Blast from the Past

It's crazy to think that I have been here for two and a half months already.  I am nearly halfway through my internship here in Byron.  It is definitely a bit sad because time is flying by.  People leave and move on and new travelers arrive.

Because I am waiting for a package from my boyfriend, I checked the mail this morning.  No package for me, but I did find a humorous envelope from back in September:

I instantly laughed because I remembered when Conor got arrested for his DUI on the first night I was back in Byron after my week at Spot X.  Conor actually left the country before his court date, so I would assume the police were trying to hunt him down.

Shenanigans like that are really going to make me miss this place.

Friday Fun

After about a month of mostly partying at the Arts Factory, I finally got all dressed up and went out with my friend Lois. I put on a dress, put on make-up, and even curled my hair.  A couple of friends didn't recognise me. 

We had a few drinks at the AFL and eventually headed into town.  We had heard that there was a band at The Northern, so we figured we would head there first.

Originally, we were planning on going out with the boys, Douglas and David, but we ended up splitting up early in the night.  We all went to The Northern right away and got a beer.  Everyone else seemed to be in a dancing mood, though, so we finished our beers and headed out to a different bar.  

This is where we split up.  The guys wanted to go to Cocomangas, but Lois wasn't so enthused.  I had never been there so I didn't really have an opinion, but Lois thought that it was a really tacky club.  The guys were intent on going and didn't want to go anywhere else so we let them go and headed to a club called Woody's.

I had never been to Woody's either, but I knew that they gave away surfboards and skateboards weekly and that it was also a big dance spot.  They had 2 big bouncers at the door before you stepped into the building, which was crowded with people.

You immediately encounter the bar, occupied by 4 or 5 bartenders, and then to your right is the elevated dance floor.  If you continue walking, you'll eventually get to the outdoor patio which is filled with loads of smokers.

We got a drink and started dancing in the beginning, but when I wanted cigarette, we headed outside.  I got into a conversation with an Australian guy and never really left.  I honestly couldn't even tell you what we talked about, but at the time it was a good conversation. 

Lois went back inside but I just wasn't really in the dancing mood.  Even in Australia, I prefer a more laid back bar setting.  I think that's a bit of a hint that I miss Kelly's back home.  I always used to just sit around, talk with friends, and play pool.  It was nothing extravagant, but I always liked meeting people more than I liked dancing.  I would have to be in the mood to go to a club.  It must be the Wisconsin girl in me.

Tomorrow is a Mystery

Bartending during Pub Crawl

A year ago, I would've been excited for the week because it would mean the school week would have been over.  I always bartended on Friday nights, but work was more like a party anyways.

Now all I can think about is where I am going to be in a year from now.  I'm unable to get a second year working visa, because Americans are unable to get them, but I think I do want to live in Australia.  It's just a matter of how.

Attempting to surf this past spring

It's interesting because my boyfriend and I have been talking about marriage in the future a lot lately, however, that is something that would happen down the road from now.  It's truly exciting, though, to think about the future, especially since I'm done with school and can begin life as an adult.

I already started that life, but it's going to be different when I have a salary and probably work during the week, having weekends off. I want to keep surfing, and hopefully can on the weekends or even in the mornings.

When I was younger, I always wondered what I was going to be like when i grew up.  To be honest, I still wonder the same thing.

Trivia Tantrom

I wrote earlier that Wednesday is trivia night at the AFL.  Most weeks I just watch everyone compete against one another.  It's worth putting in effort because not only can you win all of the money if you have the high score, but 5 other prizes are given out randomly.

Everyone puts their first name, last name and favorite sexual position on a piece of paper and the names get thrown in a pot.  As the game progresses, Paul picks names for the different giveaways:

• Snorkeling
• Mojosurf surf lesson
• A trip to Nimbin
• Sea kayaking
• Skydiving

I swear some people only play to have a chance at winning the Skydiving voucher.  Some people have even won it twice.  I can be real competitive so I just want to actually get all of the questions right, and winning the money wouldn't hurt either.

The only problem with trivia is that the answers to some questions are certainly debatable.  For example, last night, our first question was, "Which sport uses Eskimo rolls?"  I looked at Lois, who was on my team and also works for Mojosurf, and we both mouthed the word surfing and felt confident about our answer.

After all of the questions were asked, we went back through and corrected the answers.  We weren't even worried about the answer to the first question, until Paul yelled out, "Kayaking!"  Lois and I looked at each other, completely clueless.

You are able to debate answers if you find them to be incorrect, but it's truly up to your peers.  Paul will hold a vote to determine whether or not your team gets the point that they ask for. The problem with this system is that everyone is so blood thirsty for the win that they will sabotage anyone if given a single opportunity.

