We’ve secured our campervan, grabbed some supplies, and made it to our first campsite in Blue Mountains National Park near Sydney.

It’s best to grab a site with power the first night to fully charge up the house battery, and we opted for one with a private bathroom/shower. We’re here for 2 nights.

We explored Sydney today—day 80 of our trip. These last 3 weeks seem like its own little vacation. Tomorrow we pick up our campervan to explore a bit more of the country, heading towards Melbourne for 11 days. And then it’s on to French Polynesia for a week. Somehow, we still have 7 flights left!

Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef

Despite the terrible weather we had the entire time we were in Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands, we did make it out to the Great Barrier Reef for a snorkel. (So yes, Scott finally used his snorkeling mask he has hauled all over the world!)

Although the weather made for cloudy and dark water, we still saw many amazing fish and different corals. Looking forward to coming back to the Whitsundays to see the beautiful beaches and seeing more amazing marine life. -J🇦🇺

Auto-generated description: A colorful fish swims near vibrant coral reef branches underwater. Auto-generated description: Two colorful giant clams are nestled in coral, one with a patterned brown mantle and the other with a vibrant blue mantle. Auto-generated description: A vibrant parrotfish swims near a coral reef in clear blue water. Auto-generated description: Two colorful fish swim near a cluster of coral in an underwater scene. Auto-generated description: A vibrant reef scene features a colorful fish surrounded by various corals. Auto-generated description: A vibrant blue and black patterned giant clam is nestled among coral and rocks underwater. Auto-generated description: A yellow boxfish with black spots swims near coral.

Visiting the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary near Brisbane

We had a long layover in Brisbane, so we booked a tour that included a river cruise from the central city to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary—apparently, the first (since 1927!) and still leading sanctuary for these endangered animals.

The cruise featured prerecorded interpretative commentary, which was more interesting than we had expected. While you’re not passing important attractions on the ride, you do learn about the river and city. Most of the scenery, at least after you get out of the central city, are the backyard docks of residences—some historic, some elegant, but most nice but ordinary.

But you’re not here to learn about the river cruise—you’re here for the koala photos. So let’s just get right to it. -S🇦🇺

Look, I’m calling this guy Einstein, I don’t care what the sanctuary says his name is. Auto-generated description: A close-up of a koala with a soft gray fur coat and prominent fluffy ears.

I get it, Mr Koala, that’s how I feel trying to get up some days, too. Auto-generated description: A koala is resting on a tree branch surrounded by green leaves.

I really like this quick snapshot of a young worker transporting a koala from one area to another, using a bribe of eucalyptus. She seems young and idealistic, dreaming of working here because she cares about koalas and wants to see the species survive. But her downward glance gives away her feelings now…even with its important mission, it’s also essentially just a zoo, one with captive wildlife, paraded for tourists to enjoy.

Anyway, I don’t think that’s actually how she feels. But that’s sorta the feeling we had during our visit. We were excited to see some koalas, at what we’re told is a premier koala sanctuary, but arrived to find a tourist-focused zoo—complete with additional tickets you can buy to feed the various animals. Auto-generated description: A person is holding a koala and offering it leaves to eat in a lush, green setting.

A koala rests while the joey looks for some mischief. Auto-generated description: A koala is perched on a tree branch surrounded by green leaves.

A more complete view of “Einstein,” from the first close-up. Auto-generated description: A koala is perched on a tree branch against a blurred background.

Koalas have interesting “hands,” which include three fingers and two opposing “thumbs,” designed to better grasp tree branches (the substantial claws help too). Auto-generated description: A koala is clinging to a tree trunk surrounded by leafy branches.

This odd beaked owl is not an owl at all, but something called a tawny frogmouth bird. It was uncaged and free roaming in the back “nocturnal” lot, so I’m not sure if it was part of the sanctuary or not. Auto-generated description: A tawny frogmouth bird is perched on a tree branch surrounded by greenery.

The sanctuary had a number of other animals found in Australia (including the farm petting zoo variety), including a reptile and insect exhibit. This was one of my most favorite photos of the day. Auto-generated description: A coiled snake with intricate green and black scales rests against a rocky surface.

