Last Exam and Off I Go!

June 18th, 2014

In the morning I finished pack the last few things for my trip before heading off to my meeting. In my meeting I went over a few edits before sending off my scholarship application. Then it was the waiting game for my exam. I did a little review, but mostly I just relaxed. Finally, 1pm arrived and by 3:10 I was done! I felt I did well, so I was happy. I said my final goodbyes to the Americans that were leaving and then Holly and I were on the night train to Melbourne. She was heading home and I was heading to Cairns. Baylee was also heading home and meeting Katie at the sky bus to help with luggage. Holly stayed in a hostel for the night, while Baylee and I slept in the airport. I didn't sleep well at all but I got enough to survive. I boarded the plane at 5:35am. 

I slept most of the flight waking up every once in awhile. The sun was rising making the few moments I opened my eyes very beautiful!

As we were preparing to land the clouds cleared and we were over the ocean, over the Great Barrier Reef. The airport is situated close to shore but surrounded by the rainforest. It was a spectacular view for landing. 

I caught the shuttle to the hostel getting a brief tour of the city while dropping off other passangers. It was too early for me to get into my room, but I was able to use the hostel facilities. I headed straight to the lounge chairs by the pool. I figured I might as well take a nap in the sun and explore Cairns in the afternoon.

I walked down to the "beach" after getting checked in. It is not a real beach because it is a mudflat. There were lots of birds and big pelicans though.

I couldn't go swimming at all at the actually beachy part of the walkway because the crocodiles hang out there, so instead I searched for shells. There were some really amazing ones and I found a sand dollar. 

I walked almost the entire path. It was interesting because there were exercise sites with equipment. I thought that was a neat idea.

On my way to the grocery store I stopped at the art gallery and walked around. There was an interesting ceramics exhibit that was on at the time. 

I got slightly lost heading back to the hostel, but I got to see more of the city.

 Not the type of directions I was looking for but still cool

Funny Sign outside a bar near the mall

 I ate dinner, showered and booked my trip for the next day to Kuranda. In Cairns everything has to be booked. It is hard to just hop on a bus and go. Night came and it was time to hit up the night markets. 

I didn't buy anything but there was a glass booth where the guy had created glass scuba diver statues. It was interesting to watch him a see all the things he had created. 

http://www.giftofglass.com.au (website to look at what he makes)

I wondered down the light up tree paths along the beach. It was such a beautiful night. 

As I was walking back there were bats and parrots flying over head... curious, but that is Australia for ya!