Needless to say, our team didn't get the point.  And I was furious.  I was specifically taught about Eskimo rolls when i was at surf camp.  I don't doubt that they are named from kayaking, but you can still execute Eskimo rolls in surfing.  

Our team didn't end up winning and I'm definitely still a bit salty about last night.  I plan on doing trivia next week and I just know one of the days my team is actually going to win.

Too Much Beer

I honestly rarely go out to party anymore.  Occasionally, I will drink a bottle of wine with some friends back at the AFL, but that's about it.  It gets really expensive to go out and party, plus my friends are always on different schedules, so trying to figure out a time when we can all go out together is tough.

Last night was a blast though.  I actually got to party with Lois and one of my Mojo bosses.  Lois and I went to the brewery just for a beer, and my boss was there.  He was with a group of people, who invited us into their private party.

Everyone was dressed up in fancy clothes from the 80s and 90s.  They all worked for a travel company called G Adventures, and they were having a company party.  The people were so welcoming and genuine.  We even got denied drinks because the bartender didn't think we were a part of the party, and the company boss came out and told us she sorted it out, and that we should come back in and have a drink.

So we hung out and partied with G Adventures employees until midnight, which was when the Brewery closed, and then we got into a bus to town to go to Cheeky Monkeys.  We came with a massive group of people and just swarmed the bar.

People were already dancing on tables and making fools of themselves, so we had to add to the chaos.  We danced for what seemed like forever.

Eventually the MC announced last call for alcohol, turned the lights on, and started kicking everyone out.  We were meant to wait for Morgan, but he wanted to go to the beach party that everyone was continuing after Cheeky Monkeys.  And we needed to go to bed.

I'm still tired today, but last night was worth the fatigue.  It wasn't anything crazy, just one of those nights that makes you feel less like a grown up.

Sulking: No Surf

Because of the long weekend (Labour Day weekend), I got another chance to surf yesterday.  Lois had to work, and she was my board hire connection, so I just assumed I was going to have a lazy day at the beach.  However, two of my friends (Douglas and Tice) were already surfing when we got to the beach.  

Within 5 minutes of us getting to the beach, Douglas was ready to retire his board so he asked me if I wanted to try.  I don't think he expected me to want to surf as badly as I did, but he didn't end up getting his board back the rest of the day.  

I spent the next 3 hours surfing.  It took me a bit to get back into the hang of things, but eventually I was standing up and riding waves in.  I even had some private lessons from one of the men out in the water.  He must have been able to tell I was quite the beginner.

With a scratched stomach (because I didn't wear a rashie) and a sun-kissed face, I finally went in for the day.  It was lucky anyways because about 5 minutes later, a lifeguard called everyone out of the water because a shark was spotted.

Our view of the beach this morning

I decided that I really wanted to surf in the morning before work, so I made a point of going to bed early and setting two alarms for the morning.  I actually got up this morning, got dressed and ready to go, and headed into town with Lois and my board. 

When we got to the beach, however, we were wildly disappointed. The waves were small and extremely choppy.  We walked up the beach trying to figure out how we could possibly ride some of the waves. In the end, we just decided to walk back to the Arts Factory.

I was quite angry just because we got up early, got ready, and walked to the beach with our heavy surfboards, only to find that we couldn't surf.  At the same time, I think this morning taught us a few things as novice surfers:

• Surfing isn't always better in the morning
• Walking to the beach with a board sucks, so make it count
• ALWAYS check the conditions
• Always give yourself enough time

We have yet to successfully surf in the morning, but one day we will.  Hopefully even this week.  I know for sure though that I will ensure that the conditions are worth waking up and trekking down to the beach for.

Thursday Movie Night

If you want to party in Byron Bay, there is something for you every day of the week.  If you stay at the Arts Factory, most of the time you don't even need to leave to find a party.

Otherwise, bars are open 7 days a week, many of which host themed party nights and bands.  There is no shortage o party opportunities.

Sometimes, however, you just want to avoid alcohol and the party scenes, and just relax.  That was how David, Lois and I felt last night.  Quite a few of the backpackers from the AFL headed out of town for a Wolfmother concert--I was told it was a really good show--but the three of us just wanted to relax and go to bed early.  We came up with the perfect solution.

About two weeks ago, when our friend Louise was still here, David downloaded Crazy, Stupid Love so we could all watch it on his iPad.  Partying got in the way, and we never seemed to have an open opportunity to watch the movie, until last night.

