Known as the Second Capital of Queensland with a population of approximately 193,000 people, Townsville is located about halfway between the tip of Cape York and Brisbane. The area around the cruise terminal is home to many sugar repositories. The area ships out 500,000 tons of sugar from nearby sugar plantations per year.
We noticed on our city tour that it is a city in transition. Much of the city center or the Strand esplanade has been dying and locals are working to revamp that area. Many of the hotels were built in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s and are in need of renovation or have been turned into other venues. There were a few that had been renovated inside and have kept their original facade to stay in line with history. The highlight of our tour was a botanical garden in the center of town with very mature trees and a beautiful bird aviary. Pictured below is the rainbow lorikeet found here in Australia. They were among many colorful birds in the aviary. Our tour was supposed to take us to the top of Castle Hill but there was a cyclone a few weeks ago and the road was washed out and couldn’t handle our bus. This was understandable but nevertheless a disappointment.
The region is partly within and adjoins the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Queensland State Marine Park. The sea water is very calm these days due to the fact that we are now in the barrier of the reef and sea swells aren’t an issue. Smooth sailing.
Time for some funnies…
We have had enough time on the ship to enjoy people watching. Please know that this is totally in jest. Since we are old…remembering names can be a struggle. So far, Joe has dubbed a few fellow travelers with our own reference names. We actually do now know the names of two of the people below (and they couldn’t be nicer) but they got their start here.
Zaza Gabor – perfect hair, makeup and clothing at all times. Wanting to be seen.
Joe Friday – power nerd that looks a bit like Jack Webb from Dragnet.
Mel Brooks – a neighbor down the hall that is perpetually in his bathrobe while others are dressed for dinner/dining/socializing. Hair matches Mel’s and so does demeanor. Great guy for entertaining quips. He’s a character. Joe noted yesterday that his robe could use a cleaning.
OG Barbie and Ken – probably born in the 50’s same as the Barbie doll. Both are always in colorful matching outfits and swimwear. Tall, blonde, in shape and now old.
I’m certain that we have likely been labeled as well. And, we’re okay with it. So many lovely people from so many places and we’ve only just begun.
Notes from Joe:
I wax philosophical. On this cruise in this situation, the operator takes it upon themselves to tend to your needs. With needs generally eliminated, this leaves me (and perhaps all the guests on this ship) to indulge in one’s pursuit of what they want. I’m not practiced in this pursuit. I watch the fellow guests to serve as an a example. The night before last I found myself emotional. It was a mix of “I can’t believe that I’m able to be here?” and “I’m grateful” and “how could this entire ship staff be this good at doing this – for me?”. Two days later I feel like I have a lot to learn and I’m grateful for this opportunity to Journey physically and interpersonally. Only 72 more days to go. I think the Journey is much larger than I anticipated. I can hardly wait.
By the end of the trip, please get a sneaky pic of Barbie and Ken, I’d love to see those outfits 🙂