Via Hong Kong to Fischermätteli

5 weeks in down under are now over. While I let everything pass in review at home in Fischermätteli, I am grateful for the opportunity to have seen so much of a new country in a short time. Our travel planning, a few days in a hotel at the beginning, then 3½ weeks in a camper van and finally a few days with friends, has proven to be ideal. The intense travel days are framed by something more constant; you have some time to get used to it and at the end you can enjoy a few nights in a real bed; the 'do-it-yourself' planning alternates with 'simply switch off' and join a program that is already there or let others decide.

What are my personal highlights of this trip? The stay on Green Island and snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef - floating in the Skyrail over the rainforest of Kuranda - the kangaroos on Cape Hillsborough beach - the boat tour to the Whitsunday Islands - the sunset in the solitude of Isla Gorge - the 'no worries' city Brisbane - cycling and canoeing on the Wolli Wolli River - the walk through the Dorrigo rainforest - the dolphins in Nelson Bay - Sydney with friends. Oh, this list has become quite long, which is a good sign! It was a great adventure with unforgettable experiences.

The return journey goes smoothly and we survive the two long flights almost without sleep. In Zurich, we are greeted early in the morning at the terminal by our dear children and friends with roses, which makes us happy and surprised. It fits perfectly with this fantastic and enriching journey to the country from which we take many positive memories.

With this entry, we conclude the blog and thank all attentive and interested readers. Thank you for accompanying us and allowing us to share our experiences with you. A special thanks goes to John and Nicole, who were wonderful hosts and accommodated, guided and pampered us during the last days in Sydney: You are wonderful people!!