If we become so emerged in the frenzy of news, we might very well miss the precious a gift from God called life. Did we miss November 11th? Do we know the significance? I hope we all took the time to honor a veteran. It is worth the reader to learn a little more about this day and how brave men and women have paid the ultimate price to maintain our freedom. In the USA this day is called “Veteran’s Day”. In Australia and New Zealand this day is “Anzac Day”, In the UK, it is called “Armistice Day” or “Poppy Day”. Poppies are flowers given out in remembrance of this day all over the world. Did we stop to remember a veteran this day or shed a tear or two in remembrance of a loved one lost to keep us free? I hope we can get our act together and unite now as a proud nation and stop the blame game.
This light passes over the words “Greater Love Hath No Man” at the Shrine of Remembrance with a brief ceremony every day at 11:00 am and on Nov. 11th their is a huge remembrance ceremony in Melbourne, Australia
Paul advises us in 2 Thessalonians 3:13 not to be discouraged in doing what is right. I believe that is very timely advise today. The pendulum swings it seems right or left and the extremists tend to step out of the shadows to protest their cause. I wonder just how many of those protesting now actually exercised the right to vote. Did you know that voting is mandatory in Australia? The USA is full of people that seem to complain but never actually vote. That is a shame! We are a free nation based on a democracy that allows opinions but not criminal acts to enforce their opinion on someone else. This holds true for the right or the left of the political arena. Paul also advised in 2 Thessalonians 3:6 to stay away from people who do not have a disciplined life. He also advised that if anyone does not want to work, should not eat in 3:10. Wow, that sounds a bit harsh! Not really. This country was founded on work and some paid a very high price for their efforts. Some reaped a high reward. Let freedom ring but let only the people who support freedom ring the bell. Don’t be discouraged in doing what is right. I will also add make sure you are being led by Devine guidance not the news media. “Jesus said, “Watch out that you aren’t deceived.” (Luke 21:8) Listen if you have time to my audio below the quote from Martin Kornfeld.
Wow! Did we just witness the most historical presidential election of all time? I am writing this message on the day after a total upset to what most of the PC believed. Boy were they deceived! It is interesting to note that many Christians around this country were holding prayer vigilance throughout the day lifting up the presidential election for God’s blessing on the winner. Perhaps, many were disappointed in the results or perhaps they may be second guessing their power of prayer. In any event, we have a new president. Was he your chose? Maybe not but it was clearly the chose of the electoral majority which represents the will of the American people. May we now put our differences aside and pray in unison for our new leader that he will be guided by the Holy Spirit to lead according to God’s will. My message last Sunday was “Watch out for deception”. I encourage you to read 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5 especially verse 3 but be warned not to fall into a gender specific frame of mine. Were we deceived by one party to choose a PC course of action or were we led to choose change to restore our moral values? This will be an ongoing debate for many months or perhaps years to come but I believe God will ultimately prevail. If we truly prayed for the right leader then let’s embrace him and encourage him as this is our peaceful way of democracy in this country to govern. I thank God that I live in a free country. It may not seem fair but I am thankful that we are still a nation under God. In my audio message below, I spoke about how Paul was stern to warn the Thessalonians not to be deceived by false rumors from the news media of the times. That advise is still valid in today’s world. It seems the news is designed to get our attention to create ratings for the news network. Is that what we have come to in our civilized world today? I hope not. Our modern bible was constructed over 1600 years and 40 writers based on historical knowledge cross checked with verbal first account of events and put into a text structure that has proven the test of time. Other books or documents try to compete but in my opinion their is not much competition. However, our human nature tends to believe as Paul discovered on what they may hear at the moment. Paul said do not let anyone deceive you in any way. I think that is good advise in today’s world as well.
As I wrap up my notes on this awesome trip down under, I remind my readers that I write usually very brief messages so this will be my last lengthy blog at least for awhile. This draft was being written as we flew back home. The flight to Dallas is about 16 hours so why not write of our adventures?
We landed back in Sydney for our third and final week in Australia and was taken to the cruise ship. Seeing Sydney Harbor from the ship as the sunset was fabulous.
Sydney Harbor Bridge at sunset as we left on our cruise to Melbourne.Sydney Tower at sunset. We ate there the previous time to Sydney at the 360 revolving restaraunt.
Our first night at sea was a bit rough but not too bad and was smooth sailing for the rest of our cruise. No need to promote life on a cruise liner while onboard as most readers are experienced. If not, book one to enjoy your own experience.
Our first port was in Melbourne. There is so much to see from views at the Eureka Skydeck to rides on vintage train to view wildlife. We chose the City tour and River Boat excursion for our trip. Prior to the excursion we had a wonderful walk along Port Phillip Bay or earlier in 1839 known as Sandridge, Port Melbourne. The walk along the Bay is wonderful but I suppose weather dependent since the Tasman Sea and Bass Straight join forces to make the sea a huge turbulance sometimes. Lucky for us, not this time.
