My favorite day in Hamilton was spent sailing to Whitehaven beach. During the summer months in Queensland (the state Hamilton Island is located in) it’s necessary to wear stinger suits in the water due to the high number of jellyfish. Although this made my Mom nervous, she and Dad were both troopers and came snorkeling with me. It was definitely my favorite snorkel spot so far; I couldn’t believe all the different types of fish, rays, and turtles we saw! On Sunday we took a ferry to Airlie Beach and spent the afternoon eating an eight- course brunch at Deja Vue. We were so stuffed we didn’t even bother going out for dinner that night! The last day we were there it did rain a lot, but that didn’t interfere with Dad’s early round of golf or mine and Mom’s full body massages (ahh the perks of vacationing with your parents) so we had no complaints!
Sailing the Whitsundays.
Whitehaven Beach.
Unfortunately, not very many pictures turned out well from my underwater disposable camera, but at least I was able to capture this friendly sea turtle.
Dad helping out on the boat, what a natural!
The Yacht Club, where we had dinner our last night in town.
Cockatoos were everywhere on the island, here's one just chilling on our balcony.
Upon arriving at our hotel in Sydney, the receptionist told us we had been upgraded (Mom’s favorite word) to the penthouse. Not a bad way to end our vacation, eh? Our first day we spent walking around Sydney Harbour, eating lunch at a café in Circular Quay, taking a ferry ride over to Manly beach, and then having dinner with Brooke and Jay in The Rocks. I was so happy my parents could meet some of my friends! We woke up bright and early next morning and headed to Hunter Valley for a wine tour. If I remember correctly our favorite vineyard was called Iron Gates. Dad had them ship a dozen bottles or so back home; I made him promise he would save at least one bottle to drink with me. As a Christmas present I bought my parents tickets to a show and tour of the Opera House, which is how we spent our Saturday afternoon. We all loved the tour and enjoyed listening to the music during The Man In Black: The Johnny Cash Story. Our final day, Mom and I did some serious shopping at the markets before having a lovely Valentines day dinner in Darling Harbour. I couldn’t believe how quickly three weeks passed with my parents. I loved every minute of them being here. I would highly recommend my siblings going abroad, if only to have our parents to come and spoil them crazy during their visit!
The view from the penthouse... not too shabby.
Just a couple of beach bums hanging out in Manly.
Interior of the Opera House... We actually learned on the tour that due to some political issues, the Danish architect Jorn Utzon never saw his finished product.
They've had everything from operas, concerts, and wrestling matches take place in the main hall.
Thanks Mom and Dad for the best trip ever!
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