The trip was amazing. We started in Cairns, where it was a backpackers heaven. Bars, hot weather, and clear water. We met with our group and started our journey to the top of a mountain. There we really got familiar with the animals of Australia. Even to the point of holding a Koala. After this we road just meters above the rainforest on the skyrail. As we passed the peak, the coast was clear. Land and water seperated by color and motion. Learning more about the land, we attended a Tjapukia tribe festival. We attended their dances and rituals while enjoying a show over indiginous food. It was very interesting and enjoyable. I spoke with an indiginous fellow known as Jurmaine. He was no different from me and we ended up talking about politics and realized that the most important thing is knowing that the person cares. I never really looked at politics as being that simple, but it truly is. Anyone can say things, but the passion and empathy truly creates a leader.

The next day we boarded a ship and ventured 2 hours out into the sea, until we could no longer see land. The ocean water was dark blue and everywhere. But, we finally reached our destination, full of color and life. Even from above water you could tell that life was down there. The ocean was moving and it was not the tide. As I strapped into a scubatank, I dove to depths of 13 meters and saw the reef from its roots up. A stingray along the ocean floor, nemo in the seagrass, and a sea turtle slowly pacing himself by my shoulder. Any hope or dream that I had for the GBR was met in full. As we boarded the ship again to head to our next destination we ate a feast with the cool ocean breeze blowing in our faces. By the end of lunch everyone smelt of sea-salt and sunscreen. We reached the next destination and dove to 17 meters. My ears popping the whole way down. Although there were less fish, the colors of the coral were worth it to see. Coral only grows 5 cm a year and we saw coral that had lived through the times when Rome ruled the world. To think that the effects of Coral Bleaching could kill the reef within 10 years was unfathomable.

A full day on the ocean required a full day in the bush. We headed to Undara Volcanic National Park where we went Volcanic tubing in acid resistent tubes that sent us down a tunnel of molten lava. Actually, the tubes are caves that were created by a lava flow that happened over 1 million years ago. The area was dark and colorful at the same time. The rust and heat of the lava had left it's colorful impact on the walls of the tunnel. As we exited the tube, the bush resembled an African Safari. As we awaited an ambush by lions or Girraffes, we were only friendly greated by wild Kangaroos and Wallabys. We went to te top of a hill and look out as the sun reflected from the ground to the sky showing us every color of the rainbow and more. Over a glass of champagne, we enjoyed watching day turn to night. At night, Kangaroos and Wallabys sleep while other animals come out to play. We went back to the entrance of a cave and witnessed thousands of bats flying out in search of dinner. We then got our pictures and 4x4 our way home through the bush hitting every turn and bump while singing authentic Aussie bush songs.

The next morning we had an authentic Aussie bush breakfast over two open campfires. The food was great and the birds were chirping. We got on the bus and watched Crocodile Dundee, Love Actually, and Wedding Crashers on our way to the Whitsundays. As we arrived at Airlie Beach, we were rushed onto a sailboat where we would set sail into the sunset over the water and a moonrise over the islands. With the wind as our driving force, I could really feel the true power of the ocean. We then spent the night listening to music and staring into the sky. The sky was clear and bright, resembling a thousand diamonds sparkling. The milkyway was full and bright. As we went below deck to sleep in the cramped cabin, we awoke to a spectacular sunrise. We then headed to White Haven beach that is made of 97% silica. The ground is white and fine and the water crisp and warm. We returned to the Brittish Defender and set sails towards anchor's cape where we would explore the reef in another area. Fish were crossing paths as often as cars during rush hour. Many of them crashed into me. Caitlyn and I were going around and saw an eel, she screamed and it looked at us. Taking my head out of the water to laugh nervously, Caitlyn had already begun swim back to shore. I looked back underwater and the eel was still staring. I decided that it was a good time to follow Caitlyn's lead. We went back on the boat for one more night. We woke up the next day and set sails home for a two hour trip.

We arrived back on land and Caitlyn, Henry, Phil, and I were done with our connections tour, but were not ready to let our trip end yet. We booked a trip out to the GBR one more time. As we enjoyed the still and peaceful water that was not commonly found by the ocean, we were prepared to embark below sea level for the last time. Fish were eveywhere with flourescent colors that made them look almost like futuristic computer mother boards. We came out of water for lunch and noticed a sea-turtle eating algae of the side of our boat. It was the perfect end to a perfect trip.

After looking around and seeing a vast blue ocean and sky that made it difficult to differentiate, I though that the world is an amazing place full of culture and diversity. Luckily for me, I was able to experience it with a wonderful group of friends. I had the time of my life and could not be more thankful for this experience. I took over 500 photos, 3 videos, 21 friends, and an abundance of stories. As much as pictures can capture a thousand words, it can never fully illuminate or capture the beauty of the land or experience that I had. That is why I am writing and growing as an individual. I hope that one day pictures are not the only things left behind, but a legacy of who I am and what I did. This tripped proved to me that paradise is no longer a concept, but a reality. The only thing that interrupted my paradise was bumping my head below deck on the sailboat.

I miss you and I hope that you are enjoying your trip. Let's make a plan for when we can skype next.

Much Love,
Ara