I had an unforgettable three days in Seoul, South Korea. From trying out some of their world renown skincare products, to sampling the street food, to touring the DMZ, to visiting shrines and temples, I am so happy I planned the trip. But, the morning before I was set to tour the DMZ, my travel companion and I were packing our suitcases in Tokyo to head to the airport, and we got some troubling news. A missile had just been launched over Japan by North Korea. Given the recent potential nuclear war headlines and back and forth between President Trump and North Korea’s unhinged leader Kim Jung Un… I have to say I thought twice before heading to Seoul... particularly the Korean Peninsula’s DMZ. But my friend and I decided to stick to the plan.

What do you get when you cross a crocodile with a rooster? A croc-a-doodle-doo! hahaha Okay enough of the silly jokes... I was seriously dying to go to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures while I was in Cairns exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Why did I want to go see scary crocodiles?  Because #1 Crocs are so totally Aussie and #2 Loads of Aussies have been telling me this is the best place to experience crazy crocs... up close and personal. From crocodile shows to crocodile boat rides in a lagoon full of the sharp toothed beasts... Hartley's did not disappoint. The highlight was riding in a small boat (it did have cages on the side) just a couple of feet away from the mammoth creatures! Of course you won't catch me in this post's pictures or videos cuddling with and crocs... you will see me cuddling with sweet koalas and feeding the world's deadliest bird, the cassowary. 

Exploring the Great Barrier Reef has been near the top of my Bucket List for a long time. It is one of the 7 Wonders of the Natural World. According to GreatBarrierReef.org it is comprised of over 900 islands, spanning 133,000 square miles... making it larger than the Great Wall of China... or about half the size of Texas. The Great Barrier Reef is so big it can even be viewed from outer space! The Great Barrier Reef is ancient... perhaps 20 million years old. Today, a whole host of modern medicines are being developed from its plants and animals - Medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, arthritis, Alzheimers, etc. Countless communities depend upon the Great Barrier Reef for economic reasons. Tourism to the reef generates billions of dollars a year. Of course the actual fish provide food and livelihoods for residents as well. More than 1,500 fish species call the Great Barrier Reef home. About 10% of the globe's total fish species can be found within its boundaries.

It is easy to see why the Great Barrier Reef is considered a Natural Wonder!  I can't believe I just crossed it off my Bucket List.... Tick!!  I hope you enjoy my pictures, videos, and thoughts from this awesome adventure.