Lost in Paradise

My internship was set-up but I hadn't heard from my soon-to-be-bosses in months—after graduating from University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, my e-mail account was deactivated.  This was poor planning on my part. After my plane landed in Brisbane, I managed to make my way by shuttle to Byron Bay without any issues. When I got here, though, I had no idea where I was going.

I wandered around Byron with my two ton suitcase, assuming that I would be able to find the Mojo Surf offices.  I couldn't. And I had no phone plan either.  Luckily, I was able to get the number for the Mojo offices and used a payphone to contact them in order to figure out where I was going.  I would be staying at the Arts Factory Lodge just outside of Byron. 

After a short shuttle ride outside of town, I was able to check in.  I heard a big bang on the roof above me and gave a confused look towards the man working reception.

“Bush turkeys,” he said to me.  I had a feeling I was going to being seeing bush turkeys quite often.

 I was then ushered around the area.  The Arts Factory Lodge (or AFL) is like its own little village.  A rec room sits right next to reception, and is decorated with couches, computers, pool tables, and even a pinball machine.  Attached to the rec room is a full café and juice bar.  Because it’s sort of out in the jungle, there’s no beach to swim at.  However, a large pool sits in the center of the dorms.  Several people were playing an intense game of ping pong on the table near the laundry room.  Next to the ping pong table and vending machines is a big sand volleyball court—vacant but enticing.  Several wooden pathways lead to the bungalows on site.  A small pond separates the bungalows from the tepees, with a wooden deck right on the water’s edge.  Two hammock chairs swing above the deck.  Across the parking lot of the AFL rests the Byron Bay Brewing Company, and even a cinema.

Then I was led to my accommodation: a four-share tepee in the staff area of the grounds.  Beyond the zipper of the tent were just 4 double beds with sheets and a pillow on each.  My tour guide left and I was finally able to just throw my suitcase down; hopefully I wouldn't have to move my suitcase again until it was time to leave.

I grabbed my phone and my cigarettes and headed towards the hammocks to relax.  After taking a few steps, something scuttled out from under my feet.  I gasped, assuming I was about to be attacked by a deadly snake.  Instead, I noticed a large grey lizard with a spiky back that nearly blended in with the rocks on the walking path.  I quickly walked past it, unsure if it was aggressive or not.

I made it to the wooden deck without any other discrepancies.  I finally got to just sit down and relax.  After a 15 hour flight from Los Angeles, a 3 hour bus ride from Brisbane, and a long lost walk around Byron, I was at my new home for the next six months.