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Published: February 11th 2009
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28th jan to 11th feb 09
hello blighty!
what a busy time!!!!
will quickly go through what happened in Syd...
spent a day at the beach thurs with lyndall and ryan. Friday played barefoot bowls with Joel and Evan. Apparently, its not quite the old lady game that we have and people play for their 21sts!! It was actually really fun and I didnt totally suck which was a bonus. Saturday had a housewarming at Joel's and then sunday we recovered! said my goodbyes again and headed to the bus at silly o'clock monday morning.
Within seconds of being on the oz experience bus I knew I loved it. I chose a hop on/hop off service where everyone on the bus has the same route but chooses where to stop and for how long. Our driver, Dale, was really entertaining and informative and stopped to show us things. We all had an overnight stop at 'spot x' surf camp, Arrawarrah beach. Had a good eve getting to know everyone and a BBQ. Had to be ready for 6am again tues for our surfing lesson. It was so much fun. I was so rubbish though!! They coached us
on what to do and we did the whole standing on your boards on the beach thing before hitting the water and we were the only people on the beach. Unfortunately, I have no photos of our lesson as the ones they took were shit as it was raining and overcast but I didnt really want the evidence anyway!
After that we headed on to Byron Bay. I love it!! Its got a really good vibe. Almost all the people on the bus have gotten on really well so we met up in the eve for drinks and dancing at Cheeky Monkeys and had a pretty good night. Hired a board on weds but struggled in the water as the current was strong and the waves were massive!!
Had a very early start again thurs... was collected at 6am for my sky dive! Had a safety talk and was introduced to my tandem instructor and my camerman before taking to the sky. It was amazing!!! I would highly recomment it. We went up to 14,000 ft and free falled for about a minute before putting up the chute and gliding to safety. Seriously, so good. I felt completely
safe and secure and weirdly didnt feel nervous at all. And I was so pleased I managed to land with two feet rather than on my ass. The weather and views were amazing. I have photos and a video and I love them. It cost quite a bit but it was totally worth it and I can see how people get hooked. Am trying to work out how to put my vid up...
Went with Lindsey and Ellen for a walk to the Lighthouse for sunset and great views over Bryon Bay. Danced the night away at Cocomangas club, which was alright i guess.
Friday we all got together to take a bus tour of Nimbin, a nearby town. On the way we stopped to have a dip in a waterfall and a BBQ lunch. Nimbin is a weird place!! Its kind of a hippy commune and very dated, against authority and all that. Though cannabis is illegal in New South Wales, it doesnt seem to bother the people here!! The whole place had a Camden Town vibe - baggy waggy trousers, smell of insence, bob marley... we only stayed for an hour as there's very little of
interest there.
Spent a relaxed day on the beach sat before catching the bus to surfers paradise. By now there's a little group of us who seem to be heading at the same pace and are all really nice. A little info of who I'm travelling with... Charlotte H - 21 hairdresser from Suffolk, Chralotte S - 24 HR asst from Warrington, Andy - 24 from Preston, Lindsey - 21 student from Canada, Ellen - 21 student from Amsterdam, Verity - 26 air hostess from north London. Lovely bunch!! Had a chilled weekend, hired body boards, few drinks etc.
Decided I was in need of more surf lessons Monday so went with Get Wet surf school for the morning. Very impressed. Scott was there with us for every wave so we got a lot of support and everyone stood, including a man in his 50/60's (so dad, you're not too young to learn!!) Got photos this time!! Went out with our hostel Monday night after plaing drinking games and had a really good night.
Relaxed Tuesday and caught the short bus to Brisbane. Saw 'Revolutionary Road' at the cinema with the girls. Going to spend a few
days here and then head to Noosa.
On the news front - we may not have snow but I hear our weather situation is headline news at home. I've spoken to people and no one I know has been affected by the bush fires, heatwave or flooding. The flooding in Queensland is only affecting me in so much as it may slow down my journey up the coast as roads have been shut so there's a bit of a backpacker backlog. Everyone in Victoria is fine - not near bush.
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