I forgot the name of this lizard, but it was one of my favorites at the sanctuary. Auto-generated description: A lizard with textured skin and a prominent crest is climbing a tree trunk in a lush environment.

These damn lizards were everywhere. In the more popular areas near the snack bar, you had to watch where you stepped to avoid them. Auto-generated description: A lizard with a textured, striped pattern is sitting on the ground surrounded by leaves and grass.

Joey hanging on tight as mom starts off for another branch. Auto-generated description: A koala sits on a tree branch with a joey clinging to its back, surrounded by green leaves.

It was fun watching this young one scramble around before eventually bailing for a snuggle with mom. Auto-generated description: A koala is sitting in a tree, surrounded by leaves, holding and nibbling on a eucalyptus branch.

Uh oh…looks like someone has gotten into the stash of “medicinal plants…” Auto-generated description: A koala is sitting in a tree surrounded by green leaves.

Yep, this one too. It’s sleepy time. Auto-generated description: A koala is peacefully sleeping on a tree branch surrounded by leaves.

Oh dear, and this one, too. Auto-generated description: A koala is sitting in a tree with its eyes closed, hugging a branch.

This guy’s double toenail caught my eye when I saw him. Apparently koalas have a unique adaptation where their second and third toes are fused together and appear as a single digit, but each ends in two separate claws. Auto-generated description: A koala clings to a tree trunk with its furry limbs, surrounded by a lush green background.

A Tasmanian devil. Auto-generated description: A Tasmanian devil is standing on a sandy surface surrounded by rocks and grass.

This is a pademelon, and it’s a marsupial that’s related to kangaroos and wallabies, but is much smaller. Auto-generated description: A small pademelon is standing in a grassy area.

A wombat sleeping in a log. Did you know that wombat poop is a square cube? Apparently that’s so it doesn’t roll away, as they use it to mark their territory. Auto-generated description: A wombat is peacefully sleeping inside a hollow log.

Supposedly, this is an authentic Australian dingo…but it sure looks like a regular ol’ dog to me. 🤷‍♂️ Auto-generated description: A dingo is lying down on sandy ground.

There were plenty more animal photos, but I think we’ll leave it there at 20.

Ancient City of Polonnaruwa - UNESCO World Heritage Site #3 on our Day Tour of North-Central Sri Lanka

The third and final UNESCO Heritage site we visited on our day trip to North-Central Sri Lanka was to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the second kingdom in, and capital of, Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. Trade and agriculture were key here, leading to the building of an intricate irrigation system that still used today to supply the water necessary for the paddy cultivation in the eastern part of the country. This was probably our favorite part of the tour, especially since we love exploring ancient ruins. -J 🇱🇰There are many ruins scattered throughout the site. Auto-generated description: Ancient stone ruins feature weathered walls and steps, surrounded by lush greenery.Auto-generated description: Ancient stone walls and pathways are surrounded by lush greenery and trees in a historical park or garden.Auto-generated description: An ancient stone structure, surrounded by lush greenery, features a series of vertical pillars on a raised platform.Auto-generated description: Ancient stone carvings adorn a tiered, weathered wall surrounded by lush greenery.Here is a ladder leaned up against a ruin wall to show the scale of some of these ruins.Auto-generated description: A tall ladder leans against the moss-covered brick wall of a dilapidated structure.There are many statues scattered throughout the site, sometimes framed by things like doorways.Auto-generated description: An ancient stone statue stands amidst historical ruins and greenery.Auto-generated description: Stone ruins with a statue framed by multiple door-like structures.These two jokers….Auto-generated description: An intricately carved ancient stone statue depicts a figure holding a staff or club and a conch shell, standing in an ornate archway.Auto-generated description: A stone carving depicts a standing figure in an elaborate, traditional attire with intricate details, flanked by smaller figures.
…were guarding the stairways to see this guy.Auto-generated description: A seated stone statue of a serene figure is set against a backdrop of ancient, moss-covered brickwork and greenery.Auto-generated description: A seated Buddha statue is surrounded by intricate stone carvings and flanked by ancient, weathered pillars on a raised platform.Peek-a-Boo.Auto-generated description: Ancient stone pillars with intricate carvings stand in front of a seated statue amid a lush green backdrop.Nope, he was actually the centerpiece in this ruin.Auto-generated description: Ancient stone pillars and steps lead to a statue standing within a historic ruin surrounded by lush greenery.The ruins have quite a bit of detail still visible.Auto-generated description: An ancient, weathered stone wall features intricate carvings and layered architectural details, partially covered in moss.Auto-generated description: Ancient stone pillars with intricate carvings stand amidst lush greenery under a cloudy sky.Auto-generated description: A stone statue stands in front of ancient ruins surrounded by greenery.Didn’t I already tell you there was no more monkeying around?!Auto-generated description: A monkey is walking along a stone ledge surrounded by greenery.There are many temples to see.Auto-generated description: A weathered, ancient brick structure overgrown with moss stands surrounded by greenery.And Buddhas sitting, standing, and laying around.Auto-generated description: A large stone carving of a seated Buddha is embedded in a rocky cliff with offerings placed on a table in the foreground. Auto-generated description: A large stone sculpture of Buddha stands next to a reclining Buddha statue carved into a rock face under a protective shelter. Auto-generated description: A large stone depicts a reclining Buddha, accompanied by a standing figure, set within a historical archaeological site surrounded by lush greenery.

