Cairns was an interesting experience – I know I filled you in briefly but there is so much more to say. When I landed in Cairns, there was a brief respite from the rain! The hostel had a free transfer bus from the airport, so they picked me up and I sorted out the room while Sean flew up a bit later. It was amazing to have a private room – to be able to unpack a little bit, leave things lying about the room, wander out the shower without clothes on and the best part – a TV so we could watch the news in bed. Yes, you would be right in thinking that we have become an old married couple – that was the highlight of having a private room!!! Dear lord, I’m turning into my parents….that’s scary!
We wandered about 3km along the esplanade (a lovely footpath running along the ocean and a park on Cairn’s waterfront) trying to find somewhere for breakfast in the morning. We finally stumbled on a little café. On the walk back the heavens opened. Despite this, we decided to explore town, and found Cairns Central shopping centre. We spent hours wandering around the shops, and taking many free samples of food from outside Coles, before deciding to go to the cinema. We also popped into the Hogs Breath Café as they were showing the finals of the Quicksilver Pro. I can’t believe Slater won again, we saw his heat against Buchanan and thought he was going out! That evening we relaxed in the room, you guessed it, watching the news!
The next day was Sean’s birthday, we decided to head up to Palm Cove for it. Palm Cove is a picturesque little beachside town about 10mins north of Cairns. We had a long walk along the beach, with some awesome views of clouds and mountains (pictures will be coming up on Facebook shortly). We may have also gone on a little crocodile hunt – there was some mangroves right at the end of the beach, perfect habitat for the buggers. Unfortunately, or maybe luckily, we didn’t see any!
The days blur together unfortunately, but one day that stands out particularly was the day where we decided to go wakeboarding. We had booked a Backpacker night wakeboarding for the Thursday night. This was cancelled due to too much rain and bad weather. However, the cable park was open the next day so off we went. The cable car park was flooded, with a big sign saying “cross this water at your own risk” – brown, murky, waist deep water. No thanks, I wasn’t going to be eaten by crocs. Instead, we walked along a footpath that took us in the “back-way” to the cable – through a housing estate and a few scary croc moments again! Nevertheless, we arrived at the cable and had 2 hours riding.
I found it strange riding at the place where I learnt to wakeboard. The staff were friendly, and then all of a sudden Kirsteen Mitchell turns up. We got chatting, and laughing at Sean’s incapability to hit obstacles (to be fair he was doing well – but who goes for a toeside A-frame for your first obstacle?!). Sean had borrowed my K&S board, so I wasn’t riding. Kirsteen offered for me to ride hers, which was really nice and I came so fricking close to landing a left-foot-forward 3 off the kicker. I know, I know, close doesn’t count!!!!
After tiring ourselves out in the brown waters of the wakeboard park, we crossed the road to the Smithfield Shopping Centre, and bought some juice to rejuvenate. Raw juice is amazing; I have to give it a mention. It consists of fresh fruit and vegetables all mushed up into a juice but it tastes incredible and is a meal in itself! I can easily kill a 1.5 litre carton of it by myself!
Back at the hostel, we realised that we were out of cereal so we decide to walk to Coles Express, just over the road. However, while watching the news (see we liked our news) we saw that 3 crocodiles were making themselves comfortable wandering around the streets of Cairns city centre! We still went out, thought that Coles was too expensive for cereal and milk, so we walked to IGA. IGA was even more expensive so we figured we’d walk to Night Owl. We get to Night Owl without seeing any crocs, only to discover that Coles was the cheapest place after all! We walk back, and the heavens open. Thankfully its only about 2km back to the hostel, so we get back only after having a short shower with clothes on!
I get a phone call from my mum. She says to me that my train from Cairns to Airlie Beach has been cancelled. I think that this could be a distinct possibility as pretty much all the roads around Cairns are flooded. I think. I go to the train station in the morning and find out, yes train is cancelled. I ask for a refund, and it is given (thankfully!). I then phone the boat, who says that they will sell my place on as I can’t make it. It’s a shame, but with a cyclone due to hit Cairns/Airlie Beach way shortly, and the tsunami alert from Japan, and various other ailments with Earth (seriously, what’s with all the earthquakes?!), I felt much more comfortable doing that. Instead, I book a flight to Gold Coast.
