Thank You, Lord!

It has been quite a busy few days here at Port Douglas due to the influx of tourists and visitors on their Christmas holiday. The streets and shops are buzzing with people and the town is full of life!

I now work in the food retail business and find myself rostered to work on some Sundays. It is quite an unfamiliar scenario for me always having had Sundays off for as long as I’ve been employed. I pray to the Lord for His favour and grace at work and continue to do my best as I labour as unto the Lord.

In an unexpected turn of events (and such a remarkable surprise), I received a message from my boss yesterday saying that I can take the Sunday off.

Oh, I praise the wonderful Lord! My cup overflows as I am able to praise, worship and fellowship with my family and fellow-believers today!

[Psalm 103:1-2] 

Praise the Lord, my soul;

    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the Lord, my soul,

    and forget not all his benefits.

[Psalm 100:4-6]

Enter his gates with thanksgiving

    and his courts with praise;

    give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;

    his faithfulness continues through all generations.

There is a gospel song I recall that is spilling over my spirit with the following lyrics:

♪♫ This is the day that the Lord has made... I will rejoice and be glad in it

Oh, this is the day that the Lord has made... I will rejoice and be glad in it

Rejoice in the Lord, Rejoice in the Lord

Celebrate the presence of the Lord... For He is worthy to be praised

Celebrate the presence of the Lord... For He is worthy to be praised

Rejoice in the Lord, Rejoice in the Lord, Rejoice! ♪♫

Here's a cover version of Rick Shelton's gospel song titled 'This Is The Day'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B9Vb1LGXVc

Christmas in our Hearts

Christmastime is always an exciting season for me. It brings into remembrance wonderful memories from my childhood and creates that warm fuzzy feeling from within.

In our homeland Philippines, the Christmas season or “Pasko” begins as early as September and lasting until around the 2^nd week of January, earning the country the distinction of celebrating the world’s longest Christmas season. 

Philippine "parol"

Homes, buildings, and every corner get a major facelift with lights, lanterns or “parol” and every Christmas décor imaginable. Christmas music and carols can then be heard playing on every radio station, supermarket, establishment, or sung by children carollers with makeshift instruments going from house to house eager and expectant to receive their “aguinaldo”.

I remember when I was little that our family would go to church on the eve of Christmas to give thanks to the Lord for all His blessings and celebrate the birth of our Messiah, Jesus.  After church, we’d buy some native delicacies offered by vendors just outside the church such as “bibingka” (rice flour and egg-based cake, cooked using coal burners above and under) or “putò bumbóng” (a purple, sticky rice delicacy steamed in bamboo tubes, buttered then sprinkled with brown sugar and shredded dried coconut meat). We’d then go home and our parents would put us to bed early that night. They’d then wake us up just before midnight for the traditional “Noche Buena” dinner. In our household, this dinner usually comprise of “hamon” (Christmas ham drizzling with sweet pineapple sauce), “queso de bola” (ball of cheese or Edam cheese), “pan de sal” (a popular slightly sweet bread invented in 16th Century Spanish-Era Philippines) or sliced white bread, macaroni salad, spaghetti, fruit salad, cathedral jello.

Noche Buena feast

After stuffing ourselves with all those blessings on the table, we then get to the most exciting part of exchanging gifts and cards, kisses and hugs. We as children anticipate Papa and Mama’s reaction as we hand them our hand-made greeting cards with our heartfelt messages.

"pagmamano"

Christmas morning just started and there’s more to happen. We stay home and wait (with great expectancy!) for the arrival of our extended family members and friends to visit and celebrate with us. We pay respect to our elders through “pagmamano” (enacted when a young one bridges to their forehead the hand of an elderly person, and then the elder often responds by reciting a blessing or simply acknowledging the gesture).  There is a great deal of merry-making, chitchat, and eating. We as children stage a mini Christmas show for all to see and hear such as playing an instrument, singing, dancing, and reciting a poem. After that, we are then free to run around, play and enjoy ourselves.

As time went by and we grow older, both in physique and spirit, we gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Christmas and it’s pure meaning—the celebration of the birth of the Messiah, JESUS...and the promise of REDEMPTION.

[Luke 2:10-11] “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

[Isaiah 9:6] “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

[1John3:5] “You know that he became a man so that he could take away our sins, and that there is no sin in him, no missing of God’s will at any time in any way.”

Tropical North Queensland: Port Douglas

Port Douglas streets map

Living here in our new home in Port Douglas feels so much like having a summer holiday. The laid-back village atmosphere gives that relaxing feel wherever you turn. We haven't really explored much of the sights and scenes here but we've visited much of the essentials: grocery shops, pharmacies, post office, rental office, church, hospitals, Sunday markets, playgrounds and Four Mile Beach ^_^

I'm collecting info and facts about Port Douglas and making a list of the things to do in and around Port Douglas. I hope to experience what our new home has to offer while we're here as locals and be able to feel as how numerous tourists feel when they come here for holidays. 

