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Today was the reason we decided to stay on at Loyalty Beach for an extra few nights. Today was the day we were going over to Thursday Island by ferry and taking a bus tour. Angie and Rod were going as well so we all got up early and headed to Seisha to catch the ferry.
We were all excited and hopeful that this would be a great experience and learn about the TI culture. The ferry ride over took around 1hr 20mins and was great to have some wind, although the sun had some kick in it today!!
Arrived at TI and hopped on the bus eager to learn about the island and it's people. The tour guide lady talked way too much and couldn't absorb any information. We first headed to 'Green Hill', the place where old army barracks and cannons were still in place from the war. Was interesting to look around but again, no information was really given. Was a great place to lookout over TI and the surrounding islands (horn island, etc).. The sun was really heating up and we welcomed the chance to get back on the air conditioned bus. We then did a quick lap around the island stopping at the cemetery. I found this the highlight of the tour as found out alot about the stages they go through and planning that takes place to bury their loved ones. The headstones have an obituary of the deceased engraved, amazing to read their life stories. The plots are very colorful and grand with huge headstones and lots of flowers laid on rop. There are also alot of Japanese plots due to the live pearl industry where alot of Japanese came over to find and export pearls. There is a big memorial to recognize the Japanese and their place in TI history.
We got back on the bus and then finished our lap of the island, which has heaps of government agencies here, they have just got a grant for over 4 million to upgrade their helipad!!! The tour bus then dropped us off at the 'top end' pub. The bus tour only lasted an hour and it was only 11am, we still had 3 hours to fill in before heading back on the ferry to Seisha! So we decided to stop in at the pub and gave a quick wine and beer. They were a welcomed refreshment and we decided to have lunch there as well. Had to wait till 12pm until it was served but bloody hell it was good!! $10 for huge plate of lamb shank and veggies and Marty had the roast beef. It was the best meal l have ever had at a pub for 10 bucks anyway! After lunch we made our way down to a park and the girls had a play at the playground. We still had two hours to fill in and boy it was hot. Angie and Rod said they'd mind the girls if Marty and l wanted to go for a walk around. We snapped up the offer real quick and went down the 'main drag' for a look. Nothing much to see, a few more pubs and nik nak shops but it was great to have some time to ourselves, we really appreciated it. We made it down to the foreshore and went for a look in the art gallery. Marty and l were snapping pics on the cameras when we noticed signs forbidding such a thing, still the pics we did get were great! Lol. We headed back reluctantly to the girls at the park (had enjoyed our time alone, first for a while!) and we all headed down to find the supermarket for an iceceeam. Asked the local kids for directions and they looked a bit confused but eventually they understood what we meant. Was surprised to find that English wasnt their second language as much l thought.
Finally it was time to board the ferry, while waiting we got our bags searched and had to eat or bin our fruit, instead we gave it to the locals. Found it weird that we allowed to bring it over but not take it back. Meg had a play with a few local kids who had just got some toys by the looks of it.
The ferry ride back was spent in the air conditioned cabin escaping the heat! Was really disappointed with our tour and thought that they could have given us more insight into their culture. The bus tour was extra so if we hadn't done that for an hour or so then we would have definately had nothing to do. All in all a waste doing the tour and also hanging around at Loyalty beach for an extra couple of days.
We got back to the campsite around 4pm and packed up a little in anticipation of moving on tomorrow. The Germans arrived around tea time and cooked us all tea, egg and pirate mustard salad and then fruit salad for dessert. Was such a nice thing for them to do as they have little money back packing around oz, so we all appreciated their gesture. This was also our last night with them as we found out that they had been at the mechanics during the day and found out their jeep was in need of repairs before heading off and was too unpredictable to come with us incase it broke down. So another one leaves 'the Frenchmans crew' and then there leaves two, Angie and Rod, and us.
We went to bed grateful to be moving on tomorrow. Haven't enjoyed the Loyalty Beach Caravan Park due to the people managing it, she wasn't very helpful and never smiled. We also found that it was quite expensive, $28 per night for just a shower! No pool or playground and the beach was pretty s***house, couldn't swim as well!! Oh well, live and learn hey......
We are glad however to be continuing our trip of ghd Cape with Angie and Rod, they have become really good mates. Pity the rest had to leave though, we miss them already, it is do quite at the camp site now.
Bell Xxx
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