Port Doulgas - Great Barrier Reef, June 26-28

Arrived in Cairns on Tuesday morning and drove up to Port Douglas.....was almost fined at the airport in customs...they don't mess around! I accidentally brought the banana they gave me on the flight, in one of my bags and they caught it...they were hard core about asking me why I lied on my customs sheet etc....luckily the officer had a heart and let me go with a warning, but I didn't get to keep my banana :)
Explored Port Douglas on Tuesday..cute town...reminds me of a tropical Aspen. Pretty low key night, in anticipation of heading out to the reef.
Decided to tour with a small family owned shop called Calypso. It was chilly, raining and ROUGH seas. Growing up in the water, I've never had any issues with seasickness, nausea, etc. However, these were the highest seas I had ever been in (now I know how you felt on the USS Cayuga Ton) Even with the motion sickness tabs, it was a tough ride out. All worth it of course..I'm having trouble attaching pics right now but will post as soon as I'm able...a HUGE thanks to my cousin extraordinare, Dominic, for providing the means with which to shoot! Love the camera. Will hopefully be able to post them soon. Off to the rainforest tomorrow...

Tokyo, June 22-25

Arrived in Tokyo safely...flight was a bit delayed so we had to run to catch the last train into the city...made it with about 20 seconds to spare!
Had a great first day...walked the city and explored the imperial palace, botanic gardens, Ueno and Ginza districts. Then it was on to Roppongi for dinner. We found a great sushi restaurant and had wonderful food and service...made friends with the sushi chef..he recommended we visit MoBar after dinner, which we did...Roppongi late night resembles Rush Street in Chicago...anything you could have seen, you did! Also, there is virtually no crime in Japan...rows of bikes were lined up on every street with no locks..interesting
Sunday was bittersweet...Dobbs was leaving, but Ant and Lori had a baby girl: Serena Claire..beautiful pics..congratulations Crupi family..can't wait to meet our new niece! So, after dropping Dobbs at the train to head home and because I wasn't with any family, I decided to head to the "happiest place on earth" (yes Eileen...no surprise) Tokyo Disneyland. It rained the whole time but people were there in droves, all decked out in their Mickey gear....no joke, I didn't see one person without something Disney on them...the park is much smaller than the US counterparts; nonetheless, it was still fun to see my favorite attractions being spoken in Japanese.
On Monday I shopped in Ginza and Nihonbashi and found my favorite store, Takashimaya. Oh..also went to the fish markets...amazing fish and goodies on display. Left that evening for Australia! Pics to follow

Beijing, June 19-22

Arrived in Beijing Tuesday evening. Woke up early and headed out to Tiananmen Square...unfortunatley the Chinese History Museum, Mao's Memorial Hall and the Hall of the People were all under renovations (getting ready for the 20008 Olympics). Traveled to the Temple of Heaven via pedicab and then back through some great Chinese neighborhoods. That night we went to a fantastic restaurant (Da Dong) for the famed Peking Duck...it was delicious!

The next day we got an early start on our way to see the Great Wall...visited a jade market along the way. Went to a more remote part of the wall so there were not a lot of other folks around...WOW...incredible sights and views. The wall is truly an amazing feat (viewable form space). We hiked for about 2 hours before tobagoning down the mountain....very cool. We dedicated our hike to Kim's Uncle Chuck who passed away this day...we're thinking of him and everyone back home.

That night we ventured out to a fabulous restaurant owned by a gentleman who used to be the head chef for the Chairmen, the Red Capital Club (thanks Drew). Food and ambience were unparalelled. Met some new friends as well.

Next day hit the Forbidden City..so big and impressive...and bargained in the markets for a new suitcase so we could haul all our treasures home! Arrived in Tokyo last night...will update again soon..thanks for reading.

Hong Kong, June 17-19

On Sunday we left for Hong Kong. What a cool city. After getting settled in at the hotel we headed to Victoria Peak for dinner. Took the tram up to the top and had fantastic views of the city.