A few shots from Gardens by the Bay in Singapore -S🇸🇬

Night scenes from Singapore -S🇸🇬

“This is my last day for these clothes.”

  • what you say when you’re on a very long trip. -S🇸🇬

Sigiriya Ancient Rock Fortress - UNESCO World Heritage Site #2

The second UNESCO World Heritage Site we saw during our day trip from Colombo was the Sigiriya ancient rock fortress, dominated by the massive column of granite. In the 5th Century, King Kashyapa selected the rock and surrounding area for his new capital. On the top of the rock are archeological ruins, but we didn’t have time to climb up and explore. So we settled for a tuk tuk tour around the area checking out the surrounding ruins. -J 🇱🇰

Here is the Sigiriya rock:

No monkeying around - there are many ruins to see:

The Ruins:

Cairns in a circle:

Many ruins have this bright green moss on them:

I said quit monkeying around:

Oh, the weird Buddha with the Cobra behind him will definitely scare the monkeys away:

During the tuk tuk ride, we noticed many of the roads contain these fences - it’s to keep the wild elephants from getting to close to homes and tourists (just like deer fences in the US):

Dambulla Cave Temple - Sri Lanka UNESCO World Heritage Site #1

While in Sri Lanka, we did a day tour from Colombo to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the first of which was Dambulla Cave Temple - the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The complex dates from the second and third centuries BC. The main site is spread over 5 caves and contains paintings and statues relating to Gautama Buddha, Sri Lankan kings, and gods and goddesses. -J 🇱🇰

Here is what the Temple looks like from the outside:

The cave ceilings are adorn with vivid paintings from centuries ago:

The caves themselves have many statutes of various numbers and sizes: Auto-generated description: A large, reclining Buddha statue is displayed indoors, surrounded by intricately painted walls and a decorated ceiling.

When your beer comes with…ice and a straw?? 🧐🤨

(it is an excellent cherry/raspberry/apricot smoothie sour from a Latvian brewery) -S🇸🇬

A random Singaporean street scene -S 🇸🇬

Sunset over Singapore, from our hotel’s rooftop pool. -S 🇸🇬

Other random shots from Singapore’s Chinatown. -J 🇸🇬

Street art scenes in Singapore’s Chinatown -S 🇸🇬

Random shots from our walk around Singapore. We specifically visited Merlion Park, home of Singapore’s iconic half-lion, half-fish statue/fountain. -J 🇸🇬

Reminder - Final Zoom Call of Our Adventure

Hey all - in case you missed the post here, we’re having our final Zoom call of our adventure on Friday night!

Friday, Jan. 31, 2025 at 6:00 pm Phoenix time (8:00 pm EST) (it will be 9 am on 2/1 for us!)

Bring your favorite weekend happy hour-ish beverages and jump on and say hi. We are missing everyone and would love to see your faces and hear your voices 😁

Tell us how you’re surviving these days!