Before leaving Cairns, we decided to have a night out. The night out consisted of going to Cairns Night Market. This was a fair experience…it was kind of like a mix of hippies, with Thailand Masseuses and Singapore randomness! There were some cool stalls with pretty necklaces and anklets, and little tie die bags (which I really want, but I cannot justify spending $10 on one…sad I know). There were also little food stalls, and although we had been making the most of the free dinners at the hostel (pasta with either bolognaise sauce or a veggie sauce) we were still a little peckish. I managed to find a crepe stand; thin pancakes with various fruity fillings…all I can say is yum. My stomach’s grumbling at the thought of my banana chocolate pancake with extra whipped cream….
I am currently at Coolangatta Sands Hostel! It’s amazing – I recommend it to anyone coming to Gold Coast. The beds have mattresses of normal size (unheard of in most hostels), it has aircon in every room, an amazing balcony, nice bathrooms and kitchens, and it’s super clean. Definitely one of the most upscale hostels I’ve stayed in. However, our first night on Gold Coast was not here. No, we stayed at the YHA which is actually in Bilinga (3 towns away from Coolangatta and a fair 4km walk into town – at least you can walk along the beach). Sean used to work there, and left on not great terms with some of the staff. We arrived, and the reception was less than friendly to us. However, it was a bed to sleep in for the night, and it was right next to the airport so not far to walk with my ever-increasingly heavy backpack. Why did I insist on bringing so many clothes and shit?!
So, yep, I’m now staying at the Sands. Sean was here with me for the past two nights, but he’s now got free accommodation staying with the Coach from the Surf Club so he’s staying there. It’s only a km away, but it’s very strange him not being in the room with me. I can’t believe we’re coming up 8 weeks soon…it’s gone so quick! First day here, we wandered from QLD to NSW and back multiple times which is fun! You cross the border and the supermarket isn’t open (it shuts at 8.00pm most nights) and then you cross back and the other supermarket is still open! Very strange!! So we had a good walk around town, Sean spotted out the restaurant/café that Mick Fanning’s mum owns. Pretty cool.
Yesterday I made a trip into Brisbane. I had to go in to change my flight from Cairns Melbourne, to Brisbane Melbourne. That’s done now which is a relief! I land in Melbourne on 20th March, at 6.15pm. I’m looking forward to it as one of my best friends out here, Pixie Lil, is going to be flying down Tuesday morning so I’ll get to see her and spend some time with Moo again before leaving. It should be great, and a nice distraction from leaving Sean…
Yesterday evening, we went out to La Porchetta. It’s a nice Italian restaurant in Cooly, where for 12 bucks you can have all you can eat pizza and pasta. It’s really good value, since most dishes are about 14 dollars. After stuffing ourselves there, we were going to the Cooly Hotel to see Donavon Frankenreiter play a gig. However, Sean was wearing shorts and thongs and wouldn’t be let in. His jeans and shoes were in the surf club, and his key is playing up at the minute. Nevertheless we wandered over to the surf club to see if we could get in…every single door was locked, bar one sliding door which we tried half-heartedly. That stroke of luck meant we could get to the concert in time!
The Sticky Fingers were the opening act, a duo from Sydney with amazing guitar playing skills. I’ll try and find a link at some point; they played really chilled out music. A great opening act. Sean’s friend from the YHA (pretty much his only good one!), Jack, worked the bar so we got free drinks all night! Donavon Frankenreiter was amazing. I’d never heard of him before hanging out with America (Sean’s nickname), but he has some awesome music. He came on stage in a full on Elvis type suit – white suit complete with flashy sequined stars and stuff. Fantastic music and a great showman. It was just a good night :)
Today, I have to write about because I surfed. Now, not just tiny little white water, but 3ft waves!!!! I caught 3 waves that I stood up on, and got barrelled on a few too. Well, not too bad for pretty much my first time surfing since I was 13! Not many people can say they learnt to surf properly at Snapper and Rainbow Bay!! (That’s where the quicksilver pro is held!) Needless to say, it’s put me in a pretty good mood all day, but now I’m starting to regret being out there for 2 hours as my back is very sunburnt…not so much fun.
Right I’m going now, as I think this blog is long enough!! Apologies to those of you reading, as I’m sure you had better things to do with your time, but thanks for reading. I know it seems a lot of self-absorption writing this blog (just what I’ve done and a lot of bragging :p) but it’s such a good way for me to keep in touch, and hearing certain stories about avid followers from my mum cheers me up when I’m having a homesick moment…so thanks for reading :)
Ok, time to see what’s on the news I think. Peace and love to you all xxx
No comments:
Post a Comment