I grabbed one of my big, blue, fuzzy blankets from my tent and a bar of chocolate from the vending machine.  David grabbed his iPad, and Lois just grabbed a seat.  We all squeezed onto one of the couches right outside of the rec area, propped the iPad up, and chilled out.  It was a really great, simple night, and I woke up feeling fresh and ready for the weekend.  Happy Friday!

I Want Candy

I'm not the biggest sweets person in the world, but it seems that my sweet tooth has been growing since I came to OZ. Eating an actual bar of chocolate is a real rarity back home, but I'm beginning to realize that I have been hanging out with more women while I have been in Australia.  Back home, I always hang out with guys, who never seem to eat chocolate or candy.  Just pizza...and lots of it.

 Girls are chocolate fiends though.  You don't have to have the 'munchies' to eat sweets and there is no need for a special occasion to get out a bar of chocolate--all you need is the idea of chocolate and the deal is sealed.

Once again, I rarely eat dessert back home.  If I make brownies or cookies, or really any other dessert for that matter, it's a big production.  You get a couple of girls together, make a pan of brownies, and watch chick flicks all night.  Not here.  As soon as dinner is over, it seems like every girl and her mother reaches for her personal stash of chocolate, and disperses it among her friends.

Such candy includes gummy snakes or frogs, chocolate bullets (white or milk chocolate-coated red or black licorice), Cadbury or Lindt chocolate bars, malted milk balls, etc.  The other night we even make a trip into town just to get frozen yogurt--it was about 10 o'clock at night.

You would think that I would gain a million pounds, but as far as I know, I'm not gaining any at the moment.  My pants still fit the same and my face doesn't look unusually bloated.  I believe I am overindulging a bit lately, but I feel as though a moderate amount of chocolate daily is not bad for you.  Of course, we all know that some chocolates are healthier than others, but it's all about moderation.  I want to cut back on my chocolate indulgences, but not cut them out.  At this point, I'm not sure that I could even give chocolate up...and Halloween is just around the corner.

Sunday Surfing

My friend Lois and I had been talking about going surfing for the past two weeks, but we kept putting it off for various reasons.  Either it started raining (even though I've heard surfing in the rain is quite nice), we didn't wake up early enough to go or one of us had to work.

We finally went again yesterday.  Lois takes photos during the surf lessons for Mojo and one of the instructors wants to sell one of her boards.  Lois really likes the board so she wanted to try it out and see if it'll be a good board for her.  The only problem is is that Lois is a beginner surfer, and the board she used is a short one, which is more difficult to surf on.

I was able to use a surf board from Nomads in Byron because they sort of partner with Mojo.  Although they had long boards available, I wanted to try one a little bit shorter.  I assumed the one I grabbed was a mini mal, or a fun board, but it was actually just a hybrid board that was half of a foot longer than Lois'.  I figured I would give it a go anyways.

After we had finally gotten our boards squared away, Lois, Douglas, and I headed towards the beach.  There are several beaches for us to choose from, but we decided on Belongil Beach.  Douglas and I decided against wet suits, although Douglas probably should have grabbed one--he had to keep getting out of the water because he was so cold.

Belongil Beach

We headed out into the water where there were decent waves, but also plenty of seasoned surfers who intimidated the three of us.  We tried to somewhat stay in our own area just so we could stay out of the other surfers' ways.  Sets kept rolling in while we attempted to catch waves.  I had never even surfed on a regular board--I had only ever surfed on a foam board at surf camp--let alone a short board.  I tried, and tried, and tried, but didn't manage to stand up all day.

Regardless of my success, I had a fun day overall.  I also was able to successfully complete an Eskimo roll!  It felt good to get out of my tent for the day and spend it in the ocean, even if the only progress I made was tackling my fear of Eskimo rolls.  Eventually Lois had to go because she had to work at 4 pm so we grabbed our boards and headed back to the Arts Factory.

We were feeling determined to get a better day of surfing in, so the three of us decided we wanted to get up at 5:30 am the next day to surf.  Needless to say, we didn't get up this morning and surf because Douglas and I didn't have wet suits, and we know we would have been freezing this morning.  Even I wasn't that brave to surf in the early morning without a wet suit.  Hopefully today we will have wet suits, though, so that we can go in the morning.

I'm crossing my fingers that I'll be able to go to sleep early tonight so that I can actually get up early to surf tomorrow before work.  My upper back is sore just from the paddling, but I love muscle soreness, especially since I haven't worked out in quite a while.  Hopefully, if I actually get in the habit of surfing nearly ever day, I'll be more fit and in better shape in no time.

