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I'm met at the airport by a member of family that I have never met before, quite bizzare I know. My Grandad's cousin Rick who has lived out here since before I was born, 16 years my Grandad's junior as he likes to point out and very into his mountain climbing. Off we head to see a bit of the city whilst we wait for his wife Sue to finish her art class, like me she admits to not being able to draw for toffee but likes to try. To try and give me my bearings of the city we head up to Mount Coot for panaramic scenic views and a much needed cup of coffee. It's 27 degrees here and still humid about 70% but feels loads cooler than what I have been used to over the past few weeks. Back at their house in Jindalee a surburb on the outskirts of Brisbane I share some stories of my travels in exchange for some of theirs (they have travelled loads and have some great stuff and photo's around the house to prove it!). Then I am spoilt, again a nice big double bed and fluffy towels and a 3 course meal all home cooked. Avacado and prawns to start, the tasting lady in the supermarket got us started on the prawns idea with her free samples, Lasagne and then good old Jelly and Ice cream, exhausted and now full it's an early night for me.
I have really now already set the scene for my stay in Brisbane, Rick and Sue were great showing me around the city and making sure that I had plenty of home cooked meals and wine inside of me. Their travel stories never dull and I make a mental note to buy myself a corner cupboard when I settle just like theirs to house all of my goodies from around the world, my terracotta warriors, boomerang and other random stuff I have collected, (well posted home for my incredibly lucky Mum and Dad who must be wondering how much more rubbish I can send them).
So over the next few days, Rick and I head out on the river cat up to Bretts Wharf for fish and chips, Rick giving me his own commentary about the city on the way up. We go out for a few morning walks down by the river, (I need to, to work off the food I have been consuming here!) and we go to Manly down by the sea for a picnic of little ham sandwiches on the marina. Other than that I make the most of having a sofa, free internet and a washing machine, plus, of course, getting to know my new found familly members.
Sue's daughter Sadie lives near Byron Bay so they very kindly offer to take me down there to pick up my Surf School and meet Sadie for a spot of lunch. Sadie's house is really cute a little log cabin in the middle of the country, we sit out on the veranda enjoying the outdoors. Then after a brief wander around town, Rick and Sue head off back for home and Sadie offers to take me the rest of the way to Byron Bay. En-route to my hostel for the evening and ultimately to the pub as Sadie is the lead singer in a band who are performing tonight, we do a spot of sightseeing. The lighthouse in Byron and the view from the top, the most easterly point and the town centre. Sadie's band were great, loads of the locals got up to dance around like mad things and I must remember to get a CD sent to me when I get home.
The only thing left to say is thanks to Rick, Sue and Sadie for your hospitality, I had a wonderful stay and rested and refreshed I am ready for surf camp. Plus if you are ever in Bournemouth and you need a place to stay you are always welcome.
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