2nd stop: Gold Coast, QLD Australia

After a smooth 42 hours of travel, we arrived safely on the Gold Coast where Jodi (and Bella) were awaiting our arrival with big smiles, hugs and licks;) The fun began as soon as we arrived.  With only a short time to change and freshen up, we were back out the door to meet some of Jodi & Shayne’s closest friends for dinner. I liked everyone of them! Immediately I felt the closeness of this group and felt relieved knowing one of my ‘besties’ from way back had such a great, supportive family far away from home.

Over the next few days, we spent a lot of time with these friends and instantly felt part of the ‘family’, as if we had known everyone for ages.

Huntsman spider that greeted us at Jodi & Shayne's - yes, its actual size!!

Seeing Shayne later on the evening we arrived was again, as if no time had passed since our last encounter. It felt so wonderful finally getting to see Jodi & Shayne’s home and life in Australia. Seeing one of my favorite couple’s so happy made me so happy.  It was such a comfortable feeling in their home,  as if we were still in Canada. However, the giant Huntsman spider that greeted us outside their door was a quick reminder that we were not in Toronto anymore!

Still jetlagged and barely able to stay awake past 10 pm, meant I was up at the crack of dawn, wired & ready to go! After dropping Jodi off at work, Steve & I decided to drive down to Byron Bay. We were fortunate to visit this amazing place when we were down 4 years ago, but we did not hesitate to visit it again. I also couldn’t wait to get my toes in the beautiful white sand Byron Bay is known for. Practically running to the beach, we were quickly stopped by lifeguards who had blocked off one of the paths to the beach. They told us a Brown snake was hiding in the rocks only a few feet away. In case you were unaware, the Brown snake is the 2^nd most deadliest snake in the world!! Immediately after, we received a message from Shayne that a big, possibly dangerous snake was lurking around their backyard and that we were to be very careful when we got home. We most definitely were not in Toronto anymore!!

At the most easterly point of Australia

After a beautiful day of squeaky sand beneath our feet, crashing waves of bright turquoise and amazed by the talent of the surfers braving the ocean for the perfect wave, we headed back to Reedy Creek to meet Jodi for dinner.

Thursday, still waking at crack of dawn, we packed our bags and grabbed the commuter train to Brisbane - the city we titled ‘The 2^nd Cleanest’ only falling short to Singapore. It was obvious quite immediately that Australia’s economy was doing quite well (at least on this side of the country). Although it was only 4 years since we had been here last, I do not remember things being so expensive. I do remember the $1.70/liter for petrol in the out back, but I do not remember paying $5 for a small coffee or $19 for breakfast in your average restaurant. Also, the Aussie dollar is much higher then our Canadian dollar at the moment, which was also not the case 4 years prior.

Christie, Bella & I

After a lot of (window) shopping, we met up with Christie after her work day. I met Christie 11 years prior on the Sound of Music Tour in Austria and we kept in touch ever since. Due to her extensive travel and my previous trip to Oz, we have fortunately seen each other a surprising amount of times considering we live on opposite sides of the globe. After she insisted treating us to dinner, she took us to her condo in Paddington, a very trendy part of Brisbane. We spent the evening sipping wine and catching up. I actually made it til 11 o’clock, which was probably my record so far! After a yummy breakfast at and organic restaurant, Christie showed me around Paddington. The windy streets were lively with vintage clothing stores and unique restaurants. And every street was decorated with beautiful blooming Jacaranda – my new favorite tree.  It was such a lovely day and so lovely to catch up with an old friend again.

A beautiful Jacaranda tree

Only 3 ½ days into the ‘Oz part’ of the trip and already the precious moments were piling up!