Beautiful Byron Bay

From the Gold Coast I continued to move into the beaudacious and gracious areas of the Australian East coast. This time, it was a place that I've heard nothing but good things. BYRON BAY.

This little beauty is tucked away in a corner of Australia known only as its most easterly point. Skyscrapers are now traded for lush greenery and the busy city is traded for a small town.

Surfing, sand and sun...yessss I've been looking forward to this.

After my first day of walking down, Byron's one street and laying out on the beach soaking up the rays, I had planned for a jam packed day of surfing.



Luckily for me, I learned to surf in a much easier area of the globe(in case you forgot...it was Bali) Glad I learned there as the waves in Byron were much larger and a bit more difficult to manuvour. Still I was able to get some practice in...mostly on the best way to get eaten and spit out by a wave, but I loved every moment, as its something I can't do back home.



After the one day of surfing, and let me re-iterate...ahem..."ONE", I was in for a little surprise come that night. After listening to drummers on the beach and sitting around a bon fire sharing stories, I headed off back to the hostel for a little shut eye. Unfortunately while I was on the top bunk, a boozing boozer came stumbling in and thought it'd be a good joke to pull down the bunk bed...with me on it. Now don't get me wrong, I love jokes, but this one, just wasn't funny. I ended up jumping off the bunk bed and the right time and barrel rolling away from danger, or so I thought. As I go to stand I realize my right ankle is feeling a little shaky, even a bit sore. As I look again, I realize its beginning to swell.

Ohhh great, just sprained my ankle, what luck.

So the next few days were spent with me hobbling around Byron Bay, getting weird looks and numerous questions. But as you may know, I'm somewhat of a quick minded individual, so after about the forth time of someone asking what happened to my ankle, I just said it was a surfing accident. Definitely a great conversation piece.

Still no sore or swollen ankle is going to slow me down, therefore when I met some friends at the hostel and they asked if I wanted to take a walk to the lighthouse, I agreed.

Therefore I struggled my way up to the highest point in Brisbane, but boy was it ever worth it. Over looking the entire small town below, plus the far reaching corners of Byron, the small pain was definitely worth these views.



Along the way I was also able to spot a group of dolphins and a small shark.

Unfortunately after this grand walk, I needed to purchase some frozen peas and ice my ankle. This helped heal my ankle alot quicker, even though the next few days were spent on the beach and swimming in the ocean.

Slowly, but surely I started getting a little tanned, then I thought it would be a good idea to put on a lower grade of suntan lotion. Turns out, guess I wasn't tanned enough. That one day where I went down to SPF 6, I BURNED. Yipee, guess it runs in the family.

Finally, after all the beach time and sunshine, it was time to go on a little tour. Best part, I met two people at the hostel who worked at the travel agency. So they booked us all a free tour and we took off to this tiny small town in the middle of no where called Nimbin.

This town is a full on hippy town. Dreadlocks, tie die shirts and tweaky looking people are the norm. They also have a great selection of organic markets on Sunday. So we all loaded up on the bus, made friends with the hoards of people and had a great bus ride up.



Once almost there, the bus driver pulls over to the side and tells us a story about the town. One, marijuana is illegal in Australia, however for some strange reason, this town is mostly left alone when it comes to selling the stuff, secondly, don't be an idiot and you'll be ok.

My curiosity was, how can marijuana be illegal yet a town like this be able to grow and sell the stuff. The answer...they still have police who come raid and search the town, but since this place is in the middle of no where, it's pretty much left alone.

Finally there I realized it was only one street, and there were millions of posters of anything to do with marijuana. Bob Marley's face blanketed most shops. Psychedelic glass and lava lights were to be sold, also snack shops...were a plenty.



It's quite humerous just walking down the street, taking pictures and just having a look at this place. Definitely somewhere I'd never want to be...or live.

After the town, the bus driver brought us to a rain forest, where we all went on a rainforest walk. Because of the fresh rain, there were numerous leeches and many of the girls in the group were very scared. (I thought that jumping up on rocks or benches were only things you saw in the movies...guess not)

Once finished the jungle trek, it was time for the outdoor Barbeque. Here we all sat around the fire, shared stories and ate our food.



After eating as much food as possible, it was off to a waterfall, where you could swim, jump and just relax. Unfortunately, it started raining once again.

