At the beginning of this first installment of a two-part series on the marvelous country of Australia, Saim takes us on a tour of a reptile park. Visitors are treated to a close encounter with all of Australia’s favorites,including the cuddly koala, the kangaroo, and a host of snakes and lizards. Hands on experience with these animals makes for an adventure never to be forgotten. From there, tour the city of Sydney from the air as Saim takes to the skies on a helicopter, viewing such famous landmarks as the Sydney Bridge, the Olympic Stadium, and, of course, the Opera House. A quick trip to the Sydney Aquarium, with over five thousand species of aquatic animals rounds out this visit to Australia’s largest city. On the way to Melbourne, step back in time as you stroll through the streets of an historic gold mining town in Ballarat. Meet the citizens of the town, dressed in period clothing, as they describe life in a mining town in the 1800’s. See demonstrations and re-enactments, then pan for real gold the old fashioned way. The end of the episode brings us to Phillip Island, anature preserve famous for its penguins – the world’s smallest –and their long daily jaunts from the ocean to their nests. There’s so much to see and learn, this week, as “Ayna” travels toAustralia.
