brisbane/cairns!

i made it to Cairns and the infamous Great Barrier Reef! along the way i spent a day in brisbane, my new favorite australian city! i am very excited to be settling down there for a few months after my novemeber of traveling down the east coast. it was great to see chris (my friend from duke in "Uni" at the University of Queensland masters program) and the city in a whirlwind 24 hours. in brisbane i went to queens street (pedestrian promenade with lots of shops and cafes and gathering areas), had a picnic lunch in the city botanical gardens, took the CityCat ferry up and down the brisbane river, went to the city library (the coolest library ive ever been in), the south bank area (with a gorgeous board walk covered in swirling, flowering arches), the streets beach (a faux beach made on the brisbane river), and the queensland cultural center with the spectacular Gallery of Modern Art, and also the state library, museum, and art gallery. the people in brisbane were all wonderfully friendly and helpful and the city reminded me somewhat of chicago... except with much, Much better weather :)

for now im in Cairns and excited to take my final dive to complete my certification in the great barrier reef! cairns isnt too much in itself, but is a wonderful launching point for not only the reef but also cape tribulation and the daintree rainforest, both great day trips from cairns. im here for 5 days and on friday will be heading to Magnetic Island via Townsville!