Update from Oz

Hi all!

I am writing from Palm Cove, Australia, where I am taking advantage of our hotel's wireless internet connection to check my e-mail, work on my bank accounts, and upload pictures. Ain't technology grand??

We are having a great time down under. Today is a "day off" from touring for me--I'm kind of a homebody, and traveling or dealing with new circumstances too much stresses me out. Since Derek's in the conference today, here's been my schedule:
Breakfast, followed by workout video.
Shower and a load of laundry (our apartment has its own washer/dryer!)
Alternately downloading/manipulating pictures from this trip and D's sister's wedding
Lunch.
Reading in the daybed with the window open listening to tropical birds.
Afternoon tea and a crumpet (gotta love former English colonies).
More computer work and catching up with email.

Later will come dinner (love the kitchenette) and a Strongbow cider, maybe some Australian game shows on TV. D has a conference dinner tonight, so I'm on my own. Excellent and good for me after doing so many different things.

We have made it a point to see plants, animals, and people who are indigenous to Australia. Some highlights included the Botanic Gardens in Cairns (plants), Rainforest Habitat (animals) and a drive to the Yarrabah community (people). We went out to Green Island yesterday and did a bit of snorkeling, but the water was too shallow and it was hard to navigate around the coral without hitting it (if you touch it, it dies). So, we booked a tour for Saturday to go to the outer reef (the conference is over tomorrow).

I should get pictures uploaded soon, hopefully. Also, we really enjoyed D's sister's wedding--a lovely outdoor ceremony with a huge party afterward!