April 5, 2025

MANAUS OPERA HOUSE, BRAZIL

When we got back to the Port of Manus from our Amazon Boat excursion, we had arranged for our driver to take us the the Manaus Opera House for a tour of there most famous building, before we headed to the airport. They were preparing for a show opening the next night, and the main stage area was temporally darkened, for them to work out all the spot locations. So my pictures are limited. However, the ballroom on the second floor was spectacular. We did a fairly quick tour and then went on to the airport and grabbed some dinner, trying to make it festive for Sarah's birthday. Our flight to Belem, was delayed an hour. I advised the Hotel we would all need a late checkin after 2:30 a.m.  By the time we all got settled in, our heads hit the pillows at 3 a.m. Thank goodness we could sleep in the next day as the ship was not due into Port until 4 p.m.

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.