We're still here...

We've been in Surfers Paradise for a couple of nights now.

The last few days in Byron were bittersweet. We really liked it there. The vibe was chill, our place was our own, the beach was big and clean. Whats not to love? On the last few days we rented a couple of surf boards. We surfed in the sun; we surfed in the rain. The rain surfing was a thrill... you don't have to worry about "getting out of the rain"! At times, because the water was so clear you could see schools of fish riding the wave as it approached you for a ride of your own.

[Note for ma and Reiko: Sometimes there was seaweed drifting around. It slightly wrapped around my ankles but I didn't run, or shriek, or jump on Conrad's back. I took it like a champ and "calmly" walked away.... maybe the phobia is fading.... mmm, no... the more I think about it, the more my heart starts racing!!!!!]

Surfers Paradise.... What to say? Its definately been a shock to the system. Its a large city with a beach right downtown. The vibe is a lot more high paced than Byron. The first night was bad. We stayed at this disgusting hostel. We had a dirty ensuite bathroom that wreaked of mildew as soon as the shower steam began to rise. This was enclosed by a plastic, accordian-like door that was broken and remained in place with an overdue piece of packing tape. We were sharing the small room with another Canadian fellow (from Edmonton... what! what!) and a Korean guy that spoke very little English. The main entrance, aka. the lounge for drunken hostel dwellers, was an interesting way to come and go. The kitchen stunk and although we tried to make the most of it, it seemed that a rat and another backpacker did as well. Our bread had been nibbled and Conrad's deli chicken was stolen out of our fridge bag! Who does that! That same night we checked in to Ghettoville, we promptly started looking for different accommodation. We've lucked out and have since been staying at a clean, quiet, Irish motel. There is no kitchenette, but we have a toaster and a mini-fridge. Living on toasted veggie sandwiches is luxury!!

In spite of the rocky start, we've spent the last couple of days at one of the amusement parks... Dreamland. We purchased a 2-day visit ticket, so yesterday and today we frequented the rides, waterslides and wildlife exhibits. They have 6 big thrill rides... one of which was called The Giant Drop. Conrad felt this name did not do the ride justice. "It should be 'The Drop of Death' or something," he said. Indeed, it was near death. We fell 39 storeys (119m) for 5 seconds. This may not sound very long but it feels like forever when your body is experiencing a gravitational force of 4G's from the tallest free fall ride in the world! Insane! I screamed murder; Conrad just slightly flinched. We were going to buy the photo but Conrad's face was blocked out by someone's hand. My face looked like a horror movie... sorry, no evidence... you'll have to imagine it for yourselves... or I'm sure Conrad would be glad to show you when we get back, he loves doing that!

Dreamland was quite entertaining. Its a big, outdoor amusement park with a conjoining waterpark. They have an area called Tiger Island, where you can watch Bengal tigers act like big, house cats. There was also a Wildlife Experience area where Conrad and I got to pet kangaroos and baby crocodiles. We even got pictures holding Koalas! It was kind of like a mini zoo. There were Tazmanian Devils, Wombats, snakes, dingos, and a lot more! I really liked this area...

The waterpark area was alright. Pretty typical, I guess. I think Dreamland is more about the rides and wildlife. Either way, Conrad was guaranteed an impressive shreik from myself on almost everything. I don't know whats happened to me... all this screaming must be related to my ageing.

Tomorrow, is our last day in Surfer's because on Sunday we will be on our way to Rainbow Beach. It seems like a smaller town, right across from Frasier Island. We're planning on staying for a week or so. I think we're both looking forward to living in a low key place again...

Sorry about not posting any pictures. This computer is not very fast and will not upload any photos from my camera. I will try to show you a glimpse ASAP! Until then... just imagine...