May 2006

Jenna and me woke up about 8am and was too scared to use the showers,due to company of a few bugs lol so was reduced to washing with wipes on our first proper day! We then got breakfast at the cafe next door to our Hostel, still not aware of exactly how much we were paying for things without a calculator lol, everything seemed to be very expensive, especially for the sandwich with a dash of mayo we just brought for 5 dollars! Anyway we set off into town checking out the shops, which were mostly selling beach wear and couldn't resist the temptation of buying a sarong, and hat (as mine i had taken with me was a little too crocodile dundee!). All the way through the town we were aiming to find a bus stop, to take our first trip down to Trinity beach. We arrived at Trinity beach expecting clear waters and white sand, but it was the opposite, apparently they are further down, but the beach was still amazing i could have sat down for hours just looking at the view of the mountains on the horizon, and listening to the sound of the sea (how cheesy does that sound) but sooo true, I was also wishing everyone that i am close to could be there to see how amazing it was! We decided to give the sun a rest and head to the beach side cafe, I ordered up fish and chips lol and Jenna had a ham sandwich! We will have a better menu to tell you about soon i promise, looking forward to kangaroo, and crocodile.
Later on we arrived back in town, and bought some food to cook in the Hostel as we hadn't mingled with anyone yet, and this would be saving on the pennies! It had been a long few days and by the time we had walked back to the Hostel (about 6pm) Jenna and Me fell asleep and woke around mid-night. I decided this was a great time to ring my Mum and let her know i was safe, and to pass on the message. It was great to speak to her (love you Mum, everybody!), only wished i could have spoke longer, and to everyone i knew to tell them all my news, but as it is not cheap to phone home, it's not possible. thank god for Travelers point and email) I also phoned Jonathon to see how he was, and to catch up as i missed him too. Think i realized today how long I will not be home for so was a bit sad, but excited to see whats ahead! : )

The 28th may Jenna and Me took the flight from London Heathrow to Singapore, with British airways (the worst journey i have ever made) 12 hrs of being squashed, i was also seated next to a man who looked like Harrold from neighbours (actual name Jeffery) he was our first Australian contact, as he offered help if traveling through Sydney on our journey's which we definitely will be. The next 5 hrs were not so bad with Australian Airlines much more room to breath. Once we finally arrived in Cairns it was so strange to see tropical trees just outside of the doors, it was 4.40 when we arrived so we hung around for a bit awaiting the hostel to open. We got in a taxi to our hostel about 6am, which was a bit scary as it was a fair distance still we arrived. When we arrived the hostel was still closed, so there is Jenna and Me stranded first night in Oz and then we had the pleasure of a cockroach to welcome us home! After a bit of a wait we was allowed to book into our room (upgrade from dorm of 4 to a twin RESULT)but still on first impressions we were gobsmacked to see how basic and dingy the room was, however after 3 days, were already used to the budget accommodation (apparently better than yet to be seen), and creepy crawlies!
We had a little walk through the town in the afternoon, finding there to be a lot of Restaurants, and tour operators, and very big roads, we almost got ran over trying to cross one, and very disorientated trying to understand street signs etc!!
Later on in the night we went out for our discounted dinner at the woolshed, which later on turned into a pub/club. The music was great (same as at home) and we were shouted up our first round of drinks from a couple of Australians called Joey and Craig. They were from Sydney and New zealand (our second lot of contacts and possible shared accommodation)however Joey tried to kiss Jenna so we did never bother to email and meet. So that was our first day : ) p.s forgot to say we also had sun burnt within 20mins, was very hot compared to sunny England!