The land of surf and sun!

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I have been in Byron Bay since Saturday. This is one of the best beaches in the world. Not sure who decided that, but I heard it from a few people. It truely is a beautiful beach. When you think of what an Aussie beach would be, this is it. Gorgeous sand. Beautiful golden people basking in the sun. Clear, blue water. Crashing waves full of surfers.

And clothing optional on a large part of the beach. Main beach is supposed to be no nudity, but I saw a lot of boobies down there. I even was brave enough to discard my top. But I did it away from the crowds of Main Beach. I did it closer to Belongil Beach, which allows nudity. And I had another American with me. Katie. She is a couchsurfer that is staying at the same house I am staying out. She has experience at nude beaches. She also has huge tits, so I'm sure she loves getting them out in public.

My first day I arrived, I checked into a hostel and went to the beach. I was tired because I was out the night before in Brisbane. First I had dinner in Chinatown because it was Chinese New Year. There was performers in the street. It was fun. Then I went to the Wickham Hotel and saw the best drag show in my life. It was fabulous. I They performed and weren't dancing for tips like most drag queens I've seen. It was like a Vegas show. After that show, I met some locals that I spent some time drinking with until I started to feel sick. Something from dinner decided it wanted to come back up. I got sick and then went back to my CSer's place.

On the bus to Byron, I ran into this guy Steve. We met in Cairns. He is Welsh but lives in London now. We ran into each other on the ferry from Fraser Island to Hervey Bay. We went out that night in Hervey Bay. He asked me to go for a walk on the beach. It was sweet. He said he wanted to see me again in Byron Bay. (I was going to Brisbane next while he was going to Surfer's Paradise.) He made some comment to me that he doesn't open up easy and it would take 4 years to get to know him. Then when my bus stopped at Surfer's Paradise, he and his mate get on. We chatted the whole ride to Byron. We said we would get together that night. But I warned him most hostels are full in Byron. The room I booked was a mile from town. When we arrived, they said they were going to look for a place. I said to call me if they don't stay and leave that night. They said they'll see me on the beach later.

Never saw them on the beach. Never heard from him. I tried to call him later that evening, but got voicemail. I didn't bother leaving a message. Not gonna chase after him. Oh well. His loss.

That night, I had dinner and walked around town. Then I went back to my hostel. I got a text message from a CSer that said I could come spend the rest of my time in Byron at his place. When I got to my room at 9:45pm, all my roommates were asleep. On a Saturday night! That is one thing I hate about hostels: different schedules. So I took a shower and went to bed. I woke up at 7am to pack my bags. Sorry girls, but if you want to go to bed early so I can't pack at night, I will have to wake you in the morning with my packing.

At 8 am, I was picked up with some other girls for a morning of kayaking. But this just wasn't kayaking. This was kayaking in the bay with dolphins! I was worried I would be weak for the paddling bit. I did well. My arms are fine even now. We paddled out over the waves. Got out about a bit and then we saw the beautiful dolphins! They were jumping out of the water about 10 ft from us. They were frolicking and making noises and playing. Then the guide told us they were mating. I felt like a perv. I was watching live dolphin sex! Dolphins and humans are the only animals that have sex for pleasure. Maybe monkeys, too. Dolphins are sluts. Lots of times, they don't even know who the father is so the male dolphins protect the whole bunch. Not sure if it is their kid, but they will watch out for them. I hope those photos turn out.

Afterwards, I called the CSer Luke. He came and picked me up at my hostel. We went to his place and he showed me to my room. I had my own room and a full size bed. This was so much better than a hostel! I made myself at home and then Luke gave me a ride back to town.

I spent the afternoon snorkeling at the Julian Rock. It was beautiful, but the current was very strong. I was kicking my flippers, but I didn't feel like I was going anywhere. But I saw a lot. I saw puffer fish, sea stars, a turtle, sea cucumber, lots of pretty fish, sting rays, and sharks! Yes, I was swimming about 30 feet above leopard sharks and shovelnose sharks. At first I got nervous, but I saw the divers swimming towards the sharks. That made me realise they were harmless sharks. It was cool. I hope my photos turn out.

That night, I went to dinner. Then I went to the movies and saw "Notes on a Scandal." Good film! I felt sympathy for Cate Blanchat's character. She is a schoolteacher that has an affair with one of her students. Now while I think it is disgusting to have sex with a 15 y/o and a student, I can understand how she felt younger and attractive having this younger guy seduce her. I love all the young boys that have been hitting on me since I've been in Oz and NZ. It is very flattering.

The next day, I got up early and returned to the beach for surfing lessons! So cool! I was so nervous that it would make me sore. But I have been sore from all the activities of the past 2 weeks that this didn't do anymore damage. I got up on the board and actually rode a few waves. I fell a couple times. At first, the instructor holds the boards while I jump on. He tells me when the wave is coming and when to stand up. After I was successfull a few times, I moved up to looking at the waves and paddling myself. That was a bit difficult at first, but I did it! Now I am ready to move to California!

After the lessons, I had lunch and then rented a car. I drove out to Nimbin. It is about an hour's drive west. It is a hippy town. Every shop had bongs and other pot-smoking esstentials. I bought a few shirts. Looked around and took photos. Everywhere there were petitions to make pot legal. Also had an herbal shop with herbal mind-altering substances. And that is all I will say about that.

When I got back to Luke's, Katie was there. She is from Santa Barbara. We went out that night for dinner. Then we went to some clubs. It was a fun night. I kept looking for Alan. He was supposed to arrive in Byron that day. I texted him a few times and called him. He didn't respond. I was starting to feel hurt. I looked all over at the clubs for him. Then when I showed Katie my photos of him, she said he was on her bus. So I knew he was in town. Just not getting in touch with me. :(

Today, I got an email from him saying he lost his phone on the bus and wanted my number. Unfortunately, I leave in 4 hours. So hopefully he will be down in Sydney when I am down there. I know we'll have a blast down there clubbing!

Today I returned the car. I bought my mom some earrings. Then I spent 3 hours at the topless beach. I covered up my boobs well with 30+ sunblock. But my legs I was less careful with. I finally added some lotion after awhile, but you can see where I didn't get to. I have white finger marks on my legs. Oh well.

Then Katie and I met up with Luke for some beers. Then I went and had a float tank session. It was so relaxing. I put on earplugs. Sit in a tub that is full of special salt water with a floating pillow under my neck. There is a cover over the tub, so I am in darkness. And relaxing music plays. So for almost an hour, I float in a tub in darkness and sleep. The salf makes the body float. I didn't get a massage though. Didn't have time. But I did my altenative therapy thing of Byron!

I am supposed to have dinner with Katie and Luke soon. He needs to show up because all my bags are in his trunk.

Going to post some surfing photos. Please ignore my fat ass.

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