Cairns

On Thursday March 12th I finished working at the hair salon. I left Southern Cross on Friday morning and caught a train back to Perth. It is a 4 hour train ride from Southern Cross to Perth. Robyn picked me up from the bus station and we went over to Lulu Lemon to do a bit of shopping. We then went back to her house and spent the afternoon catching up. In the evening Kent, Robyn and I went to the markets for Friday night supper, this is a tradition for them. It was very nice because I got to see their friends again, and I really enjoy their company. Right after the markets they dropped me at the airport to catch my 10:55pm flight to Cairns. I wasn't even tired when I got on the plane. But I had an isle seat and was unable to get comfortable so I didn't sleep much on the way. I also think I was just excited to see Bobbi, Nick, London, Gord and Diane. I arrived in Cairns at 4:10am. Bobbi and Nick picked me up from the airport. Since they were not used to the time change it didn't feel too early for them. We got back to the house and I gave London a big kiss although she was sleeping in Grandpa's arms. We spent the morning catching up and then had an early breakfast as the sun came up. After breaky everyone went for a sleep. Since I wasn't tired yet I unpacked and then went for a dip in the pool. It is very humid in Cairns and I love the heat. We spent the day just around the house since we were all tired. We did go into Cairns in the afternoon and bought some fresh fruit at the market. Everyone had an early night.
On Sunday we got up fairly early (they still haven't adjusted to the time change yet) and had breakfast. Since it was nice and hot we went for a swim in the pool and did some pool yoga. In the afternoon we took a drive to Port Douglas. Bobbi and Gord went for massages and Nick, Diane, London and I hit the shops. London, of course got a few things while shopping with Grandma. Nick and I bought her a floating toy for the pool so she can sit and relax like the rest of us. We also bought Bobbi and floating bed so she can lounge in the pool. We then headed to a supermarket and got some groceries. That night Nick cooked an amazing pasta and chicken dish. Between him and Gord there is no way we will even need to eat out. They are fabulous cooks. I decided that I would do the cooking on Monday night. I had been planning a nice meal for them as a token of my appreciation. So I made my list and planned out where we would go to get it the next day.
On Monday morning I slept a bit later, but was still up fairly early. They are starting to get used to the time difference so everyone is sleeping later. Bobbi seems to be having the most difficulty with it. I have noticed she doesn't go without a nap in the afternoons. In the morning I went to the beach and did some yoga. I am loving my new yoga DVD and book Robyn gave me. By the time I got back to the house (the beach is across the street, you can see it from the pool) I was hot and needed to have a dip in the pool. Gord, Nick and I decided to have a game of Settlers of Catan, and I won!! I haven't played in 5 months but my skills are still good. After lunch Gord, Diane and I decided to go into Cairns and have more of a look around. But on the way we found a fish shop and I picked up some barrimundi and prawns for my supper. Once in Cairns, Diane and I checked out some shops and we had a agreed to meet up with Gord at 3:30pm. We spent about 2 hours shopping and enjoying downtown Cairns. The last stop downtown was a Cold Rock ice cream. I had Cheesecake flavoured ice cream with Tim Tams in it..... YUM!! Also helped to cool me off. We waited by the van for Gord who was late. Turns out he felt the need for another massage. We then headed to the grocery store to get the items for my meal. We headed home and I got straight to work. For our meal we had Barrimundi fish fried in oil with a little bit of seasoning. Roast (Aussie) pumpkin, carrots, and potatoes. At the store we also picked up a Greek salad. And for desert we had pavlova. It was my first time making it and it was a total success. The entire meal was so good!!! After supper we just sat around outside and enjoyed the warm night. We also got a visit from a toad that wanted to come into the house.
Today we slept in a little bit, but London doesn't allow that to happen for too long. This morning her and I played in my room and we decked her out in an Aussie bandanna. She looked like a pirate when Grandma and Grandpa got up. In the afternoon Bobbi, Nick and I went to Crystal Falls and took a short and easy hike up to see all the different falls. We then got down and went for a quick swim. There were a lot of different fish in the water, and it was very cold. Before we got down there we saw something in the water that looked like an eel. We also saw a dragon type lizard and the most beautiful butterflies. They flew all around us as we were walking and when we went for a swim we saw four of the prettiest ones ever. We then headed back for the van and stopped at a few shops on the way home. I needed to get some ear plugs since I am getting an ear ache from the pool. I also bought London an Aussie outfit, that I am hoping she will wear tomorrow.
So far I am having a blast in Cairns. It is very nice here, but the water is no where near as beautiful as in Western Australia. That Indian Ocean just has such a gorgeous colour to it. Tonight Nick is BBQing steaks, so it will definitely be amazing.
Until next time,
Cindy