Dreamtime, Cairns
9/9/00
Saturday 9:45 PM
Just realized today is Marc’s birthday. Interesting.
Cairns Dreamtime Hostel
I was in such a hurry to get up here for the wondrous Cairns. Now I’m in a hurry to leave. The train actually arrived on time yesterday afternoon. I made my way here to Dreamtime & checked in. Nice little place. Plenty of amenities, small, quiet, across the street from the mall. Not bad. So I showered and headed out. Made my way down to the Esplanade, walked around, had a kebab, walked some more. At the public amphitheater there was an “oldies” band playing, so I sat down for their first set. Then I made my way to the “infamous” Woolshed. Met a local named Dave, had a couple beers, met some (two) girls from Cleveland, studying in … I forgot. Had a few more beers. I wowed them all with the glass of ice in the beer pitcher trick. I got up and danced to some music for a while. Got bored. Left, had a coffee, muffin & McDonalds cheese burger on the Esplanade (I don’t know, munchies.) I went to bed. Decided I could take it or leave it when it came to Cairns. I’ll be leaving it soon. Too touristy, too many party packers, too many Americans. We’re everywhere up here. Lots of Asians again, too.
One of Kevin’s card from Cairns
This morning I slept in late, then I went shopping early. I went to the mall & bought 27 post cards. It took me well over an hour to write all of them, and I still need to do a few more. Afterwards I took a quick dip in the pool, folded my laundry, and went shopping for gifts. I bought myself another Hawaiian shirt, then I found an Aboriginal owned store. Spent some time (and money) in there. Bought myself a bullroarer, a boomerang with a barramundi (symbolizing family) on it for grandma & grandpa, a barramundi plate for Mom, a crocodile (strength) plate for Valerie, and a platypus (love) plate for Marjorie. The girl working there was quite nice. She taught me how to play the didgeridoo & let me try a few out. I wanted one so bad, but how would I travel with it? They had some decent ones for $120 or so. Couldn’t find anything for Dad, though.
After leaving the Aboriginal shop, I milled around a bit. I still needed to buy some food for Cape Trib. I came across an email cafe, and I thought I had better drop a quick email before heading into the bush. I figure I won’t have access again until I get to Sydney. Well lo and behold, Marc emailed me. Wanted to know if I still had the tickets because he had a flight. I couldn’t believe it. I had completely written him off over a week ago. After sending him all of those emails & him not responding. I figured he just wasn’t man enough to take responsibility.
So obviously my short email session wasn’t so short. I had to email him & Mom, reply to Scott, update the family, and email Marjorie. She had big news as well. She put a deposit down on an apartment, but of course her parents were not being supportive. And me being so far away isn’t helping matters much, either. Poor girl.
After my email session I headed to the mall for groceries. First I had to buy Dan a cane toad keychain It was my only purchase there, for the mall closed at 5:30. No food. No money, either. I withdrew $200 from checking tonight and found my balance is $120 AUS or so. I still have traveler’s checks, though. I wonder if Marc is going to get the check to Pam.
Had another kebob on the Esplanade, watched another band (Polynesian), and had a Guinness at an Irish pub. And here I sit. Just as well; my bus picks me up at 6:45 tomorrow morning.
You know this is the only town I’ve been in where the police are a constant presence? They’re everywhere downtown (or in the CBD), especially at night. Says something about the company this town keeps. I think the biggest highlight has been the Aboriginal shop. Shopping, a highlight.
That is sad.
KC
Oh, 6 days until the Olympics.