All in all, I absolutely loved Byron Bay. Quaint little town on the beach great for surfing, and I guess scuba diving as well. Next up...Coffs Harbour

~The Gold Coast~

Finally, away from the rush, the jobs and all the skyscrapers..toooo...oh wait what's this? More skyscrapers and city life, but there's a beach...so I guess that makes it all better.

Welcome to Surfers Paradise, and the Australian Gold Coast.

This is the sparkly of sparkles, there is everything you could ever want to buy...over 100 dollars and enough platinum blonde hair running around that there's an overall "glow" to this place.



Still aside from all the plastic of the place, its actually very cool. The beaches are stunning. The enormous stretch of blanketed goldness, shimmering water that's clearer than a looking glass and enough sun to bake a roast. Yes, I'm getting my burn on...oh wait, I mean tan.

I select a hostel that was recommended by a friend, and at first I was dissapointed. This place was a dump...luckily it made up for it with the enormous friendly atmosphere. Yay, I made some more friends.



At first it was a little strange not having to do really anything all day except lay on the beach, walk around the small city like district and just take in the views. But, I quickly got used to it and remembered why I loved to travel.

Aside from the beach I also ventured up the tallest building in all of the gold coast. It was called the Q1. And from its website it says it has 77 floors and 1331 steps. Plus it offers the greatest view of the coast. You can see from Brisbane, all the way to Byron Bay. Pretty unreal. Still just so you don't think I'm too hard core...no I didn't walk all the steps. I took the fastest elevator in the world. :D



Then arrived St. Paddy's day. One...I always think the green beer will taste awesome. Two...it never does. Still I fooled myself into thinking I could pull through it. Eventually I just gave it to the friends I met at the hostel...and I got a free Irish hat out of it. Yipeee. Unfortunately I had to leave the hat at the hostel because...well...no space for stupid stuff to travel with.

Still, St. Paddy's day was pretty cool, even though its one of the messiest day's I've ever witnessed, mostly I had a cool time doing "Irish" things down at the beach. Hmmm I didn't know the limbo was Irish.



Lastly I just want to mention a quick bit about my last day in Brisbane. I was kind of sad to say by to all the friends I made there. It was like leaving family. However, we all had an awesomely rad last night where we all got together, had a BBQ, played games and talk about the good times.



And yes, I told them all they could come visit me in Canada. One of them may actually do it.

Now, I've got to trudge through the rain and enjoy a BBQ tonight at the hostel here in Byron Bay. Man I love this place.

Brisbane in a Nutshell Part 5

As I sit here in my hostel I look outside and see all the rain pouring down on this city that's been my home for the last month and a bit. I look forward to leave, but at the same time, I'm not looking forward of watching my money slowly dissolve.

Yes aren't they the joys of traveling. But I guess everyone is watching their money disappear...what with the great and grand recession. It's funny, but whilst traveling, you don't really notice the effects of the recession. That is until you realize you can't get as much for your dollar.

Last night a bunch of us got together and had a great little barbeque. It was planned very last minute, but turned out pretty sweet for the preparation. Everyone brought sausages, so we had lots left over...actually, this guy didn't bring any. I'm pretty smart...don't know if you've notice, but I brought a cake.



Still, I'm glad we were able to get the bbq in before this gail of a storm swooped in and started crying over the landscape. Turns out a cyclone is not too far off the coast. A Brisbane friend was a little worried as it was category five and forty minutes away from his hometown. Luckily, nothing but enormous winds and rain fell upon his small town.

One thing I'm going to miss about Australia are their bbq's. After last nights turn out and previous ones before that, I think the Government of Australia has a great plan. They place free bbq's all over the parks for anyone to use. A great idea and a lot of fun. Not only are you able to cook out in the park, but you can throw the frisbee around in a clean open area, and it's close to everything.



Again, I'm at a cross roads, planning my trip route down to Sydney. Do I go for the cheaper bet and miss a few places or pay the little extra and see all that I may wish to see.

I've been talking to people who've already gone this way and most have said Greyhound is a good bet, but a little more expensive. I'm probably going to go with Greyhound, just because its more of a trust worthy company and has more buses running at frequent times.

It's strange how, when you're planning on leaving someplace, especially one that you've been at for some time. You don't want to leave. Your body tells you, but you've got all these friends, all these things you're used to doing. Why the human body or mind doesn't like change is a mystery to me. Maybe its just you don't want to take that extra step. All I know is that, I've enjoyed my time in Brisbane and know I'll be having just another great adventure no matter where I go.