Hunting for Jobs

Although I am working for both Mojosurf and Loka, I really want to get a second job so that I can make some extra money and travel or even just save.  One of the things I want money most for is Christmas.  I won't be able to spend Christmas with my family this year so I really want to spend it with my boyfriend's family, which means I would need to buy a plane ticket. I'd love to even have enough extra money to buy everyone presents.

Then, of course, you have Boxing Day the day after Christmas.  My boyfriend told me all about Boxing Day; you dress up in fancy clothes, watch the horse races, and drink. Some people also dress up and watch professional cricket matches.  It sounds like a rowdy holiday.
Next is Falls Fest over New Year's.  I have never truly been to a music festival and would absolutely love to go.  Apparently, the festival in Byron is sold out, but there are work opportunities for bartenders.  I think even working for the festival would still be quite fun.

After Falls Fest is Australia Day, which seems to be the equivalent to our Independence Day in the U.S.  This seems to be another drinking holiday, but patriotic holidays are always fun regardless.

After Australia Day, I don't really have any other major events that I would need money for until my internship is over.  After March 1st, my plan is to go down to where my boyfriend lives in Bega so that I can stay and work for a few months.  If I actually do this, I would like to have some money saved just in case I can't find a job right away.  I don't want to be living off of my boyfriend like a bum.

In general, I have some big plans, and want to make the most of Australia while I'm here.  I just wish there weren't so many other travelers looking for jobs.  That's the biggest reality I've had to come to terms with: everyone wants a job, everyone applies for jobs, few people get jobs.

Everyday is a Journey, and the Journey Itself is Home

There are so many things going on constantly in Byron Bay; it keeps you busy and makes it easy to meet new people. The video above will give you a good idea of things to do while in Byron.  Below are events going on each week I am here:

On Sundays, the Byron Bay Brewery hosts Karaoke night.  People are invited to participate from all corners of the world. We can always hear the thunder of the bass and screeching of the untalented from the Arts Factory.  It makes for good entertainment nonetheless.

The Ginger Pig is a popular spot on Monday nights because it hosts Rasta night.  I haven't been to the Rasta night yet, but I have heard about the laid back music and atmosphere of the reggae scene.

Tuesdays are a big night at the AFL: the talent show.  People gather from both the jungle and mainland to participate as spectators at the famous talent show.  Acts include hula hoopers, guitarists, singers, and even comedians.  Like the karaoke on Sundays, not all who participate are talented, but it's still a good time.

Wednesday nights can prove to be very beneficial for those who participate in trivia at the AFL.  Each participant pays a two dollar fee and can win a number of free excursions, such as a trip to Nimbin, snorkeling, or even skydiving.  In addition, the winning team gets to keep all of the money from the entry fees.

Thursday night at the Brewery is another eventful evening: ArtsExposure.  This includes fire-spinners, decor, graffiti and DJ's, not to mention $3 beers and $4 hot dogs.  It's a perfect opportunity to check out the works of local artists without breaking the bank.

Fridays and Saturdays are pretty much fair game for any bar or club in Byron Bay.  Occasionally you will hear of beach parties, but mostly people head to the larger venues in town, such as Cheeky Monkeys, Woody's Surf Shack, The Northern, or Cocomangas.  Loads of travellers are seen wandering around the streets of Byron on the weekends.

And then it starts all over again. 

Sharing is Caring

Although we already share a room or even a bed with other people here at the Arts Factory, we seem to share just about everything else.  Yesterday I was hanging out with David and his room/bed mate, Louise, all day.  We went shopping and just hung out in town nearly all day.  While we were grocery shopping, we decided we were just going to share some of the things between us instead of each buying a bag of it.  When we finished, we sat down at a table in front of Legend Pizza, shared a cigarette, and demolished a bag of potato chips and Aioli.

When we came back to the AFL, we each contributed some minced beef, noodles, and tomato sauce so that we could make a giant pan of spaghetti.  Our friend Tyse came and talked to us, so we shared with him as well.  Everyone was very well-fed by the time dinner was over.

David and Louise

Then Louise brought out the chocolate chip cookies.  None of us had much room left in our stomachs, but we each took a cookie (or two) and continued talking.  Eventually we made our way downstairs and continued sharing stories between us.

The whole point of this post is that living in a community like the one at the AFL is somewhat socialistic.  I don't want to get crazy political, but the system we have here just works.  Everyone contributes and everyone shares.  Someone might make you dinner one night, so you offer to make them dinner the following night.  It's just like an unspoken agreement, even though once you give, you don't really expect to receive anything back.  You do it purely because you enjoy giving; you enjoy helping out others.