Our city tour included a stop at the Shrine of Remembrance where at 11 each day a brief memorial service is held when a light travels across the words “Greater Love Hath No Man” to remember fallen soulders. Poppies fill a rembrance area lest we forget. From there we toured a botanical garden and Cook’s Cottage before our river boat ride on the Yarra River via the Southgate Lower Promenade.
We were back on the ship that evening to sail away to Hobart, Tasmania.
Port Phillip BayShrine of RemembranceEvery day at 11 am the light from the Shrine passes over the words “Greater Love Hath No Man”.“In Flanders Fields” by John McCraeYarra River. It looks dirty but very clean. The brown look is due to reaction to salt water mixing with fresh.Goodbye Melbourne
Another day at sea through the Bass Straits along Tasmania to port at Hobart. What sad history this port has as the place where prisoners were first brought. What makes it sad is that most of the crimes were petty in our understaning but yielded 5, 7, 14 year up to life sentences. Hard to imagine how a civilized country can be so uncivilized to its own people. Richmond Gaol “jail” is Australia’s oldest existing and best perserved colonial gaol built in 1825. We did not get a chance to tour that one as opted to tour the Female Factory. The buildings are mostly gone but the outline exists and between 1788 to 1853 some 25,000 women were imprisoned behind its walls. Many women arrived with infants and children of all ages. The infants stayed with the moms but others were farmed out as slaves. Many of the infants died as did the mothers. Those that survived the harsh conditions were often sent out as maids only to return if mis-obeyed or became sick or pregnant again. Wonder how they mis-obeyed?
On a brighter note, we did tour Australia’s oldest brewery called Cascade Brewery. It started out as a saw mill in 1824 but the owner was a bit too loose with client’s money so was also sent to gaol. He was not defeated as he dreamed up a better use than a saw mill while in prison. Made good use of his confinement!
Island of Tasmania. The 7th state in Australia and 1st to take prisoners from England and IrelandWomen Factory outline of prison. Note the beauty behind the walls that could not be seen in confinement for such minor crimes as taking a loaf of bread.Cascade Brewery. Oldest in Australa. Started as a saw mill but owner converted to a brewery as the demand for purified beer from the mountains seemed more lucrative than lumber. Great idea!
We left Hobart for open seas to Wollongong. Spending another day at sea, we arrived in Wollongong next day with news media, boats, seadoos, helicopters and planes all greeting at the dock. We made history as first cruisliner to dock there ever. The town came out all to meet us and welcome us to there city. Just so happened that a Harley Thunder Roll event also in town. There were 1600 rolling through the town. What a site! Since we had seen Wollongong from our hill top views already driving with friends last time in Sydney, we decided to stay in the center and shop. The shops were awsome so made our day in the town a wonderful relaxing experience.
Waving the Auzzie flag as first ever arrival of a cruise ship into Wollongong.Goodbye TasmaniaThe people of Wollongong excited to see our arrival.Wollongong Harbor and break water.A little history of the Methodist connection with the Uniting Church.Harley Thunder RollNippers learning to surf and water safety.Goodbye Wollongong.
We sailed away from Wollongong for Sydney that evening. If you look at the map, you will discover there is not much distance to travel. When on a cruise, who cares. Right?
Our last day in Sydney was one last trip to Circle Quay to see the Opra House, Bridge and awesome harbor one more time. Fond memories now replace our journey for many years to come.
Nice to be back home to get ready for election day. O no. Is it too early to book another adventure?
Just a little recap for any new readers to my blog. I have been traveling for 4 weeks and writing about my adventures with my beautiful wife. Our first week was in Hawaii. The second week was spent in Sydney, Australia. You can go back to read my earlier notes. Now, this is our 2nd week in Australia where we spent the whole week with relatives in and around Brisbane. Though I have never met these relatives from my wife’s side, I feel a very close connection to their whole family through a book I read before this trip. The true story of a heart breaking loss of a child and the community strength of the whole Northern Territory plus all of Australia is written in this book called the “The Lost Boy” by Robert Wainwright. I will not try to cover the story here but encourage you to read this book to learn more about the heart of Australia.
Before I get into my 2nd week, I think it should help you Americans to know some common words not easily understood. Here is a brief list.
1. Piddle means to urinate so replace with “muck around”.
2. Tire is heard as “tar”.
3. Bible is heard as “barber”.
4. Pearl is heard as “pill”.
5. Meat is heard as “mick”.
So do not piddle in a person’s shed as they may hit you with a tar or a barber and say what a pill mick head you shella.
Also, concession is not snacks instead it means benefits for old age pensioners.
We landed in Brisbane and immediately felt at home. We met children and grand children as if they were our own. We took family photos overlooking Brisbane and Mt Coot-tha then traveled to their home in Caloundra. Currimundi is a suberb of Caloundra as I understand where we saw beautiful beaches with nice walks along the beach for shops and restaraunts. What a beautiful drive along the Sunshine Coast! We met my wife’s aunt and heard stories of old. New stories were added to our memory bank. The next two days we had more walks along the beaches, walked in a protected rain forrest, sampled local cheeses, viewed McCarthy’s Lookout to see the Blackall Range and the Glass House Mountains, and Gerrard’s Lookout. What a great time to be with family seeing sights we would not have seen otherwise!
