Auzzie Xmas

My first few weeks in Australia were certainly a shock after the 3 months in Asia. I landed in Cairns where I was picked up by a free airport transfer! I couldn't believe it. Although I was paying 17 dollars for a night, which was double my most expensive room so far. I couldn't wait to see TJ and Jo. They were waiting for me at the hostel and we all had an excited hello. Then we went straight to town to buy Christmas gifts for everyone. I wasn't too tired after my flights, thanks to the Thai sleeping pills so I managed to get through it without collapsing. I also had my first experience of making my own food whilst travelling. We bought our dinner and breakfast from the supermarket and brought it back to the hostel to cook.

After that we hit our bunks as we were all so tired. The next day we went on a morning run, my first since leaving England, and met up with John, Irene, Debs, Paul and Anton at the Airport. There was a bus which took us from Cairns up to the villa in Port Douglas where the rest were waiting for us. Tj and I were super excited to see them and we all exchanged emotional hugs. The villa was beautiful and massive. I had my own room next to the girls, there was an outdoor pool and hot tub, a gym, pool table and huge tv. It was only 15 minutes walk to town and 5 to the beach.

For most of our stay there we relaxed at the villa or went to the beach. We had some lovely meals out with everyone, a few of which we stayed for drinks after. The one night it was only me, the girls and dad left. We had all been to watch some cane toad racing before. It

was great fun, although slightly cruel, with Tj and Abi getting involved. Tj nearly won but lost her toad and had to settle for 3rd. We managed to get some beers down dad and he was pretty drunk by the time it was just the 4 of us playing cards. We moved onto an Irish bar and had a game of pool before going home.

We had one day out which was good fun. We first visited an Aboriginal centre at a rainforest (I've already forgotten the name). A local guide then took us on a short walk through the rainforest, explaining his traditions and the ancient life of the forest people. It was incredibly interesting to learn a bit about the Aboriginal life, something I knew nothing about. Another local in the forest was dressed traditionally and was chanting when we arrived. He made us close our eyes and told us an old folk tale about his ancestors. After the walk we drove north and got some lunch where there was a talking Cukoo. In the afternoon we went on a small boat trip and saw

two baby crocodiles, got to feed a kangaroo, and got some ice cream before heading home.

Christmas day was lovely. We all woke up and exchanged presents. I got a variety of useful travel goods and a lovely necklace off dad and Heather. We were presented with a humungous seafood lunch which included over 100 prawns, salmon, lobster, crab, oysters, tuna and a variety of salads. Stuffed full I went on a beach walk with Tj and Jo then relaxed the rest of the day. We again were served a huge Christmas dinner, which we did our best to get through, before playing some games and hitting our beds.

Boxing day was again chilled with John and Irene cooking us a lovely meal, which again was far too large. We packed up the next day to head to phase 2 of the holiday, Sydney.