June 24, 2024

Game #3 Germany vs Switzerland

Germany had a real challenge in Game #3. They never seemed to get control of the ball. We watched from home as game didn't start until 9 pm on Sunday night. Every time we looked at screen it seemed that red uniforms of the Swiss dominated. It was in final minutes of game when the beloved Niclas Fullkrug scored the goal to cancel out Ndoye of Switzerland's goal and keep the host nation on top in tournament. The game ended in a tie but secured Germany a spot in the next round. Game #4 for Germany will be Saturday the 29th. I pray I am gone from Germany and on ship by then! But will keep cheering Germany on!


Interesting fact on Fullkrug, his nickname is Lucke ( german for gap) because of his front teeth. He once ended up hospitalized with the tooth of his teammate wedged in his forehead!

MAGNETIC ISLAND - KOALA'S

By Patricia Patrick • February 15, 2026
We got up at 6:45am to get to National Park Forts Walk trail in the hope of seeing koalas . Prior walkers mark trails with tree branches pointing in the direction of their sighting and we were luck enough to see 3 markers in our first hour of hiking. It is so stinking hot and humid the success we had made it bearable. The koala population on the island started with 20 brought over in 1930, to escape fur hunters. Today, the island boast 800 to 1000, and they are so cute and drowsy. They need 20 hours of sleep a day! The early morning is when they are the most active.

MAGNETIC ISLAND, AUSTRALIA

By Patricia Patrick • February 14, 2026
Just off the coast of Townsville, Australia is a special little island (that used to be part of mainland, hundreds of thousands years ago). The island was formed by molten granite that was pushed to the earth's surface with volcanic force.Over time the volcanic overlay weathered away leaving an extraordinary landscape of rounded domes and boulders, many as big as a house and spectcularly perched. Over Seventy Percent of the center of the Island is a National Park. There is lots of wildlife here too - koalas, rock wallabies, snakes & birds.

CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA

By Patricia Patrick • February 14, 2026
This is my third time in CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA and I really enjoy how walkable, clean and charming it is. The waterfront esplanade and lagoon area is a nice walk day or night. We had 2 nights here in the waterfront Shangri La Marina Hotel while waiting for the Ship to arrive and then 2 additional days in Port.