The next day we visited Morningstar Hong Kong..great to meet the folks there and then explored the several districts on the island, and of course Stanley Makret (via the number 6 bus)...quite a bus ride...similar to a roller coaster thriller...and a great way to tour the island as it crosses from North to South on Hong Kong Island. That evening we headed over to Kowloon for dinner. Dobbs sought out a phenomenal spot, Aqua, where we dined overlooking HK Island. Beautiful scenery and the food was great.

The next day there was no time to let grass grow under our feet...we headed to Macau to check out the island and casino activity (Geneva, you'll be happy to know that of course he was on official business checking out the investment). This was also June 19th and the esteemed Dragon Boat festival was in full swing. As HK is celebrating their 10 year anniversary of not being under British rule (on July 1st) the festivities were in full force. A great time to visit.

New Delhi/Agra (in 36 hours), June 15-17

So, some may have said this was too quick a time to spend in India (and they were probably right) however, it was well worth the trip to view the Taj Mahal. We arrived in Delhi late Friday evening and woke up at 5:00 the next day to meet our guide, Deepti, to begin the day. We boarded the train at 6:00 and began our 2 hour journey to Agra. The sights along the way were pretty amazing. We were also very lucky with our weather. A few days before our arrival it was 120 degrees in Delhi..when we arrived it was a cool and balmy 87 with light rain. Luckily the cooler temps and misty rain stayed with us throughout our stay.

Upon arrival we were driven to a lot where we boarded a transfer bus that would bring us to the entrance of the Taj. Lots of children looking for you to buy their wares and lots of markets roadside.

When we entered the grounds we were slowly introuced to the lives and legends behind the mystique. As we rounded the corner, the tomb was breathtaking. The pure marble building is exquisite. It towers over all around and rises up from the land as though it were the kingdom itself. We spent about 2 hours touring the tomb and grounds and then headed to Agra Fort, where the gentleman responsible for the Taj was eventually placed under house arrest (by his son!) to live out the rest of his days....very tragic story. * For lovers of the cottage and the Thousand Islands, not to worry...this place has nothing on Boldt Castle :)

Afterwards, we had a traditional Indian luncheon and kudos to Dobbs for trying everything on the table...quite spicy mind you, but he managed with ease. Lots of lamb and you eat with your hands...fabulous tastes and spices...the best food we've had thus far.

It was then time to head back to Delhi. We traveled via car (about 4 hours) and were able to view more amazing scenery. Although we were on the main "highway" we shared this road with bicycles, pedestrians, cows, camels and anyone else that wanted to join in. The rule of the road: the biggest man goes first.

Although quick, we had a fabulous time!

Helsinki, June 14-15

Kim's favorite city so far. The design and architecture were fantastic...very clean and streamlined. Weather was a bit chilly and rainy for the first few hours. Definitely an amazing place... sights seen: the design district, Fort S., the Sibelius, Olympic Stadium, art museums..oh and lots of shopping!

Moscow, June 12-14

Great few days here. We arrived on June 12 - Russia Day (holiday like July 4th) ...couldn't enter Kremlin, Red Square or Lenin's Tomb so explored new parts of city! Ventured on the russian subway to Gorky Park, then walked back to center of city. Saw: Bolshoi Theatre, Arbat St, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Alexander Gardens. Had a great dinner and our first Russian mishap (ordered beer for the two of us, thinking 2 pints, but instead 2 pitchers - needless to say, an interesting walk home!). Saw fireworks over the Kremlin that night.

Today, toured the Kremlin (so vast and expansive!) and Armoury museum (Russian artifacts including jewelery, carriages, clothing, and the world's largest collection of Faberge eggs), walked Red Square, climed St. Basil's cathedral, strolled the GUM, and saw the old KGB headquarters. Out to dinner this evening and headed to Helsinki tomorrow. Will update from Asia!

Madrid, June 9-11

SO fun! Enjoyed eating tapas, sipping sangria, riding the Tube, saw a bullfight, Prado and Reina Sofia, M* office, great meals, botanic gardens, La Latina, Plaza Mayor, market.