My next plan of journey's include, Surfers Paradise(Gold Coast) which is mostly a huge stretch of beach with numerous high rise buildings. I may even go to a theme park or two. After Surfers, I'll head to the wonderfully quaint town of Byron Bay, do some surfing and chill out by the ocean. After some time there I'll be jetting further down and stopping in a few harbours and other small towns until I eventually reach Sydney.

Brisbane in a nutshell Part 4

Another day, another week. Another minute, another hour. Another keystroke, another
blog entry.

This blog I've included pictures of my work, so enjoy and just imagine a smiling me behind the counter :D



I decided this week to hit the gym. 5 months of "actual" physical inactivity(walking everyday doesn't really count) was starting to show. Therefore, I took the steps to sign up, buy some workout gear and hit the gym. No toe stepping around this. I'm going to do this and go hard.

First couple of days were great. I felt like someone gave me an extra shot of energy...I had a new skip in my step. Awesome I thought. Next couple of days, same thing, going in, timing my sets, one minute on, thirty seconds off. Theeeeeeeen, I get to Thursday.

I wake up completely and utterly stiff. I couldn't straighten my right arm for the life of me, and my left...well...I couldn't touch my ear. So here I am...walking around with one straight arm and one strangely bent one. People gave me some interesting looks as I was walking down the street.

Finally, I was able to gradually loosen up my muscles, but sheesh, I don't think my muscles have ever been so tense in their life. Guess, five months of nothing will do that to you...don't worry...mental note.



With re shuffling my schedule, I've now given my two weeks notice at the sandwich booth and am planning on where to go next. It's funny how you get back to somewhat of a normal life after traveling, and I'm already tired of staying in one place. Don't get me wrong I've been having a blast thus far, but it's not the same as exploring something new each and everyday...gosh...what's it going to be like when I finally get back to the "REAL" SAME OLD SAME OLD?

Basically, there wasn't much happening for me this week. I'm trying not to spend too much money so I worked, hung out with my friends, played basketball, worked out, oh and went and saw the movie Slumdog Millionaire.



At first when I looked at what the movie was about, I saw it as a guy who's poor wins a million dollars and then gets the girl of his dreams and falls in love. I read that and thought....BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARFFFFFFFF. Just another lame love story.

Then the movie won a handful of Oscars...I still wasn't convinced. Movies have been boring as precipitation in the past and won loads of awards. Then I talked to a few people who had seen it, read some reviews and then got asked to go. Soooo, I made an educated decision to go on a whim...ad check it out.

Boy...was I ever blown away. The cinematography, landscaping, sequencing...stunning all of it blew my mind. I also like the character developments and story line. I won't go into too much nerdy detail, but I will say I'm glad I took the chance to see a movie I wasn't entirely interested in and I recommend to others.



And that everyone, is my week in review...not thrilling or chilling by any means, but enough to start getting stuff rolling.

Geeez, I want to see the beach...

Brisbane in a Nutshell Part 3

After having a loopy week at work, full of disgruntled customers and running out of items for sandwiches, Saturday was more than welcomed. However, this wouldn't be just a normal Saturday event, this was Soundwave Saturday, or if you don't know what that means...just a huge music festival.

Now, live musical events havn't been a repertoire in my life, but I do enjoy music and love watching it live, so when I found out about this festival with 6 bands I play consistently on my Ipod, I had to pay the 130 dollars and go. It was definitely money well spent.

The doors opened at 11:30, I was there as the first people were scurrying in. It was similar to a sporting event as the hundreds of people filled the grounds. I walked around sipping in every musical drop like a fine wine.



With 30 bands playing on six different stages, you have to plan you time well to ensure you get to see your favorite bands. I highlighted the list of bands, and planned it all down to military standards...or...something close to.

The first band on the days list was called Goldfinger. I remember them from back in my junior high days as being a band with a little spunk. Well having not performed live for five years...these guys kicked the day off with a bang. The lead singer surfed the crowd, got us to all run at each other like Braveheart and then sprayed us with water.

I was pumped.



Next I met up with some friends who were attending the event and we watched Silverstein, dillinger escape plan and some others. Just so you know, most of the bands playing at this festival were rock, punk, rock and punk, metal, rock and metal, metal and punk...aaaaand...I think that's it. Pretty good categories if you ask me :D

Soon there was a slight rest between bands, so me and my buddies headed off to the nearest beer gardens to indulge in some cool refreshments. Unfortunately...eight dollars for a small beer was something I wasn't prepared for...looks like I'll have...um...one.

