Byron Bay and Cheeky MOnkeys!!
Trip Start
Jan 16, 2010
1
34
56
Trip End
Oct 19, 2010
Where I stayed
In the rough car park next to the Railway Pub
Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
In the morning after the most refreshing treatful hot shower we left early for a pickup to go to Nimbin for the day. We were picked up by the Grasshopper Old skool bus with "a pumping sound system." The guy who ran the tour was very laid back and cool with a cute dog that ran up and down the bus. The journey to Nimbin took about an hour and a half- about 30 minutes longer than needed as it was such an old bus it nearly konked out going up the enormous hills- but well worth the experience with a chilled out music set playing. We stopped at the Nimbin Rocks along the way and learnt some history about the local tribes and way of living- very interesting! Upon arrival the streets became alive with the chatter of new tourists arriving and we got off greeted by hardcore locals and quite drunken aboriginal people. We made our way down the very unique street popping into the shops and Nimbin Museum. Anna bought a handmade headband and a crystal stone whilst Liam bought himself a smoking pipe. We had a good chat to the locals and met a guy called Lucky who was selling Hemp handmade bracelets on the street buying two for $5 each with the money going towards supporting his family. We had an interesting visit to the local book shop before hopping back on the bus to go on to a park picnic.
At the national park Liam began to help make the salad whilst our tour guide got on the bbq. It was a while before lunch was served as there were about 35 of us but when it was we had a feast and the guys stuffed themselves to the limit. Liam's salad looked grand! We moved on to the waterfall where only the bravest jumped from the rocks not because of the height but being in the shadows and approaching winter the water was absolutely freezing. Anna was one of the first to step up and jump forward with Liam shortly after. The water was an absolute shock but very refreshing! The journey home was relaxing listening to the sounds of "I don't like cricket, I love it" and Bob Marley. We met some nice people but none of which we saw again.
Back in Byron and we had a short nap in the car before meeting up with the boys again. It was a sure trip to Cheeky Monkeys for another great meal deal and then we all left to go down to the beach. We sat on the beach chatting in the night and all of a sudden a huge electrical storm began out at sea which was amazing to see. There was silence apart from the rushing of waves and then the sky would light up in orange and yellow highlighting the depths of the clouds and soft shapes illuminating the sky. This was very difficult to catch on camera and the photographs do not do it justice but at least you can kind of see. The boys, as great as they are, once again offered a free bed for the night which was lovely: Anna being less relaxed than Liam about walking in and out of the hostel who really didn't worry about getting caught. But it was all fine!
We spent the next few days on the beach- well overdue! Anna read Harry Potter and prepared the picnic whilst Liam had a good go at Body boarding and the boys joined us later in the day. Nina joined us on her free afternoons. We also walked to the look out point- a mini mountain on the beach which is supposed to be excellent for dolphin and whale watching- no luck this time. Later the boys left for Sydney- We hoped we would see you there but you had left by the time we got down here so see you another time we hope!
Thursday evening and Anna took part in a dancing contest at Cheeky Monkeys. She received free champagne with the other contestants backstage and a Cheeky Monkey T-shirt to customise. Everyone had to choose a song to dance to and Anna chose "I love Rock and Roll" with Liam edging her on to take part. Turns out Anna really enjoyed the competition and took, as she should, as a natural to the stage putting on a performance that could have comfortably lasted longer than the 45 seconds that were given. With a crowd cheering vote at the end Anna won and received $300 for her trouble- a great prize! Liam seemed very proud! The night was a lot of fun and we met some guys from Essex in the bar too.
The next day was very nice as Anna was starting to feel a bit worn down so with her winnings she had a very nice facial with some great advice for her skin. She then went for a window shop and bought some products recommended by the beautician. She also bought a hat- much needed in the sun out here- from a shop called The Byron Bay Hat Co which was made 100% out of paper which was soft and lovely quality. The rest of the money went towards petrol and dinner for us both- a good save!
We went to the lighthouse Friday late afternoon and stayed until the evening to see Byron's lights switch on. We used the telescope to look down to view the kayakers out at sea and played photographer round the lighthouse. Sitting on the grass hill was nice to watch the sunset from a great height above the town. This was one of our quieter evenings and we had a drink at the Railway Pub with some live music before settling in the car for the night.
Saturday came and it was Nina's birthday. We made the most of the beach and Liam went surfing (with Nina's board) and skimming with the mini board on the shallow water surface. Anna had a little giggle at Liam's many attempts only to fall down but he ended up being a bit of a pro as seen from the great photographs. It was on the walk back to town that we saw some dolphins swimming not far from the beach. It was amazing just to see their fins and we wished we could have got closer but they were gone as soon as they had come.
Saturday evening and we were with Nina and met up with some of her friends for her birthday meal. We went to a sweet place cornered away called "The Cardamom Pod" that was a vegetarian Indian surprising us with some delicious and food value food. We then took Nina to Cheeky Monkeys for a free glitter make over and giant Jenga. We had a very long lasting game and it was noticed announced over the microphone how tall the tower was. All until a group of lads came in and walked past on Liam's turn which may or may not have contributed towards Liam knocking over the stack- so Liam you lost! Ha. We had a really fun night with some of the staff knowing us quite well by this point!! Ha! Nina slept in her van alongside ours in the Railway Park.
On Sunday we chilled out and also checked out the Arts Factory. This was a place you could stay at in a teepee- quite cool but quite chilly at this time of year! We had some drinks in the ultra cool Buddha Bar with its own Brewery before heading to meet Nina. Cheeky Monkeys to our disappointment was closed so we all had a pizza takeaway picnic in the back of the car facing the beach- quite lovely actually! We even had an amazing owl fly up to join us on the sign just outside the car.
Byron Bay is our favourite place in Australia! When we first arrived it seemed like every other town but with great beaches, great nightlife, great weather and cool shops we fell in love with it. We met some great people and stayed a lot longer than planned still sad to leave! There are so many individual unique places to shop and great live music in the evening reminding us a bit of Brighton in the UK. We hope to return one day to the Bay! We love Byron!
xxx
Comments
well done in the competition!!!