Great Barrier Reef

Annie and I decided to take what has been described to us as the swan song of holidays. Apparently once you become parents they are no longer holidays but trips. So we decided to go to the Hamilton Island, two hours flight north of Sydney. The place is described in various brochures as the quintessential tropical island with amaving weather and white beaches. Well it was not exactly like that. There were 30 knots wind and most of the days there it was raining. Not much hanging around on the beach or on the side of the pool sipping drinks. We nevertheless had some fun time, if anything, laughing about the situation. Hamilton Island has a couple of plusses. First it is part of the Whitsunday Islands, an archipalago of christal clear calm water. Absolutely fantastic to go sailing there (that will be next time) and snorkelling. The second great aspect and one of the main reasons for going there is its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. Annie and I looove snorkelling and going there was one of the most amazing Australian experiences we both had. On top of that my dream came true: while I was snorkelling this beautiful turtle swam right next to me and we swam together for twenty metres, abolutely unforgettable.