The End of the East Coast

Well, I have made it down the east coast mostly intact. It has taken me one month and I have enjoyed most of it. By far the best part was learning to dive in Cairns. But the Whitsundays was another blessing. Well, minus getting sick. But my doc in Brisbane said there has been something working its way across the coast so I guess it was hard to avoid it.

Byron Bay has been alright. Was able to relax on the beach yesterday and went to the cinema to see "Mao's Last Dancer" which was cool. I needed a day to rest after my stint in the circus. In my guide book, there was a note about a Circus school in town where they teach you the Flying Trapeze. And for some crazy reason, I thought that would be a cool thing to learn. Definately a skill that will be handy. So I went in the evening. And right away was thrown into the art of the Flying Trapeze. I had to climb up a ladder to a platform 8 meters above the floor. At that point my heart was racing and I was shaking. And then they wanted me to lean out over the edge of the platform to grab the swing bar. Okay, so I did have a harness and there was a lady behind me holding onto the belt but it took a lot to reach out. I will be the first person to admit that I have trust issues. So it was hard to trust that I wouldn't fall over the edge. But I did it - I held onto the bar. And then they expected me to pin drop off the edge and swing. And not just swing but hook my knees over the bar and swing by my knees. Crazy. It took me three times to get used to the swing motion (and that you are supposed to use momentum to get your legs up, rather than fighting the momentum) and then to bend my legs to hook my knees. But on the third try, I was less shaky and got my knees up - and then I swung upside down, 8 meters above the ground. What a thrill! It didn't look pretty but I did it. I think I was the clown of the group: looking awkward and entertaining everyone. Next up was the catch: I was expected to let go and another guy would be there to grab my arms and swing me. Yeah, right. I couldn't get that part... so scary. I did get a high five in the air but I was not going to let go of my swing. You can't expect me to trust everyone right away. But I enjoyed it. It was challenging and intense but so much fun. Not sure if I would do it again but at least if someone needs a trapeze artist, I can say I have done the Flying Trapeze.

So, next up is Sydney. I plan on getting everything together for New Zealand as I fly out on November 3. Wow, I cannot believe it is almost November. I have been travelling since February! To be completely honest, I am getting tired. It is hard work backpacking around the world. I never get a day off: I am always making sure that I get from point A to B, that I have all my stuff, that I have a place to stay, food to eat and then trying to see everything and experience as much as possible. Man, I'm going to need a holiday from my year off! (Just kidding, Doug!). I have loved this year to explore and grow but I am looking forward to returning homw to a bit of routine... just a bit though. Still got to keep it interesting.

Well, gotta dash. Need to get some beach time in before I leave Byron. I promise pics will come soon. I just need a semi-reliable computer.

Love, Lisa