Hello Cairns (August 26-27)

We somehow managed to pack all our belongings into the baggage allowance aboard the regional flight to Cairns. On the flight we received envious stares from passengers who did not have a day pack full of carefully prepared sandwiches. Or maybe they just thought we were too noisy – who knows…

After finding a cab that would fit both us and all the luggage, we got to the RV rental agency, and had to sign a number of curious forms, including waiver of liability in case of a “single vehicle rollover”. I humorously asked whether single vehicle rollovers were common, and received a lengthy answer about road conditions in Australia, and reckless driving, with the bottom line being “more than you would expect”! The motor-home itself was very large and spacious, and I was grateful for the training period with a smaller vehicle, preparing me for driving on the left side of the road.

The RV park Lilach had carefully picked up for us proved very suitable for getting adjusted to the new setting, and we spent there two nights, allowing the kids to enjoy the pools, the water park, the mini-Golf, and other included amusements. In the meantime we got used to what would be our home for the next 50-odd days. An afternoon visit to Cairns allowed us to stock up on necessary provisions , and enjoy a coffee, ale and excellent fish-and-chips in a restaurant overlooking the port.

I had a short chat with the father of the family parked next to us in the RV park. They seemed of Japanese origin, and he was very friendly. On the next day, when they were planning to leave, their kids and ours, despite the language barrier, played together. We chatted more, and discovered that their children bear the typical Japanese names Israel, Hanna and Daniel. Before leaving, they gave us a bottle of (lovely) Australian Shiraz, and we took a picture together.

The Cairns RV park

That one is ours

Daniel in a favorite position

With the Irawan Family

A tree on the Cairns esplanade