Australia, not quite as we imagined.

Sydney had it's coldest winter in 50 years these past months. "Lucky us" I was thinking, as we arrived to our hotel in the middle of it. A hotel whose heating system wasn't working properly. Not used to the chill creeping into our bones, we hopped on a quick flight to Cairns after one day of sleeplessness and hibernating in the city.
Up in Cairns, we quickly acclimated to the weather and time. Perhaps a bit touristy, but no matter since we could actually walk around in tee-shirts and flip-flops. Also, since we booked last minute, we got a huge deal on an incredible apartment for the week. It was close to the center of town, but a bit too long for monkey, so we improvised this grocery cart in place of a stroller.
It was also close to a huge play area for young kids, so we took advantage of that several times.

On one afternoon, I slipped away as the boys were napping, and checked out the Cairns Regional Art Gallery and the Contemporary Art Gallery where I picked up a cool red kangaroo leather cuff.

A decorated Ukulele exhibit.

Plate lunch exhibit, made out of any materials except actual food.

We toured around a small wildlife area. Ahem, on top of a hotel.

Alex and I had also planned for the three of us to spend a day out on the Great Barrier Reef, but Luc became a little sick the morning the boat was leaving, so Alex went, and Luc and I watched Australian cartoons for part of the day. Even the programming on TV in Australia reminds me of America. Lots of loud commercials, reality shows, and constant news coverage.

When we stopped back in Australia again, the weather was much more gracious the second time around. Walking around outside was still chilly, but we could do it, as long as the sun was out. The walks around were slow, so the monkey's little legs didn't tire out too quickly, but we still managed to see the Opera House, the Rocks, Chinatown, a fabric store (ok, that was just me!), the Sydney tower, and Manly beach.









Although, if you ask Luc, he was way more interested in that stick he found on the ground.