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Published: February 2nd 2008
Finally reached Cairns. Not the worlds prettiest towns. Has it's charms, but it's kind of the town the Malaga would like to be. Basicly an airport, lots of accomoodation, and endless ways to get out of there as soon as possible. The beach could be very nice. Except the tide was out so you could see the slightly manky bottom. Still looked very tempting for a swim though. Maybe not here as they have big signs up warning you about Crocodiles patrolling these shores. Getting a bit more nervous of my future exploits under water. Sharks just test you to see if you're a seal. Crocodiles don't care what you taste like. Everything is fair game. Your not even allowed to go near the water as they'll be lying in wait just under the surface. Will pester a few at Australia Zoo in revenge.
The sea front itself highlights to me the big difference between British and Austalian culture. In England, the sea front is lined with chip shops, burger bars and well bars. Here, there are the posh fish resturants, being Australia, they have their fair share of bars obviously. but all along the sea front there exercise points. Little activities to break up your jog. Bench presses, stepping stones to manouvre, all designed for the super fit. Finishing with a free, clean swimming pool, complete with life guard. They are all fit and healthy. I suppose it's more fun doing exercise outside, . You build up a sweat just walking 10 yards in this heat. But can you really imagine the slobby oafs that patrol our shores (including myself) puntuating their morning job with a few sit-ups.
Started course yesterday. Out on the boat tomorrow. One thing they don't warn you about is the early mornings. I'm being picked up at 6.05 in the morning. Ahhhhh Not had proper nice sleeps since Monday. getting up at 5 am won't hekp me to adjust any better.
Loving the course so far, though not actually been in the sea yet. Swimming pool scary enough. Not quite enough space so kept getting pushed into the wall. Practised lots of useful skills that may come in handy out there. This included the instructor turning off my air supply. Delightlful feeling. This is what it's like to drown. Goodie, thanks for that.
I'm still very tempted to move out here to become an instructor. Cairns itself is gradually growing on me, could possibly cope with living here, though would have to see if there's anywhere slightly prettier down the coast. The real reason for working up here would have to be the instructors. All fabulous bodies, and to quote an old friend "mother may I". Great job, scuba diving every week, and fabulous views even on land.
Went to a lecture tonight to learn what's down there. Which fish to avoid, where to find jelly fish (the really poisonous ones are the size of your thumb so you don't know about them till it's too late) also where to find stingrays to play with, sharks that'll follow you home, and a fish that breathes out its arse. (and a fish that lives in its anus) It looks like a big poo so is even more disgusting than we thought it would be.
Gradually getting used to life in Hostels. Cairns Beach House is ok, bit far from the centre, though have free bus into town. Receptionist here is a bit simple, and all the advertised extras were a con. I.e. the free meal is a a pub in the centre and you have to buy an overpriced drink in order to be fed. Still, can't expect much for 10 quid a night.
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Ian Griffiths
non-member comment
I'm guessing...
...I'm going to be the first to comment all the time aren't I? :) It's great to hear that you're getting on with the important task of having a good time, although I didn't really think you'd hang around with that! Please inform your instructor that drowning you will not please your friends back home. Hope you do some exciting stuff soon, poo fish and oiled up instructors can't be that exciting, can they?