Zoom call info

Here’s the link: https://zoom.us/j/93145557981

Hit an Irish Pub in our 19th country today -Singapore! (19/32) -J 🇸🇬

A bit more history on this place, the first Irish pub to open in Singapore (back in 1995):

A quintessential Irish pub Molly Malone’s was the first Irish pub to open in Singapore, way back in 1995. More than a quarter-century on, she still maintains that unrivalled jovial atmosphere intrinsic to any classic Irish Pub.

Molly Malone’s Irish Pub was actually born in Ireland and transported piece by piece to Singapore, where she was reconstructed in 1995 on the corner of Circular Road and Canton Street. There she remained for just over 9 years, before packing up house and moving across the street to the helm of Circular Road on Christmas Eve of 2004.

Colombo National Museum and Independence Square

Sri Lanka has a National Museum that was built and opened in 1877. It focuses on the various Sri Lankan Kingdoms that existed before the Dutch took over in 1658, and the subsequent British rule (1796-1948). Interestingly, the museum now holds 6 artifacts that the Dutch took in approximately 1765, that were only returned to Sri Lanka in 2023. -J 🇱🇰

Wow-look at those feet!

We also visited Independence Square, dedicated to the independence gained from the British in 1948 (the museum there was closed when we went).

More highlights from Yala National Park

If you haven’t seen our first post about our leopard sighting already, go check it out.

Auto-generated description: A leopard standing in a grassy area with dense foliage in the background.

A langur monkey with baby Auto-generated description: A langur monkey is sitting on a tree branch with its baby in a forested area.

An Asian green bee-eater out for a stroll Auto-generated description: A vibrantly colored bird with green, blue, and brown plumage is perched on a branch.

These painted storks give off some flamingo vibes Auto-generated description: A large bird with a long orange beak and pinkish-white plumage stands in a grassy area.

“Which way did he go George, which way did he go?” I could have posted an entire album of these two looking in various directions, both of their heads swiveling back and forth surveying the landscape. It was quite comical. Auto-generated description: Two monkeys are sitting on a tree branch in a forested area.

Asian elephants are different than African ones; here you can easily see how much smaller their ears are. Auto-generated description: An elephant stands on a grassy area surrounded by lush greenery.

Man, I just really wanted to give this guy some lotion. Look at all those wrinkles! Very wrinkly old elephant

When you just wait for lunch to magically arrive in your mouth Auto-generated description: A crocodile lies on a grassy bank next to water, holding a branch in its mouth.

We haven’t seen nearly as many reptiles as I had expected on this trip, but we ran across a whole bunch of monitors here Auto-generated description: A large monitor lizard is walking through a grassy and leafy area.

These are spotted deer, and they seem like a perfect snack for a leopard, as we nearly witnessed. Auto-generated description: A spotted deer with antlers grazes in a grassy area surrounded by greenery. Auto-generated description: Two spotted deer are grazing in a lush, green field.

Licking its chops, perhaps starting to get a bit hungry Leopard sticking its tongue out

Getting a bit more interested… Auto-generated description: A leopard is camouflaged in the dense foliage at the edge of a grassy area.

But it seemed like the leopard wasn’t willing to work too hard for dinner, at least this early in the evening. Auto-generated description: A leopard stands on a grassy area with dense foliage in the background.

This little guy seems like a crotchety old character Auto-generated description: A vibrant green bee-eater with a long black beak is perched on a bare, thorny branch against a blurred green background.

One thing I don’t get about peacocks is how colorful they are…but only from the waist up. It’s like they went over budget during development and had to skimp on the lower half. Auto-generated description: A peacock with vibrant blue and green plumage is standing on the ground surrounded by branches and grass.

How close does the wildlife get on a safari? Well, sometimes they have to walk around the vehicles. Auto-generated description: An elephant walks along a dirt road in front of a safari vehicle as people take photos.

Awww shit, that’s the end of the safari photos! (sorry, but we’ve had to see this far too often the last several weeks, so now you get to see it once, too 😝).

Auto-generated description: An elephant is defecating while standing amidst lush greenery.

-S 🇱🇰