Thursday, December 28, 2006

Last Days of traveling... coming to an end.

Spent my last few days in Byron Bay relaxing, hanging out with the Whitby boys (Jon, Sean, and Dave) and going to Nimbin, small, weird, hoppy town. BBQ on the beach on Christmas day was nice. But the weather could have been better. Had a quiet night in, after hanging out with the Swedish girls at their hostel.


Boxing Day was spent being lazy. Went to the beach and it was cold, so I just curled up in my towel and fell asleep on the sand. Had a fun night that night at the hostel with fellow Canadians.

Sean, Jon, Dave a.k.a Whitby Boys

I was feeling a bit lonely and bored one night so I spent some time in the quiet reading room of the hostel. And along came the cutest cat ever and just rested on my chest and fell asleep. Luckily, some girls came into the room and kindly took a picture for me. How cute!! It brightened my spirits instantly.
Then off to the little town of Nimbin with the two Mississauga boys (Eric and Mike) I had met. At night, Sean and Dave walked me to the lighthouse and I saw the most beautiful sunset of my life. It was breathtaking! A beautfiul way to end the most amazing 2 months of my life. See for yourself.

The boys walked me to the bus stop and saw me off for my overnight trip to Sydney. And here I am. In the big city... feels weird, sad and exciting. So much to do in the next week. Lots of people to catch up with, lots of partying to do and shopping! Next 2 things I'm looking forward to is NYE Fireworks over the bridge and spending time with David (before I see him again in a few months... *cries*).I can't believe it's almost over.... my god! 6 months went by in a flash!! I most likely won't update this until I'm back in Canada. So until then... Happy New Year and all the best.

Sunday, December 24, 2006

Merry Christmas (from the beach)


Christmas in the sunny, hot weather! It's quite the experience. I'm in Byron Bay right now, last stop before Sydney and it's gone by way too fast. Been having a blast. hanging out with people and partying at night and suring the day, swimming and suntanning. I can't complain. Been meeting a lot of people, Canadians especially.




For the past two days, I was surfing! It was sooooo cool. I was able to catch my own waves and stand on the board. What a rush! Last night, had my own little Christmas dinner, a quater chicken, stuffing, cranberry suace and sweet potatoe that I made. Very yummy! And today, we're planning a BBQ on the beach for Christmas Day. Even though family and friends are miles away, you're never alone. Just yesterday I met 6 new people over dinner... it's incredible.




I just want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!! Wish you all could be here. Being away has taught me to appreciate family and friends... so be thankful you are spending this time with them. I miss everyone dearly.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Beachin' and Partyin' it up! Can't complain.. lovin' life.

The past week has probably been the best so far. It hasn't been about touring and sightseeing, but beaches, partying and chilling. After Fraser, I stopped in Noosa and had a great night out with Brenden who I met in Sydney. We ended the night at Rolling Rock for some pumping music and then a stroll on the beach watching the white water comes in from the darkness.


Then I met up with Kate and Dave from England that I had met through the Swedish girls, who I met through Sophie, a Dutch girl on Whitsundays. (phew! It's 6 degrees of separation whilte traveling). We stayed in Brisbane in the same hostel and had a big night on Sunday at Down Under Bar. 6 or 7 pints later (but who's counting), I was told I had a good time! A nice late night snack with Team Sweden and a bit of a quieter night out the next day after wandering around Brisbane.... it's a beautiful city.

Traveled to Surfer's Paradise with them. And MY GOD! it is paradise. The beach stretches farther than i can see, the water is gorgeous and the night life is pretty good. Another big night out with at the Shack with Kate and Dave, Eric and Mike from Mississauga, who I met in Airlie Beach through Ben and Rhea who were on my Whitsunday trip! Also called up Elli from the boat trip who was in town, and we pre drank at the guys' hostel and then hit the town. Went to the Shack and got back late.

Next morning we went shopping and signed up for a Club Crawl. That started at 5pm, free drinks and food, and even bowling. We went to Shooters, Melbas, Strike Bowling, Shack and Bedroom. The last one was my favourite. Then as Dave and I were going to get Macca's, we ran into Eric and Mike on their own club crawl, so we joined their group and got into The Drink (free drink and all!) and stayed there. After a while, went to McDonald's and ran into Sepide, one fourth of Team Sweden. What a laugh!! So that's what been up.... Byron Bay tomorrow. And I can't believe it's almost Christmas... holy crap!!!

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Fraser Island 4WD & Dolphin Kayaking

Spent 3 days and 2 nights camping on Fraser Island with 10 other people. We were fitted with a 4WD truck, food for 3 days and a map. We cruised along the beach at low tide going from one beautiful place to another. Lake Mackenzie was paradise - I've never seen water that crystal clear. Champagne Pools were fun. Indian Head look out aand Lake Wabby were some of our other stops. We only got bogged down in the sand once. We drank goon at night and watched the stars come out. Sun setting over Maheno Shipwreck was spectacular. Sand was everywhere by the end of the trip!

Now just chilling in Rainbow Beach where I went dolphin kayaking this morning. We were just a few meters away from about 20 dolphins which swam around us for a good half hour. So cool! But I got stung by a jelly fish tentacle that was on my life vest. Just burned by chin for a good hour or so, but I'm fine now. Damn that hurt and it was the tiniest piece of jelly fish - don't want to know how badly a full blown sting would hurt. Ouch!!

Going to Noosa tomorrow and I'll be chillin' on the beach for the next 3 weeks. It's going by way too fast!





















Saturday, December 09, 2006

Whitsundays and Motorbiking

Where do I begin?!?! Sailing on the Whitsundays was just amazing!! We had a really good group on the boat and everyone got along well. We did lots of tanning and snorkeling and drinking and laughing. Too many memories to recount them all. The most notable is seeing the turtle and everyone on the boat simultaneously cheering. And sleeping outside on the deck, under the stars. And seeing the full moon rise in a brillian yellow colour behind the wisps of clouds, just lighting up the night. Swimming in out stinger suits on Whitehaven beach and playing the "I never ever..." drinking game with practical strangers, who soon become cool friends. Partying in Airlie Beach and soaking up the atmosphere.... truly unforgettable.

Then yesterday, I stopped in Agnes Water/1770 and did a tour on a mini Harley chopper! Soooooo cool! and loads of fun. Met some really cute and funny Swedish girls and we'll be traveling together for a while. Tomorrow Fraser Isalnd 4WD Safari!! Can't wait!! These holidays are really turning out to be one of the best ever. Enjoy the pics!!! (which are not in chronological order)


















Saturday, December 02, 2006

Relaxing in Townsville

Just taking it easy. Went to Magnetic Island yesterday. Enjoying the city, the markets and the hot weather. Working on my tan... you know the usual ;)

Looking forward to the Whitsundays on Tuesday - then I'll be in paradise.

Here are some pics of the past few days. (I just noticed that I really didn't choose the best ones to post, but out of the hundreds that I have, and selecting them based on a tiny thumbnail, plus having to wait ages for the uploading... then this will do for now.) Enjoy!



Looking out to Mission Beach from the Beach Shack

Giant Cassowary




On the rafting trip
Magnetic Island... Alma Bay
Townsville- The Strand