H o b a r t

We are back in Australia after 12 years! My last visit to Perth was in 2002 and it has been that long since we gone Down Under. With a company of 4, we spent 12 days of winter in Tasmania and Melbourne. I have never been to Tasmania, and we last visited Melbourne on our honeymoon in 1998. So, with a favourable currency exchange, it is a good time to revisit the Aussie outback. We travelled counter-clockwise by following this self-drive route.

The trip started well when Emirates offered us an upgrade to Business Class for a minimal fee. We took up the offer of course, and had a comfortable and enjoyable flight to Melbourne. Some say that if you have travelled Business/First Class, you wouldn't want to go back to Economy. These rich buggers are so right!!

After a short flight from Melbourne, we arrived at Hobart, the biggest city in Tasmania.

After a long day, we needed good food. I have read the fish & chips are great in Tasmania, and we settled for that for our first meal here.

As always, dusk sets in early in winter. Although it is slightly past 8pm, many shops are closed as the day come to an end. We too decided to settle in early, so that we could recharge for the activities tomorrow.

The sun appears at about 7.20am here in winter, unlike in Japan or Korea where it is much earlier at 5+am. That's a whole 2 hours of wasted time! But when the weather outside is cold and the bed so warm, who wants to get up early anyway? 

Well, I did. And the reward for waking up early is to witness this spectacular view at Mount Wellington!  

I have always wanted to capture shots of clouds flowing below the mountain top, and this morning's weather suited the condition perfectly. 

 Cloud over rolling hills.

Taking the boardwalk to get closer to the best scene on the mountain. 

 Breathtaking view of the white fluffy sea beneath our feet.

 Cloud engulfing the city.

Far and beyond, as the eyes can see.

I came across this photo of a cafe at Tomamu Resort, Hokkaido, where it offers a unique scenic spot perched high atop a mountain peak that is often above the clouds. The scene of flowing clouds is simply a sight to behold. 

In all my travel trips, I have never had the chance to witness something like this, until now. I have experienced one of the best moments of my trip at Mount Wellington. To sum up my feelings: I was on cloud 9, literally!

And another travel trip awaiting....