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Viewing My Long-Awaited Trip to Great Barrier Reef in AustraliaMy Long-Awaited Trip to Great Barrier Reef in Australia
By Dominic Godwinson
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Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef represent some of the finest and most exotic scuba diving and snorkeling in the world. Enjoy unique, multi-colored schools of fish from a glass-bottom boat, and swimming in the most beautiful waters in the world. I was born and lived in Australia for most of my childhood. During my early teens, as a result of my father's job, our family relocated to the United States. We did not return to Australia as a family; however, several years later, prior to beginning a new job, I decided to return to my "homeland". When planning my itinerary, I made sure to include Sydney and Melbourne, since we lived in both cities. As I would be in Australia for close to two weeks, I definitely had time to spare and would be able to add one more destination to my itinerary. My decision was easy - I chose the Great Barrier Reef. While we frequently took family vacations, my childhood vacations in Australia were typically road trips to towns and cities in our home states of New South Wales, Western Australia, and Victoria. Now was my chance to fulfill one of my travel dreams. I have a proclivity to planning in advance, especially vacations. Through the Internet, travel planning is an efficient endeavor. While making my airline reservations, I was provided with the option to purchase travel insurance. At first I was hesitant, since as a young professional my budget was limited; however, after considering all the benefits of travel insurance I decided it would be a valuable purchase. After much anticipation, the morning finally arrived for my visit to the Great Barrier Reef. I made advance reservations with a Cairns-based company for a half-day excursion to Green Island, one of the Great Barrier Reef's renowned coral cays. As one who is prone to motion sickness on airplanes and challenging road trips, I embarked upon the catamaran with trepidation. Soon after being seated, the welcoming staff and enticing breakfast buffet distracted my thoughts away from my initial fears. However, halfway through a conversation with fellow tourists, I began to feel the discomforting waves of nausea sweep over me. I excused myself to seek relief in a can of 7-Up. Unfortunately, the discomfort spread to queasiness and a dull ache in my stomach. I did not realize my malaise's transparency until one of the employees placed a foil-covered Dramamine in one hand and took my other hand as he led me out to the deck. To my relief, I was not alone. The choppy seas, mixed with the rich breakfast spread, brought out the worst in several of us as we reached for brown paper bags or leaned over the railings. My relaxing 45-minute journey to Green Island had turned into a physically draining and horrific experience. After docking on Green Island, I sat down on a bench feeling physically weak and emotionally exhausted. While I had experienced motion sickness discomfort before, all prior experiences paled in comparison and I contemplated returning to Cairns to seek medical assistance. As I had purchased travel insurance, I was assured that my medical expenses would be covered. While it was a relief to have this option available to me, I was determined to forge ahead with my plans to explore the Great Barrier Reef. My determination was amply rewarded with an unforgettable morning viewing unique, multi-colored schools of fish from a glass-bottom boat, lying out on pure white, soft sand, and swimming in the clearest and most beautiful-hued waters in the world. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) |
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