I think this works so well because no one here has a lot of money.  Sometimes you're up, and sometimes you're down, but nearly everyone has been in your place before.  I've realised that you need to take care of the people in your life above all else.  In time, money spends, possessions lose their value and grandeur, but loyalty can be infinite.  When you have no material possessions, you can still be the most fortunate person in the world.

Give Me Some Soup--I'm Homesick

I expected to feel homesick during my trip; how could I not? My parents are the most laid-back people in the world, always having fun in their own ways.  Their energy is contagious for sure.  It is kind of funny how you don't realize how good something is until you don't have it anymore.  It used to drive me nuts to visit my parents because they would be asking me questions nonstop, but now I'd love to just be sitting with mom, telling her all about my trip.

And the food. I miss my parents' cooking so bad.  They are both amazing cooks and always have gigantic feasts for special occasions.  Even when they met my boyfriend they had a BBQ with tons of food and good drinks.  They also went all-out for my Graduation/Going-Away party; my friends were very well-fed.

I always got along really well with my dad too.  When I was younger, I used to be in choirs and musicals--my dad never missed a single one.  He was like my #1 fan.  My mom went to the ones that she could, but she always worked pretty late at night.  When I was in Girl Scouts, my dad even chaperoned a trip; I can only imagine what that would've been like, being one of the only men for miles, and having to supervise a bunch of screaming girls.  And now that I'm older, I can just sit with my dad, have a few beers, and just talk about whatever.

I haven't gotten to Skype my parents yet, but I hope I can very soon.  It'll most-likely be just under a year before I even get to see them again, though I can't wait until I do.

You always remember those really painful good byes too.  I knew I landed this internship about 6 months before I left, so it seemed like it was ages away.  Then I had to actually stop by my parents' house to say good bye for a while.  I hugged my mom right when I got there and started crying.  But they had another BBQ for us, so I had to keep my spirits up.

Then came the BIG good bye. I gave my parents each a hug for about one second and then wiped my eyes and walked to the car.  I couldn't handle a long good bye.  I would've been bawling my eyes out.  Having to pull out of that driveway and head on to start the road trip was unbelievably difficult.  And now it's all I can think about. My heart is heavy.

It's Not Good-Bye; It's See You Later

Me with Maren and Yuan the last night I saw them

One of the most bittersweet things here at the AFL is meeting new people because it means eventually you have to say good bye to them.  People come to Byron for visits, not typically to stay long term.

Kyle

You make friends with them, hang out with them, go to the beach with them, and then they travel elsewhere.  The nice thing is that you meet people through people and the overlap of friendships is constant.  You're definitely never alone.

Alice

Nonetheless, I have still had a few people leave since I have been at the AFL. First it was Maren and Yuan.  They came to Byron when I did after our week at Spot X; they only stayed for a few days.  One of my friends from California left a week ago already, and now, my friend Alice leaves today at 11 AM.  I was fortunate enough to see her this morning in the kitchen so I could at least say good bye.  The nice thing about Alice leaving is that she just started her one year visa, so she plans on traveling, but also plans on coming back to Byron again.  That will be awesome to see her a couple of months down the road.  It'll be like a reunion.

Conor

Contrary to the people who leave are the people trapped by the cool vibes of the AFL, unable to leave.  Conor was one of those.  He had actually planned on only staying for 2 nights; it turned into over two weeks.  He even had a bus scheduled at one point; an hour before he was meant to leave, he decided he was going to stay for a few more days, even though he couldn't get his money back for the bus he missed.  I believe he actually leaves Australia today to head back home.

Douglas

 Then there are the people who get jobs and plan on staying in Byron for the long haul.  I am extremely happy for my friend Douglas in that aspect.  He was running low on money and was thinking about leaving Byron to head back to Sweden, but yesterday he found out he got the bus driving job at the AFL.  He already did his farm work so now he just needs to apply for his second year visa.  He plans on staying in Byron for another 6 months.

At Kelly's in Oshkosh. Note: Even the bar owner is in this picture.

It's funny because the AFL reminds me a lot of my home back in Oshkosh.  It's known as a college town--the university is really what keeps the town alive, in my opinion.  My favorite bar attracts all kinds of people, and it really becomes a big family.  So many of the people I hang out with back home either have worked at Kelly's, do work at Kelly's, or drink religiously at Kelly's.  The problem is that when they graduate and need to find real jobs, they leave Oshkosh, sometimes to different parts of the country.  They almost always come back at some point or another, but it feels like losing a family member.

I'm experiencing the same sort of feeling here in Byron Bay; bittersweet is the perfect word for life here at the AFL.