Cairns

Yesterday, I flew into Cairns, Queensland, Australia! It is beautiful and temperate here. The weather is currently at 73 degrees and showers pass through here and there (it is raining right now).When we were flying in, I noticed right away that Cairns isn't a big city, and I was really relieved. There are about 170,000 people here. It doesn't feel like a city.

I immediately met a bunch of backpackers who were staying at various hostels but only met one that was staying at the same hostel as I am. It is called Traveler's Oasis; it is within walking distance of the ocean and is very close to the shopping center.

I regret to report that the only wildlife I have seen so far are birds--no wallabies or kangaroos. And they're your run-of-the-mill little tweeting, singing birds that wake you up very early. I did see some pigeons. Not that you care about that.

While I'm here, I plan on taking a diving trip out the Great Barrier Reef, visiting Daintree Rainforest, and just relaxing and wandering around Cairns. I'm thinking I'll be here about five days.

It took me 34 hours of flying to make Australia; my longest flight was 12 1/2 hours. That was not what I would call fun. I felt like my back was always on the verge of spasm and that my legs could possibly fall off at any given point. There were good movies provided, though, so I spent the hours watching movies and reading when there was light.

Now, I'm listening to it rain. And rain. And rain. It's beautiful.

Hope you all have a good Thursday, and I'll enjoy my Friday.

Sarah