Goodbye SydneyHello BrisbaneBrisbane Skyline from Mt. Coot-tha view pointVery Old Gum tree in rain forest preservation siteMcCarthur’s Lookout
The next day we spent all day at Steve Irwin’s zoo. Most people know Steve in the USA for his daring stunts with crocodiles but visiting the Australia Zoo home of the Crocodile Hunter was awesome. I wish I could show my grandchildren the passion for his dreams. It is a first class exhibition of God’s unique creatures. I encourage the reader to research yourself.
Koala is not a bear in case you were wandering. They consume about 10 pounds of eucalyptus leaves per day. Very toxic to us but they have a unique digestive system to break down the toxins. They are not in a drug induced state but preserving all energy to digest their food.
Back at our home away from home in Caloundra, we continued to share our family stories with more children and grand children. We swam, ate some awesome meals, fished for crabs and actually caught a few for the barbie.
The weekend was spent more of the same and Church included. This brings me to another observation about the Auzzies. Their Christian faith journey is strong. We witnessed our family’s personal health struggles and their refusal to believe in man’s prognosis over faith in God and His miracles.
Sunset at Currimundi Beach.KawanaLife Church banner. May God’s grace continue to strengthen this faith filled church.Goodbye Brisbane
The next day we headed back to Sydney for a cruise down to Melbourne, Tasmania, then back to Wollongong and Sydney.
The memories we made with our Brisbane family will last a lifetime and hopefully will be past on to the next generations in these words and pictures.
The magic continues as we go to new adventures in the large island called Australia. In fact, Australia has about 8000 small islands around her coastline making it a great attraction for any beach lover. The most noticable attraction I found fascinating was not the beaches but the people. They are all friendly with a great sence of humor and all seemed to speak a similar dialect. We spent one week in Sydney, one week in Brisbane, back to Sydney to cruise south to Melbourne, Tasmania before heading back to Sydney with a stop at Wollongong. What a trip! I started writing this blog while we travel through calm seas to Wollongong. I put this trip in chronicle order by weeks. This is the first week.
We met two Australian couples on our Hawaiian journey that are now forever connected with us as friends. It is amazing how God works to connect his people. Just a breif encounter to offer a group picture turned into a wonderful friendship. We exchanged emails and planned a meeting in Sydney. A few days later, we found ourselves planning a week end together outside Sydney to the blue mountains to the west and south to Gymea. Before I get ahead of myself, let me share the beautiful sites of Sydney.
Sydney Harbor Bridge about 440 feet high. We climbed it!Sydney Opera House. We watched “My Fair Lady”. Awesome!Bondi BeachManly Beach. Our favorite as great beach with lots of shops.
We saw “My Fair Lady” at the iconic Sydney Opera House and toured Bondi beach on our first full day. Our second day was a climb up to the equally iconic Harbor Bridge which took about 3 hours but the narrative and scenic view was well worth the climb. Our 3rd day was spent on a ferry to Manly beach. Great place to shop! We finished with more shopping around the Rocks and a nice meal in the sky tower restaurant. The next day we walked more around the Rocks and in Hyde Park, spent a great time at an Asian Noodle Festival finishing our 4th day hanging out. The adventures continue with our new friends.
The Blue Mountains are called blue because of the vast eucalyptus trees that are very toxic and when together in mass, cause the blue affect from a distance. It is amazing how these trees are the Koula staple diet. They will eat 5 kilos or about 10 pounds of its leaves daily. Their digestive system is so complicated and takes most of their energy to break down the toxins. No wander they sleep 20 out of a 24 hour day! Our new friends picked us up on the 5th day in Sydney and drove us to the Hydro Majestic Hotel founded in 1904. It is an Icon of Australia located atop an escarpment in the blue mountains. It was built by a retailing magnate named Mark Foy as a lavish hydropathic establishment for the wealthy and influential of the period. He believed in the miracles of water to cure along with the pure air of the mountains. Interesting to note that the hotel was opened on the 4th of July, 1904. The extravagant sanatorium lost its fashion shortly after construction but the Hydro Majestic Hotel remains a beautiful site to see.
Blue Mountains as seen from the Hydro Majestic Hotel.Three Sister Mountains as seen from the Incline Railway.
We then went to ride a very steep railroad incline originally for cole mining now for site seeing of the three sister mountains, falls and bush walks. We met up with the second couple later that evening for a wonderful blessed meal.
On our 6th day, we had breakfast and walk around the beach near Gymea and a lovely drive out towards Wollongong to see more beaches and cliffs. People actually hang glide off these cliffs! We had a great picnic along the Hacking river. Did you know that a Kookabura is a very tricky bird? He flew down and took one of our freshly cooked sausages. Cheeky bird!
We left our friends with sadness that we were departing but gladness that we now have new friends forever. May God grant them peace and joy. Thanks for such a great time!
Wonderful couples and may they stay blessed. So look foward to new adventures together. No, we did not hang glide off this cliff but a popular place to do so for the daring at heart!
