Melbourne and Cairns

Well, after the game on Friday night in Malbourne we took it easy, seeing as we were going out on Saturday. Saturday we couldn't find the club we were planning to go to but that didn't really stop us seeing as we were downtown Melbourne and there's at least 3 pubs/clubs on every street. We eventually did find the place but there was a line of about 100 so there was no way we were going to wait in that. So we went to a pub and then asked around for a really good dance club. We went to CQ until 4 then waited for a cab for like an hour. Stupid things! They pick and chose who they take and won't take you if you live close because they think it's not worth their time. Meanwhile we flagged down at least 20 cabs and it took forever to find one that was nice enough. Really annoying.

Monday: drove down to the Mornington Peninsula to do some wine tasting and exploring. It was beautiful with really lush rolling hills and Eucalyptus trees. We wine tasted at 2 places and then went to an Enchanted Maze/ garden. Later, we went back toMelbourne and went to the casino / entertainment complex. It was huge and had everything in it imaginable. Really we needed way more time in it. John won a bit of money at blackjack. I was impressed, the night didn't cost a thing hahaha.
Tuesday: return the Wicked van and hang around the city until our flight at 9:30 that night

Wednesday: We arrived in Cairns at about 1:00 am and transfered to our hostel. We stayed at Calypso Inn which was so nice! It wasn't like a hostel at all. For a really cheap price we got our own room and the first night free because we were getting there so late. They were really accommodating. It had a tropical/Jamaican theme, there was a pool, kitchen everything you really need and one of the best happy hour deals and dinner buffet's that I've seen at hostels so far. After some much needed rest we walked around the tiny city and swam in the lagoon. You can't swim in the ocean in Northern Australia at this time of year because box jellyfish/ "stingers" occupy the water and they're the worst kind. Their sting can kill you. Oh yeah and the crocodiles occupy those waters too.

Thursday: was the best day. One of the highlights of my life actually. By far the best time that I've ever had swimming. This day made me want to come back and spend more time in this backpacker haven, even John who doesn't like swimming had a great time. Although he doesn't quite share my passion about it. Of course, we went to the reef this day. Our trip included the 2 hour trip out there on a sailing catamaran, snorkelling at Michelmas Cay and Paradise sea, a buffet lunch, photos (if you want to buy them), morning and afternoon tea, a free 10 min lesson on diving( which John and i missed cause we were to busy already snorkelling) and then a sail back. At Michelmas cay there was sea turtles, reef sharks, a few 100 year old clams(SO BIG) and fish of every colour. HUGE fish. One the size of a dolphin really. At Paradise Sea there were more fish but no turtles. It has shelf coral so if you're diving, you actually go really deep and then there's coral up to about 1 meter below the surface. It's really neat and the coral is amazing. Everyone should visit it! Amazingly John and I didn't get burnt at all after then entire day outside. hahaha.