|
|
Article: A reef beyond belief; The Great Barrier Reef defies definition. It's the biggest organic structure in the world, but it's as fragile as a fern. It's as infinite as the stars, but close enough to touch. It's a stage set for life and death struggles, but sometimes it seems more like a divine comedy.(TRAVEL)
- Article from:
- Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN)
- Article date:
- August 22, 1999
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1999 Star Tribune Co. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
1/3 The minute I got off the airport bus, it started.
"G'day mate. Welcome to Cairns. I reckon you've already heard about the hurricane that's headed this way."
"Uh, no," I said, and felt my heart sink into my stomach. I'd waited my whole life to dive on the Great Barrier Reef. And now this.
"More's the pity," he said. "Which hotel are you headed to?"
"The Coral Tree Inn."
"Coral Tree Inn? That's the one that burned last night!" he said.
OK, now I got it. I was in Australia for 15 minutes and I'd already learned one important truth about Aussies. They think the threat of impending doom is hilarious.