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Published: February 2nd 2011
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The most unique XMAS experience:
Alone in Brisbane knowing that my couch surfing host already invited a girl from Jamaica to be hosted during X-mas and on, I had no idea what would be next. As I'm searching for another CS host, doubting that I wouldn't have a chance over the holiday, miraculously, everything worked out in perfect timing. Darren, CS Ambassador host of Surfer's Paradise invited couch surfer's for X-mas. With hosting 400 people, I knew this guy knows how to show foreigners a good time and sure enough mission accomplished. 50 people from around the world joined in the festivities. We cooked, baked and made warm wine which is common in Europe. Can't forget the drinking games, like speaking without showing teeth, everyone is a vegetable and the person who starts for example says, "Asparagus, Asparagus, calling on carrot, carrot." We couldn't help but laugh or at least smile and the person who shows teeth, drinks. The house party wasn't plenty so we ended with putting our energy towards the dance floor at one of the popular clubs. We were escorted in good hands as some of the guys are promoters. Not only did I meet people from
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Byron Bay all over the map, but Melissa from my own backyard, living in Hollywood. Coincidentally, we arrived on the same night and decided we are going the same route so might as well share the memories because we were flying solo. Byron bay is our next destination, followed by Sydney.
The most tourist, beachy, small town:
Byron Bay has beautiful beaches along with great surf. Many shops the home of surfer's brands like Billabong, Roxy, Jack's, and all the ones you think were from California. I couch surfed with 7 other girls, some American, Canadian and Holland with company of 3 male room mates.
Fireworks 2011
The second best celebrated New Year's Eve is in Sydney where the fireworks explode from a 360 view coming from the bridge, Opera House and tall business buildings. Not only do you experience the magical show, but music that corresponds with it. I reunited with my long lost Filipino bro Edmond and Nina from my resort job. Nina's friends and Melissa were also enjoying with us and most of all arriving early to get a spot. We played games, ate, bought "grog," aka, alcohol and "goon" aka boxed wine. 5,4,3,2,1 HAPPY
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Sydney Bridge NEW YEAR and a Swedish kiss it was.
I fell in love with Sydney, the beautiful scenery from the bridge, the harbor, beaches like Bondi and the coastal walk I did, the shopping and also the people. Tim and Jason were kind enough to host Melissa and I for 2 weeks. Down to earth guys, love a laugh or two and beers, champagne and all the hot spots like "Ivy" the top of the list for venues. We celebrated Lauren's birthday, a great choice indeed. Most of all, I met an amazing, intelligent, attractive guy named Ralph. Sorry, but he is by far the best dance partner I've ever had. Salsa, swing, you name it we did it and got kicked out of the club. I guess they can't tolerate talent. However, the 2nd place did. After telling Ralph, "We have to be careful this time so we don't get kicked out." Immediately, I went to the bouncer and told him, "Hi, we're professional dancers and could you believe the last place, we got kicked out b/c I did the splits." He certainly didn't mind and accepted our entry, successfully we danced the night away without interruptions. We even
"got low" with a woman in her 60's. Surprisingly her husband is in his 40's, yes guys, this can happen and the roles are reversing. Go MILF! Off to the competitive city fighting for Australia's capital.
The City that has it ALL.
Did you know that Melbourne and Sydney are tie and couldn't be chosen for one or the other to be its capital? Instead it's Canberra, smack in the middle between the two? As people predict, Melbourne will soon be surpassing Sydney due to it's many cultures, excellent, diverse food, architecture, a Europen touch, and better transportation system along with the tram. Why I think Sydney beats Melbourne is the better weather as Melbourne could have 4 seasons all in one day. I'm a Cali girl spoiled with the best weather in the world so I choose Sydney. What made my experience in "The Garden State" was the wine, cycling tour in Yarra Valley. Ralph and I started (yes, he flew and met me there) with tea in the morning, a 2 hour cycle and ended with wine tasting at 3 wineries, had a picnic and finished with dairy tasting, with orgasmic goat and cow cheese. The
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Melbourne goat cheese with dill and the cow with garlic and chilli got my vote. I ended my 8 weeks vacation with nice scenery, romance and adventure. What more could I get out of cities before I head to the Outback again.
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