Fun In A Faraway Land

Hey Travel Lover

A quote by Margaret Fuller says “If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it”.

This week is special as we have a travel memory from one of our readers. Though the destination she visited is on my bucket list -obviously- her story has made me want to tick it faster😁Her name is NGee, and this is her story….

Have you ever thought of the farthest place you can go and still see family🤔? For me, it was Australia. This was not my first rodeo there, but my last trip was work-related. Hence, I couldn't see my family (It’s a 7-hour flight to get to their city in the same country😲😱). I promised I would spend my birthday the following February with them.

As usual, man proposes, but God disposes. February came but I couldn’t go. Fast forward to May, and with so much work looming in the next quarter, I needed a break. I packed my bags, paid the expensive ticket…and off I went to Brisbane, Australia via Perth.

After a 36-hour flight from Lagos, my first day was spent sleeping and recovering. Let’s not talk about the 10 hours time change. Half-recovered and knowing how time flies, it was time to explore. My main aim was to eat all the strange fruits & foods I haven't eaten. Unfortunately my family were unadventurous🙄

I opted to start with a visit to the Bundaberg rum distillery (it rained throughout the 4hour drive). Upon arrival, I went through the facility tour where I learnt their rum was made from sugarcane and molasses. It had different flavours and alcohol percentages up to 80%. The factory had caught fire thrice so we were not allowed to take anything inside.

On the way back we sighted another factory…here,, they made Rum from lychee and ice cream. Despite the rain we headed in, we were given samples to taste and it was like a festival on our tongues. The wine, rum and ice cream were to die for.

Then, it was time to see the ginger factory; There was an entire theme around the factory in the middle of the town with trees and a forest to walk around. We went around the factory with their train and the tour guide described how it all started to the present day. We saw the process flow from planting, harvesting and using ginger to make rum, medicine, toffee and other items. We also saw a lot of fruits found in Nigeria here including Pitanga which was thriving in the farms. The factory had handmade oil, cremes, teas and a lot of toys for kids to play with including an interactive factory.

Then I spotted something bold, bright, and beautiful. Behold, it was an umbrella street in commemoration of diversity😍 I had to do a photo session with the ginger bread man. (Remember our Umbrella Street story? Read it here )

Next of, I went to Melbourne to see a friend, it was really 🥶 cold. Fun Fact about this city, their tour bus is FREE, this was how I went round the city. I visited the Melbourne Gaol where a famous bandit was caught, tried and killed. It was disheartening to hear that they used to keep children there too. I also ate sushi, although I am not a big fan.

Then back to Brisbane and Voila! I saw strange fruits… some pictures are shared below. I enjoyed the soursop, Australian pie and the smoothies. Main Aim ….check check check.

One of the highlights of this trip was visiting the family-run Australian Zoo by Steve Irwin… It was an amazing spectacle with animals from everywhere… a live show of animals and sometimes you get to meet Steve Irwin's children( I didn’t see them)… It was an enjoyable long walk of over twenty thousand steps around the zoo.

One reason many Australians look trim might be the healthy walks and good food. Here, they trust you to be honest as they leave fruits on their front yard for you to pay and put the money in a box or take for free if you need it…This is where I miss my first home NIFOR (Nigerian Institute For Oil Palm Research)…My next visit would be Sydney and I must attend a concert in the orchestra hall…

Adieu Australia!

So Travel Lover, do you share knowledge to illuminate others? Is Australia on your bucket list? Has NGee inspired you to visit Australia?

Thanks NGee for sharing your story, I’m inspired and will visit Australia soon.

Till Next Week

Live, Love, Laugh

Ajalaress

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