About Port Douglas

• about 45minutes to an hour’s drive north from Cairns via a spectacular coastal road that is surrounded by forest and the Coral Sea
• has evolved from a sleepy fishing village into one of the most sought after holiday destinations in the world
• still retains its village atmosphere with wide tree-lined streets, no traffic lights or parking meters
• is the only place on Earth where two World Heritage listed jewels exist: the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforest of Daintree & Cape Tribulation
• is home to some of Tropical North Queensland's most exclusive resorts, award winning restaurants, beautiful galleries and boutique shopping
•  is the closest mainland departure point to the Great Barrier Reef with a range of day trips or charters available designed to maximize the snorkelling, diving or fishing adventures
• is near Mossman Gorge and Mossman township, with local indigenous community and sugar industry, are some of the closer attractions

Mossman Gorge

Some of the top things to do in and around Port Douglas

1. STROLLING THROUGH THE SUNDAY MARKETS. 8am to 2pm In Anzac Park on Wharf Street (opposite the Court House Hotel). Stock up on locally-grown fresh fruit and veggies. The market also has a great range of local handicrafts and is full of interesting characters from all over the Shire.
2. MOSSMAN GORGE. A short drive north of Port Douglas is Mossman River Gorge. Follow the signs to the Indigenous eco tourism centre, enjoy a Dreamtime walk under the rainforest canopy and a swim in the cascading crystal clear water. Have a coffee at the Mayi cafe and view the art and design of the local Kuku Yalanji people in the Art gallery.
3. CAPE TRIBULATION/DAINTREE. Drive up to the World Heritage-listed reef and rainforest of Cape Tribulation (you do not need a 4WD to get there), cross the Daintree River on the Cable Barge, explore the national park and walk along the isolated beaches. Have a delicious cream tea at the Daintree Tea House or a river cruise with one of the many excellent tour operators on the Daintree River.
4. FLAGSTAFF LOOKOUT. Great views of Four Mile Beach and the surrounding mountains. Steep drive (or walk) accessed from Wharf Street then onto Island Point Road.
5. PORT DOUGLAS HISTORICAL WALK. Take the award winning Historical Walk of Port Douglas. "The historic walk begins at Port Douglas Court House Museum, the second oldest timber court house in this State, famous for its committal hearing of Ellen Thomson, the only woman ever hanged in Queensland. Sit in the jury benches and see a short film of the re-enactment of her trial, held in this very court house..." The museum is open 10am - 1pm, Tue, Thu, Sat and Sun.
6. CANE TOAD RACING. At the Iron Bar on Macrossan Street. Entertainment for all ages, kiss your toad and watch it turn into a prize!
7. SUNSET DRINKS. Fantastic sunset views and an opportunity to watch the boats returning to the Marina at either The Tin Shed (the Combined Clubs), or at On the Inlet. Boats come in between 4 and 5pm. Happy hour at On the Inlet starts at 3.30pm, George the Groper is fed at approximately 4.45pm. No membership is needed at The Tin Shed. Get in early for a good seat.
8. ROMANTIC LUNCH. Drive south to Thala Beach Lodge for lunch overlooking the ocean. Or drive north to Silky Oaks Lodge for lunch in the rainforest. Both are outstanding locations with fine food and both enforce the no children policy. Bookings are recommended.
9. TICKLE YOUR TASTE BUDS. Explore the award-winning restaurants and chic cafes along the Macrossan, Wharf and Grant Street dining precincts. Here you will find a variety of cuisine types prepared for you by international chefs and an atmosphere unique to this part of the world. All taste buds are catered for, from elegant fine dining restaurants to cafe’s, counter meals, takeaway and delivery options to suit the most discerning diner. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, the selection is yours with a choice to suit all budgets. A word of warning, if you have a desire to dine, do make a reservation.
10. BIKE HIRE. Port Douglas Bike Hire has a great range of bikes and accessories including kid's seats, tandem bikes and trailers. Four Mile Beach is a perfect place to ride especially for children. There is also a bike path from Four Mile into town.
11. HARTLEY'S CREEK CROCODILE FARM. Visit Hartley's Creek for half the day or take in the full day of activities they have on offer, crocodile feeding, boat cruise, snake show and much much more. Well worth the visit.
12. BREAKFAST WITH THE BIRDS. Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast served in the aviary of the Wildlife Habitat. Price includes tour of the facilities. Great photo opportunities as cockatoos and pigeons fly about freely, often sharing a piece of toast. Daily 8am - 10.30am.
13. SNORKELLING AT AGINCOURT REEF. See the Great Barrier Reef at its most pristine. Snorkelling is fun and an unforgettable way to experience this underwater kingdom of colourful marinelife and spectacular coral formations, whether you’re a beginner or confident snorkeller.
14. SAILING TO LOW ISLES – and swimming with a turtle! A perfect day for island relaxation, an uninhabited Great Barrier Reef coral island that just happens to be a major turtle habitat – swim and make friends with one of these graceful creatures.
15. PAMPER YOUR BODY. Your holiday would not be complete without pampering your body and cleansing the soul with a little indulgence. Port Douglas and Daintree boast some of the best spa facilities in the world with a range of treatments that are designed to relax, de-stress, energise and rejuvenate your body for the ultimate relaxation.

Four Mile beach

Port Douglas Climate

Port Douglas has a tropical climate with hot summers and warm winters, generally the heavy rainfall occurs from January-March, with the wettest month of the year typically being February.

• Jan – March: This is our wet or “Green Season”. It’s the time for tropical rain and it is humid. It’s the time of year when our waterfalls come to life!
• April – Oct: Generally our dry season. While other parts of Australia are wearing “Winter woollies”, we are generally experiencing envious warm, sunny days. Maybe a light jacket for the evening in June-July.
• Nov – Dec: Generally warm/hot days and building humidity. A great tropical feel!

Port Douglas shops

Port Douglas Shops & Stores

Port Douglas is trickled with small stalls, souvenir shops and specialty stores. The main supermarkets and grocery stores are Coles, Foodworks and Cornetts Supa IGA. One of the biggest Woolworths supermarket is located in the next town of Mossman.