BootsnAll Travel Network



Articles Tagged ‘Australia’

More articles about ‘Australia’
« Home

Shark Bait

Thursday, December 28th, 2006

CarrieWe are surfers. I could probably just let that say it all. If you’ve known me for more than a few years, you know I have a thing for water sports.

* I water skied on my very first try
* I kneeboarded on my very first try
* I wakeboarded on my very first try
* I airchaired (?) on my very first try

And now I‘ve surfed on my very first try. No kidding. I got up on my first shot assisted and my first solo ride. Really, I did pretty well for a newbie. We’re going solo in a few days.

ElizabethMazar has also entered the world of grommets. Our pictures are great. She looks really happy in hers and I look like I’m taking finals. I was REALLY determined.

As a professional surfer, I’m going to need to go eat some fish tacoes. Hang loose!

– Carrie

I’m a Cheeky Monkey

Wednesday, December 27th, 2006

Cheeky Monkey'sThat’s what my hand stamp says, anyway. We visited the famous Cheeky Monkeys in Byron Bay for some of their fabled cheap eats. I was pretty excited to visit this backpacker-loving bar and restaurant. But someone needs to send the girl at the front door to charm school. She’ll ask if you’re staying at one of the local backpacker hostels. Why? “Because we keep track of these things.” She then told us “We’re a backpackers bar, so backpackers get in for free and everyone else gets in free with a food purchase.” We were ordering food, so I’m not sure what the issue was. Let me tell you, for New Years in Byron Bay you take whatever accommodations you can get. And you’ll most likely have a 5 to 7 day minimum stay. No, we’re not at a backpackers hostel. We’re at a budget hotel.

Refugee IslandJust because you aren’t sleeping in a hostel doesn’t mean you aren’t a backpacker. Especially when you haven’t showered or changed clothes for DAYS.

Anyway, if you go to Cheeky Monkey’s, just give them some random hostel name. They don’t check anyway and it’s a B.S. rule.

The food was good and pretty cheap, but I didn’t want to hang out after the ordeal. I’m still on US time anyway.

Coolest sign in the Universe: “Refuge Island.” It was actually WAY cooler when I thought it said “Refugee Island.” Sounded like someplace Survivor would be filmed.

– Carrie

Brillance in Byron Bay

Wednesday, December 27th, 2006
Rocks"If I were you, I'd take a taxi up to the lighthouse and then walk back down." That is probably the most sound advice anyone has ever given me. That little ... [Continue reading this entry]

What to Do if You Don’t Have a Bathingsuit at the Beach

Wednesday, December 27th, 2006
WetsuitWe signed up for surfing lessons with Black Dog Surf Company, which was a leap of faith considering I have no swimsuit. I made great friends with the instructor when I told ... [Continue reading this entry]

Spring Break in Panama City

Wednesday, December 27th, 2006
TeenagersWe're in the Australian version of spring break in Panama City Beach or Padre Island. Whatever. By that I mean everyone is about 17 years old. Byron Bay is a ... [Continue reading this entry]

Cheech and Carrie

Wednesday, December 27th, 2006
Cheech & ChongI'm convinced someone is going to ask me if I've just returned from Nimbin at any minute. Nimbin, the Aussie dope capitol, would be the perfect excuse for my blazing ... [Continue reading this entry]

Ballina, Australia: Finally on Terra Firma

Tuesday, December 26th, 2006
Airport ShuttleWe're finally in Ballina, our final flight destination for this leg of the trip. We're in Ballina, my clothes are over the Pacific and Elizabeth's stuff is still in Sydney. ... [Continue reading this entry]

The Wonderful World of Oz

Tuesday, December 26th, 2006
We've arrived! Despite lost luggage (mine in Sydney, Carrie's in LA), a plane malfunction, and a missed bus ride, we finally made it to Byron Bay around 1:30pm today. The flight from LAX to Sydney was delightful, as Carrie and ... [Continue reading this entry]

Getting Lucky

Tuesday, December 26th, 2006
Airline SeatsEven if I do become Mrs. Thompson-Ledger, the biggest score on this trip will still be the 3 adjacent seats on the flight from LAX to Sydney. Elizabeth got her own ... [Continue reading this entry]

Nude in Sydney

Tuesday, December 26th, 2006
LAXNot really. But we're in Sydney and I have no clothes. I am in Sydney and my clothes are in Los Angeles. I wouldn't wish LA on an enemy, much ... [Continue reading this entry]