24 Hours Passed.

So I've been here for almost 24 hours, and so far, I love it. I got in yesterday to Cairns around 1 30 pm, and a lady that had been on my flight from San Fran to Sydney and from Sydney to Cairns offered me a ride to the hostel, so that saved me 15 bucks :). Then I got to the hostel around 2, and it's pretty neat. There aren't very many people here, I have a 6-share room to myself now, since my awesome Korean room mate, Milly, left this morning.

I did some shopping yesterday, and was pretty much appalled by how expensive things are over here, but I did some good shopping and managed to only spend 45 bucks on multiple meals, a hair brush, and sun screen. I also managed to keep my eyes open until 10:15 pm last night, without a nap, thanks primarily to two people (one 56 year old lady who's decided to travel the world since her kids are all grown up, and a 19 year old guy from Amsterdam who is studying in Brisbane), so I succeeded at my goal of avoiding the jet lag/time change fiasco. The lady also introduced me to the wonderful world of Tasmanian Apple Cider, with alcohol, which was amazing. Don't fret, I only had one.

I woke up this morning at 7 am, and went for a couple mile walk down by the "beach", if you can call it that. I call it giant low-tide swamp land, with no sand, but it was still beautiful, especially since I was there just after sunrise. I walked around a little bit and took some pictures, and just felt very good to be in Australia.

I came home, read part of my book and then decided I wanted to book some adventure for while I'm here. I decided on "combo thrills", which is a half day of sky diving TOMORROW from 11,000 feet, tandem (attached to the instructor/professional person), and I jump right over the ocean and land on the beach! And then the next day I am leaving for my 4 day/3 night dive trip to the great barrier reef, and the day after I return I'm doing a full day of white water rafting on class 3-4 grade rapids on the Tully River. Needless to say, I am stoked. A little nervous and anxious, for sure, but totally stoked.

The person who booked me for my "thrills" suggested a restaurant, that has super good food and a relaxed atmosphere, so I think I'll check that out tonight. Hope all is well back home, wherever home may be! So far so good, I'm having a great time, but miss all you loads.