Sunday, March 3, 2024 – Photo of the Day – Cairns, Australia

Cairns, Australia

Where in the World Are We?

In Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, on the northeast coast of Australia in the South Pacific Ocean.

RUSTY’S MARKETS
If you thought the landscape colors up here were bright and bold, wait until you see the region’s local produce at Rusty’s Markets.

Rusty’s has been operating from its Grafton St location for over 30 years, packing over 180 stalls into one city block with everything from sarongs to Vietnamese coffee, fruit, and veggies to crocodile-leather bracelets—the perfect place to find a unique souvenir or indulge in the delicious local cuisine.

SIGHTS

  • Cairns Museum
  • Cairns Art Gallery
  • Josephine Falls
  • Palm Cove
  • Samurai Gallery Australia

TONIGHT’S SHOW – THE MAGIC OF ZLWIN CHEW

“When you want something, the whole universe conspires to help you achieve your dream.” This quote hung close to a young Zlwin Chew’s heart, starting in the magic world 15 years ago.

With a deck of cards and a head full of dreams, Zlwin started his career working at the top clubs in his country, Malaysia. Luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel often seek his shows. He travels worldwide from Istanbul to Paris, London to Amsterdam, Oman to the Maldives, and all across Asia and Australia.

Zlwin’s shows are often called “Something so entirely different from what others are doing.” Rightly so because he believes in using his time on stage to share a message of hope and light in a struggling world, he fuses magic acts with thought-provoking messages and inspiring poems, performing a unique kind of magic that entertains the eyes and moves the heart.

Sunday Family Dinner in La Terrazza
This Sunday, we took a culinary journey to bustling Great Britain! Traditional English delights and superb musical entertainment.

Did you know?
Yorkshire pudding dates back to the 1700s, when it was described as “Dripping Pudding” in The Whole Duty of a Woman. Cooks in the 18th century roasted meat on a spit over the flames in the kitchen fireplace, where it dripped as it cooked. The puddings were carefully placed beneath to catch and be flavored by those drippings.
Bon Appétit!

Check out today’s Chronicle.

Saturday, March 2, 2024 – Photo of the Day – Cairns, Australia

Where in the World Are We?

In Cairnes on the northeast coast of Australia at the center of the Great Barrier Reef in the South Pacific Ocean

CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA
HOME TO THE ICONIC GREAT BARRIER REEF

Warmly welcoming you to the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a treasure trove of rich tropical
beauty and incredible sea life. Swathes of rainforest spread out to the north, where you can soar over the canopy
in a cable car before looking down over narrow channels of water plummeting down gorges and crocodile-filled
waterways. The diverse lands of the Atherton Tableland lie to the west, but it’s the crystal-clear waters – and life-filled
reefs – of Cairns’ remarkable underwater world that draws universal adulation. Priding itself as the Gateway to the
Great Barrier Reef, explore Cairns’ constellation of color as you dive into the world’s largest and most spectacular
underwater universe.

Cairns is huddled in amongst abundant swathes of rainforests, giving way to glorious golden beach crescents.
Kuranda – with its scenic railway and heritage market stalls – waits to be discovered, cloaked within the depths of the
rainforest. Learn of the indigenous people of North Queensland during cultural performances, and hear the throaty
reverberations of digeridoos as you listen to eternal stories handed down through time, from generation to generation.

Back in Cairns, there’s always time for a coffee, a beer, or a feast of fresh oysters with glasses of Cairns’ white wines
– boldly flavored with mango and banana notes.

BARRON GORGE NATIONAL PARK
Experience a world-heritage rainforest, the spectacular Barron Falls, and the diverse wildlife in Barron Gorge National Park. Located in the Wet Tropics of Queensland’s World Heritage Area north of Cairns, the park is part of the traditional lands of the Djabugandji Bama (local Aboriginal people), who maintain a close spiritual connection with this country.

Before Europeans arrived, Bama traversed this country, developing trails linking the coast to the uplands. These historic trails now form sections of a walking track network.

SIGHTS

  • Cairns Aquarium
  • Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
  • Cairns Botanic Gardens
  • The Australian Armour & Artillery Museum
  • Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Today’s Excursion – Aboriginal Rainforest Journey

Explore the Aboriginal culture amidst the pristine natural beauty of the Rainforestation Nature Park during this captivating sightseeing excursion.

Kuranda Range, Rainforest, Rainforestation Nature Park, Army Duck-Ride, Wildlife

We departed the pier for the scenic drive from Cairns, the heart of tropical north Queensland and home of nature, culture, and wildlife, up the Karanda range and through the rainforest. Upon arrival at the spectacular Rainforestation Nature Park, we boarded an authentic Army Duck, a heavy-duty, amphibious truck utilized during World War II, for a picturesque ride through the verdant rainforest.

Aboriginal Culture, Dancing & Musical Activities, Kangaroos, Koalas, Cassowaries

Next, we enjoyed a unique opportunity to learn about and experience the Aboriginal culture in the tropical rainforest first-hand through dancing and musical activities. Australia’s abundant wildlife is also on display during your time in the park. We watched adorable kangaroos hopping at our feet and looked for other Aussie favorites, including koalas and cassowaries.

TONIGHT’S LOCAL SHOW – THE STORY OF TWO BROTHERS

A performance of ancient and contemporary stories from ancient Song Lines.

Songline custodian David Mundraby, Elder of the Mandingalbay Yidinji clan
from Far North Queensland, is a Teacher’s Aide at the Yarrabah State School and holder of the song line of his clan. The songline stretches from the North of Queensland down to the land of the Mandingalbay Yidinji, which lies between
Yarrabah and Cairns.

A central story for Mandingalbay Yidinji people is the story of two brothers, Damari and Guyala. Before the white man arrived, two brothers, Damari and Guyala, made their way down the east coast of Australia. They came seeking shelter and food after a long journey from the North and made a stopover near the land of the Mandingalbay Yidinji tribe of the Cairns area.

The story of betrayal, lies, and loyalty is told in the language, dance, and song of the Mandingalbay Yidinji.

Check out today’s Chronicle