If the title of this post sounds bizarre, guess what? It has been a bizarre day. Surrealistic. Pop Art-ish. Warhol -ish. Brilliant, in other words. Starting with a 150 km drive to see the incredible , rainbow-coloured sand dunes at Double Diamond Heads. Yup. That's where Captain Cook imagined he'd spotted two separate islands in 1770. But guess what? It was one large island with two heads! Driving us around at 80kph in his 4 wheel drive, was Timothy, an Englishman who runs Noosa Safaris. An Englishman? A Pom??? In these parts? Well, yes! Tim relocated four years ago and couldn't be happier. He knows every sand dune and shrub along this magnificent 40km coast, and he knows his rain forests, and he knows his picnic lunch in the middle of nowhere ( the best strawberries ever)! He is a total gem, and if only there were more Tims in India, our tourist attractions would be sexier. Meaning, far better run and more attractive.
We managed to see dolphins from the old lighthouse, and sea turtles and sea eagles.... all within the space of a few minutes. They only thing Tim couldn't manage were humpback whales. But it was a perfect summer day in Noosa, and I am sorry to leave at dawn tomorrow morning. But not before popping in at the Australian Zoo to say 'hello'' to the rhinos.
Louise played host at Bistro C by the sea, where the baramundi was done to perfection, and the calamari melted into the mouth at first bite. The crisp and perectly chilled sauvignon blanc helped. Even though Timothy had recommended a gin and tonic.
The Pacific ocean was warm and welcoming, but I passed. I was just struck by how proud and eco-conscious every person here is, and how solar panels and harvested rain water take care of basics. We have so much to learn - we have as much sun and rain in India. Possibly more. What do we do with it??? Very little. It would solve so many of our problems. But who's interested?
As I posed for a picture in front of the gigantic Andy Warhol poster at Bistro C, and read the line 'Pop Art is for everyone,' I found myself smiling....... nice way to end a looooong day. Until tomorrow, mates. I'm having a great time Down Under...