of Champagne Josie asks if I would be interested in joining the Bushwalkers Club for a hike on Sunday. Sure! So everything is set and I am picked up by Wilma, one of the Bushwalker Club members at 6:15am on Sunday morning. After meeting up with some more club members we head out to Binna Burra in the Lamington National Park and begin our 12k walk to Daves Creek.With camera in hand I am immediately taking pictures of all the different types of trees and foliage. Australia has plants and animals like no other place in the world. The tree that I am the most fascinated with is the "Strangler Fig". This tree actually wraps itself around another tree and literally strangles it to death.There is a very peaceful calmness as we walk through this rain forest with only the sounds of the many types of birds that live here. I kept hearing this whipping sound, you know like a rope being snapped at something, and when I asked Maurie what that was his answer of course was "That is a Whipbird". Up ahead the group has stopped to wait for me to catch up, (because you know I am stopping entirely way to much to take pictures) so that I can take a picture of a Pademelon that is standing right along the path. The picture turned out to dark, but you can try and see it at "Where's Debbie". As we continue on I am enjoying swinging from the vines, climbing up trees, crossing little creeks, climbing rocks and enjoying the views. Our hike has come to an end and Maurie has invited everyone to have their lunch at his home. What a great treat this was! Now talk about paradise, his home is nestled in a wooded area not far from where we were and the views are spectacular! After we enjoy our lunch an the deck we our treated to a tour of Maurie's property. As we begin, our tour starts with Maurie showing us a "Bower". This of course is made by a "Bowerbird". This is not a nest but a little something the male makes during courtship of a female. What a guy! I am anxious to see the garden but not because of the different types of squash or fruit trees, I want to see how a kiwi fruit grows! I am sure I'm one of the very few who doesn't know that kiwi fruit grows on a vine. You learn something new everyday! As we head back up to the house I am treated by the chance to see a leech crawling up the pant leg of Maurie's wife. This of course was after the leech had just sucked some blood from the toe of a fellow hiker.Then when I think the day just couldn't get any better a wallaby makes his way across Maurie's property! As Helen, Wilma, Geoff and I head back to town we stop at a little dairy that sells unpasteurized milk and some other treats. We stop in and no one is around so we help ourselves to the refrigerator and pick out what we want. I decided on the fresh goat's cheese for $4.00aus. We put our money in the jar and continued on home. My first day in Australia has been amazing! To walk through a rainforest and experience Australia's wildlife is something I will never forget. But best of all, I have made some wonderful new friends. In fact, they have invited me back for another hike on Wednesday!
If you would like to see more pictures of my day in the rainforest just go to "http://www.wheresdebbie.shutterfly.com" and click on the album "Bushwalkers Club Hike"

Another great opportunity has come my way for a home exchange!I have been preparing for my 3 week exchange to Australia since July 2008, when I was first contacted by Warren and Pamela of Benowa in Queensland. To read about the description of their home and the area made it impossible for me to decline.One of the reasons I am so excited about this exchange, aside from the fact that it's in Australia, is that it just so happens to be in the same area as the very first home exchange I had in December 2006 in Southport. Both Benowa and Southport are right at Surfer's Paradise, where the Aussies go to vacation! On this trip I am looking forward to visiting the Great Barrier Reef along with a trip to the Currumbin Wildlife Sancturary for the chance to mingle with the kangaroos and hold a Koala Bear! And of course spending some time on those great beachs of the Gold Coast! It's April 23 and I am now on my flight to the land "Down Under". I am flying with "V Australia, Virgin Airlines' newest addition. I was able to get a great airfare of $674.00 round trip from Los Angeles to Brisbane. I booked my fight seperately for the round trip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles through Southwest for only $125.00. I've learned that it is much cheaper to do it this way when I'm flying because airlines are always offering low fares when you fly out of LA to places like the South Pacific or Asia, but when you try to book that same flight round trip from Las Vegas you will pay an additional $300-$400. So you can save yourself some money by booking your round trip from LAS to LAX separetely.I am happy here in my window seat and I have already been sitting here for 9 hours....only 5 1/2 more to go! Well that gets me to Sydney and then I have another 1 1/2 hour flight to Brisbane.Be sure to check back soon to see how I spent my first day in the land "Down Under"