Gradually during the day, more and more people kept filling into the grounds. When it got time fo more of the famous bands, it was full on craziness. This was the perfect time to get into the middle of the crowd and juuuust see what happens.



Me and my two friends think it'd be good and safe right in the middle...turns out...it was complete chaos. Especially when the bloodhound gang started playing some of their hit songs. I literally turned into a human pinball, bouncing around all the bodies that surrounded me...crashing, sweating, getting my shirt ripped and my eye gouged. I think I also got kicked in the head at one point.

After seeing all the people crowd surfing, one of my friends thought it'd be a good idea to do the same. It started out awesome for him, lifted up over the sea of people, but then....he's falling...Nooooo...but luckily he didn't slam face first into the ground below as a few were able to catch him and push him to the front.



After a memorable performance by the bloodhound gang, who haven't toured since 2005/06, it was on to an up and coming Canadian band called Billy Talent. Again, I decided to get right into the middle of the party...again becoming a workout on my body as people and limbs were flying all over the place out of control. I loved every minute, however, soon started feeling extremely tired. So I squished my way through the barrage of people and collapsed on the grass. My whole body feeling like it was part of a day of athletic activities. My shirt and hair drenched from sweat.



As I lay there, listening to Billy Talent smashing out tunes in the background, my heart beat starting to slow and finally collecting my breath...I realized what a euphoric feeling I just had.



Soon, darkness began to blanket its self over the grounds...the light shows commenced with fast, sharp bursts and the music continued to pour on into the night. This time I moved up into the grandstands and had a panoramic view of what lay beneath. Rows and rows of people, enormous stages, and sky scrapers laying against the horizon in the back.

With four bands left to play, I picked up my zombie like body and continued to dance away the night. Falling in love with two other bands that I haven't heard before. Nine Inch Nails and Alkaline Trio.



It was a day to be remembered. Stunning music, girls and everything in between. I guess things do always work out for the better, as it was just random luck that I found out about this festival and decided to take a chance.

Once I got home, I collapsed on my bed and fell asleep. I guess music can have a physical and emotional effect on you.

Brisbane in a Nutshell Part 2

Well my last week in Brisbane was something of the "interesting" proportions. Not too much of excitement value, but a few good stories none the less. Unfortunately, no pictures were taken this week...so bare with me.

It was the week to do laundry...I had the day off and made sure I fit the most I could into that day. Unfortunately...after I had completed washing my clothes and hanging them on the line...it started to rain. Yipeeee.

Therefore I left all my clothes on the line, because...well...I didn't want to pay the extra to put them in the dryer. So I left the for a full day and then some. Finally, the next day I realized the clothes would probably dry better inside my room. So, I went to collect them all. To my grand surprise...or unsurprise...one of my shirts was missing.

I begin looking around the area...scowering the small corners...still nothing. Then it dawns on me. Oh...I guess someone stole my shirt.

Funny enough...this is a shirt that screams ME...it's the brightest colour I could find and therefore...slightly ugly...buuuut....it's of a very cool place in Asia...Vang Vieng Laos. So some "cool" person decided to steal this neon bright shirt just because of the name...great...thanks...well...atleast that's less laundry and more space for other items.

The other few days during the week were normal is as normal does...nothing exciting...go to work...make sandwiches...talk to the customers...chat with the cute girls and then come back to the hostel.

Now, as you know...hostels can have their upsides and their downsides. Upsides for me...within walking distance to everything important in Brisbane, free wireless internet and you can always meet new people who come to the hostel. Downsides...share room with seven other people, stuff gets stolen, and the possibility that someone decides to have sex in the room.

I'd heard stories of people, having experience the drunk couple who stumble in at night and decide it would be a good idea to make the animal with two backs while there is a room full of seven or eight other people...pretty classy...I on the other hand had never witnessed that, so I always thought they were funny stories.

Then one night...after a long day...I decided to take it easy and go to bed earlier. I'm normally a heavy sleeper and especially after living in a hostel for quite some time...I'm used to alot more disruptive entrances...but this one will still remain a first.

