Hey everyone-just writing this whilst i'm waiting for my bus to Brisbane. I've been in Surfers Paradise for the last couple of days. It's not at all as i had expecte....i expected a place similar to Byron bay but instead it's like a mini city and in someways how i would imagine it to be like in the likes of florida/miami. There are lots of skyscraping expensive hotels, along with shopping malls, expensive restuarants, clubs and bars. Although on the plus side the beach is absolutely gorgeous, i spent most of my day relaxing on it yesterday and doing a spot of body boarding. The hostel were were staying at was really cute too-it was only a small hostel but our 5 bed dorm was really clean with ensuite and tv. It overlooked the pool and decking area. The staff at this place were top notch too-sooo friendly and really made an effort to get guests socialising etc. Monday night we sat by the pool with whole group of people before heading to one of the bars in the town for a few drinks, which gave us a good opportunity to get to know a good bunch of people from all over the place-english, swedish, canadian etc. Last night i decided enough was enough and although Helen and Jb went out i decided to stay in. I'm getting abit tired of the constant partying that is seems to be a large part of the east coast-not only does it drain your wallet (so much more i could be spending my money on) but also it just does you no good physically-you just need to get away from it all sometimes-which is kinda hard when you're travelling with others that are out all the time as at times you kind of just go along with it all and get drawn in, but i've realised you've just go to do what's good for you and not go along with what others are doing all the time.Anyway got that off my chest!! I'm ready to leave surfers now and see what Brisbane is all about-staying there for about a week as i dind't want to be travelling around over the easter weekend.

Despite my whinging (i'm turning into karen!!) i am having a good time over here, to be honest i still don't think it's actually hit me that i'm in australia even after all this time. I've got some amazing trips lined up so i'm really looking forward to all that. And i've booked up my trip for thailand/malaysia so i'm going to be staying in australia till end of may-which was longer than i planned but hopefully it means i'll now have enough time to go to uluru and alice springs (everyone recommend this?!) and i'll be returning back to the uk about 18/19th june-in time for GLASTO!!wahoo!!

Well best go-got to say goodbye to Helen as it's only me and jb going to brisbane xxx