Port Douglas, January 7

We arrived in Cairns yesterday. We were the only ones on the 1 1/2 hour shuttle to Port Douglas..so we had a private tour and discussion with the driver.
What a shock to the system after our ice storm and snow storms and cold Tokyo...not the people..they're warm...loved the people of Japan!!!
it was nice to arrive to this warm balmy location. Cairns and port Douglas are tropical and reminded us of Hawaii. Signs along the way... crash center/instead of collision centre, form 1 line/ merge, kangaroo signs instead of deer signs...Trying to adapt to driving the left.
Our choice of hotel was perfect. Central, clean and funky!
Only 5 days at the great barrier reef, we wanted to make sure we didn't miss a thing.We booked a Daintree rainforest tour for today and Wavelenght snorkeling boat tour in the outer reef. Not quite ready for scubadiving, like my Dale and Matt and my new friend, Nancy who is also on an exchange from Alberta.
The dinner last night was so 'chill'....sitting at the Iron Bar in the sidewalk. Overdressed in a dress and norm in pants...shorts, thongs, and singlets from now on.
Hope to be able to post photos from next hotel. The internet here, at Le Cher Du Monde, it's not strong enough. Thinking and sending you warm hugs through the snow storms 2014.