This Month I've Been

...traveling.

I've touched down in Australia to begin the next year of my life traveling and living down under. I decided I needed a change from the capital (despite how much I love London) to try something new. I've been building up to this trip for three months to the point where it didn't feel real and I never fully believed I'd actually leave. And when push came to shove, my parents practically did have to coerce me on to that plane. There were plenty of tears (from Ma and I as my father took photos...) and I did wonder if I was making a mistake. It was just nerves though and as soon as I was on the plane, I was ready.

I landed in sunny Cairns at 8am and forced myself to make conversation with two guys in my taxi between the airport and the hostel. My main concern had been travelling alone and the need to meet people and make friends so I was relieved to have people to talk to so early on. As it turned out, they were great guys from Sheffield and as we were unable to check into our hostel so early on, we explored the close proximity of the city and grabbed some breakfast.

Cairns felt like a small city centred around a peaceful lagoon as, despite being on the coast, you're unable to swim in the sea. The lagoon has BBQ points for everyone to use and I was able to have my first taste of kangaroo (tasty). My time in Cairns was largely based on 1) sunbathing at the lagoon 2) horrific hangovers from force-feeding myself goon for the first time 3) dancing on tables at The Woolshed.

After 4 nights staying at party-central Gilligans, where the music pumps until 5am and Rihanna weaved her tunes into my dreams, I decided it was probably time to move on.

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