Wow! We are tired.

Kill Bill Vol 1 is playing in the background while I try to get out some thoughts on paper. John's snoring is intermixed with Tarantino's overuse of pan flute.

We are in Cairns (pronounced "Cans") now. It's been only 5 days since we landed and every day seems to be jam packed with go go go activity from 8am to 10pm. How is it that we are busier as tourists than back in the working grind?!? Why do all the tours start so bloody early?!? We had to check in at the train station at 8am for a scenic railway tour to the rainforest today. Tomorrow we have a food and wine tour with pickup at 7.50am!! The following day is another early trip out to the Outer Reef for some scuba diving. This schedule is too crazy for our bodies! LOL.

My observations from the past few days …

• Our feet are covered in blisters. Most of our clothes need to be washed from the sweat and sunscreen. We are bright red burnt. ew. ew. ew.
• Food and water are expensive here! A local was recommending a cheap place for good food this evening. She was quite pleased to have found this place that sells 2 kebabs for $20! YIKES! That's pricey for some wraps with no sides!
• Asians drive the tourism industry here. Our free continental breakfast included OJ, cereal, toast, beans, and RICE CONGEE! Many of the young girls managing the tourists on the railway spoke Japanese. Where do you learn to speak fluent Japanese in an Australian city of 180,000 people? Pamphlets and signs have Mandarin and Japanese. Rarely do I see German, Spanish or Italian.
• John's current physical limitations have us travelling as the retired elderly. Taxis. Lifts. Many rest breaks. This is quite the change from my backpacker days of public transport, walking for hours, and crappy bunk beds. But, we are believing this state to be temporary as John continues to strengthen and heal. It's humbling though. Sigh. That said, we do take advantage of his cane and leg brace, especially at the airport - quick access through security, for example! If you are the praying type, keep John's health in mind.
• Our pay as you go cell phone plan is great! Monthly, we get 1GB data, unlimited calls and text to Australian numbers, 250 min of international calling, and unlimited social network … all for the low cost of $30! We were paying $70 monthly for LESS services at home. NICE!
• We have learned tons about the sealife, wildlife and plant life of Australia. Loving it!

OK, off to bed. I wish I can write more but I'm tired. John's snoring has falling into a good loud rhythm. Think I'll join him.