I arrived in Cairns last Thursday evening, when I flew from Coolangatta to Cairns. My first night I slept in a dorm room (as well as my last night). Sharona arrived on Friday morning, so we were able to move into a double room for two days. We stayed at Caravalla's on the Esplanade, which apparently was also the place where my cousin Rene and his wife Lena met quite some years ago before they got married and had their two daughters in Sweden. Small world!
Caravella's is a real backpackers hostel. Two semi-outdoor kitchens with picknick tables where everyone hangs around during the day or at night. From Cairns we decided to book a tour to the Great Barrier Reef. I went snorkelling and Sharona did three dives. I was super excited, as the Great Barrier Reef is a worl heritage site and a heaven to people who love marine wildlife like me. I can even tell you that I saw my first shark! It was a white tip reef shark, and although they are not dangerous to us, I can tell you your blood pumps quite faster when you see such a strong predator!
In short, the Great Barrier Reef was beautiful! Amazing to see what grows all beneath us in the sea, it's such a different world.
The other days we just hung around in Cairns (actually went to the mall a few times to hide from the sun), went to a farmers market and had a swim in the lagune. For the ones who don't know: you can't swim in the sea in northern Queensland.. This is mainly because it's stinger season (jellyfish) right now, but also because there are salties (saltwater crocodiles). Better be careful there!
I also met a really nice german girl, who was on her own backpacker journey. At only 18 years old, I must say I was quite impressed. Most of us are still in the transition from child to adult at that age, and I can't help but feeling impressed by people who are that young and already are ready for such an adventure! (I think I only started to feel my inner Bear Grylls since I started watching his shows) But more about my inner 'Bear' when I tell you about my journey to Port Douglas ;)
For now, enjoy the photos!
Sharona and I in Cairns
Cairns harbour
Esplanade in Cairns
One of the dorm rooms (which I actually ran out of because of the roaches. I changed my room to the one the German girl was staying at that night)
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