I'm asleep and I can still remember the dream I was having...it's back in the colonial days and I'm a member on this old wooden ship as were going to explore the new lands...all of a sudden an enormous storm arises and the ship is shaking like crazy...swaying back and forth...people are getting thrown overboard...I try and make a move to get out of the way...and the ship violently shakes and I'm thrown over board...I'm falling into the water...then I wake up.

Huh? what's this?...my beds shaking too?

Then I hear the muffled voices...and it finally dawns on me...ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

I chuckle to myself...thinking how weird that dream was because of what's actually happening.

Oh...I forgot to mention...I'm on the top bunk and the monster with two backs is beneath me. Because I'm on the top...it shakes, wobbles and moves much more then say closer to the ground.

I'm not going to be some loser nerd who's going to yell at the couple...like I've heard people do in the past...so I make the best of the situation and imaging myself on an enormous rocking chair...and funnily enough...I become very relaxed...with the slight rocking and the harmonic breathing and sounds coming below me.

It's almost like an orchestra conducting a sleep rhythm...because I fell asleep very quickly after that. It was better than counting sheep...even though I wouldn't recommend this sleep treatment to anyone.

Ahhh yes...those are the beautiful stories that I'll be able to recount to my Gran kids about my glorious little travels across the world. Never a dull moment.

Still this next week will be much more eventful.

I bought tickets to a 30 band music festival...I'm very excited and hope the hype is as good as the festival...definitely something I've never done back home.

Brisbane in a Nutshell...part 1

After getting a job and deciding that I was going to remain at the hostel(well...just for now) What possible adventures...or troubles could I get into, and be interesting enough to write about?

Well...glad you asked...because, plenty would be the response.

However, let me first explain to you my day to day experience at the little ol sandwich place.

Tucked away in Brisbanes biggest mall is the Myer Center Carvery. Not only do we specialize on sandwiches, we also serve salads, fish and chips, capachino's...well you name it and we basically have it covered.

It's a great group of people that I work with and I've been learning quickly...getting work done and staying away from the gossip. Unfortunately...I work soooo much, I'm now getting tired of it(and I've only done it for two weeks...sheesh...guess this is what traveling does to ya)Anyways...now onto my day off.

Wednesday night.



After working for the past four days, I finally got well deserved day off, therefore my friends and I thought it would be a great idea to take in the Brisbane Wednesday night life.

The night was going great...we're all having a good time of laughing joking and fooling around. Of course girl were also a part of these times, but I never expected this next experience to happen.

After chatting with these two girls for a little, bugging them on where they worked, basically the same old stuff, I witness this guy out of the corner of my eye. His face is getting redder and redder with every joke until finally...POW RIGHT IN THE KISSER.

The guy just lunged at me and popped me right in the face...luckily it shocked me more then hurt me, but the guy was in a full on roid rage tantum. I ducted out of there before it got anymore crazy...only to get rounded up by a group of bouncers and escorted out.



I thought they were just going to talk to me about the incident, but what they did was, tell me to leave the premesis and leave "Christian" alone.

I was shocked...I tried to explain that I didn't do anything wrong, and if I "WAS" talking to "HIS" girls, he just needed to let me know and not just punch me in the face.

Nope they replied, we heard you attacked him, and since he is a valued customer...you are at fault...leave now.



I shook my head and just replied back with a smart ass comment, but luckily my friends were now outside, having a go with the bouncers, but we all decided to go elsewhere.

Guess we all need to experience new things once in our life that we never expected...glad nothing serious happened...its actually funny to laugh about now.

The next happeing of the week...THE CUT OF DESTINY...my hair.

If you had started seeing the pictures...my hair was begining to spiral...or grow ...out of control. Not only did my hair have a mind of its own...it started creating its own city and transport lines. Also it was starting to get in my eyes...soooo...definitely time to get a cut.



When I walked up to the hair cut place, the lady at the desk starred at me with a look of mix of horror, condescension and disbelief.

To give you a picture, it was like I was dressed as Death and there to take her away.



Once I recieved the A.O.K and sat down in the chair...I started getting nervous...geez I thought...what if she turns it into some sort of train wreck...but then I gazed at myself in the slender vertical standing mirror and the face spoke back to me...ya...it can't get any worse than this.

I wanted a brand new look. A hairstyle that really hasn't even been created yet. Unfortunately...the stylist...she didn't speak much English...so I opted for the easy route of getting a normal cut.



The results...not too bad...I definitely look more...human. And boy I didn't realize just how much hair I had.