What should I say. The farewell from Australia was not easy for me. We spent 4 weeks on the beautiful east coast of Australia. Every day we drove, let ourselves be enchanted by nature, observed animals or lingered in beautiful places, and yet we saw so little. Time flew by, Australia you are just too big for only 4 weeks. And can I tell you something? No matter how much time you have, you will never be able to see everything. You just have to be content with that. Actually, that's complete nonsense. You have all the time in the world and still complain about not having enough time. Yes, that's me. No, seriously. Australia is simply a huge continent and I'm so glad I've traveled it. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most expensive countries in the world, which limited us in terms of time and also restricted us in certain things. Nevertheless, we had 4 great weeks, with lots of sunshine, an exciting wildlife, encounters with many nice people, and beautiful insights into the underwater world. Since Australia is the land of the most venomous animals and even just contact with certain plants can cause health damage, a certain feeling of insecurity could not be avoided. However, since the animals also do not want to get in your way, we were spared any dangerous contact. Really, you worry too much about that. Fortunately, we quickly realized that and became really relaxed. That doesn't mean we were reckless. Common sense is enough to behave appropriately. Of course, you quickly learn in the outback and first look into the toilet bowl before you sit down. Can frogs bite?
In Australia, the distances are completely different. Sometimes you think on the map: 'oh, that's not far!' Until you realize that it is several hundred kilometers away. The people are very open-minded, friendly, helpful, but also, let's call it, a little rougher. The friendliness of the New Zealanders cannot be surpassed. If you ask me which country I like better. New Zealand or Australia? Then I won't answer that. Because I don't know myself and I think you shouldn't decide on one country either. Australia is more monotonous in terms of landscape. After all, the country consists mostly of desert. So, New Zealand gets a plus point for that. In retrospect, it becomes clear to me again how diverse this country is. We don't need to talk about the animal world, that's clear. Friendliness? Is a synonym for New Zealanders. By the way, this also rubs off on the travelers. Everyone greets, starts nice conversations, and wears a smile on their face. New Zealand is so peaceful, while Australia has more lively places. New Zealand will always be something very special for me, but Australia is the country where I would live and work. So, what's better now? Everything has its pros and cons and you can love or like every country as it is. Neither country really has a food culture.
The last two pictures were taken at the Gold Coast, by the way. Man, it was crowded there and wow, what a perfect rainbow!
We have already spent the second day in our next travel destination. I can already tell you one thing. It's completely different in every way!