Cairns

We’re in Cairns and I got my wish: it’s hot here. It’s not even really hot though, it’s more of a tropical-breezy-warm. Our hostel has a pool but the pool only gets sun in the mornings and I’m not awake in the mornings, so I’ll probably just admire it as I walk to and from my room. No one wants to swim in a shaded pool.

The town is pretty small; everything is in walking distance. It’s definitely not a “city.” There’s a man-made lagoon with a fake beach that people lay out at. There isn’t a beach in town, but you can’t swim by the shore here because saltwater crocodiles will jump out of the water and eat you. The beaches are a 15 minute bus ride away but I don’t think you’re allowed to go in the water there either.

Our friend Matt who we lived with in Sydney is up here so we see him every once in awhile. He’s going diving with us on Monday. You don’t have to be certified to dive here because the reef isn’t so deep as to require a certification. And, getting certified is super expensive. We’re taking a day trip out to the reef which includes up to three dives and unlimited snorkeling.

Jamie got here on Tuesday. We’ve just been hanging out at the fake lagoon and walking around the shops. The fake lagoon is nice, but crowded, and there are lots of bratty kids running around. Too bad my flip flops broke in Melbourne because they have the best selection of Havaianas here that I’ve ever seen.

Last night we walked around the Night Markets and then went to see The Hangover. Today I did laundry and read my book most of the day. No solid plans until diving on Monday. And no pictures yet because we haven’t done anything eventful. I am enjoying the weather though.