After an action- packed week by the beach, I have learned a few things.

1) I really need to take advantage of all the ocean activities I have enjoyed here when I get home. I learned to surf, went ocean kayaking with dolphins, morning yoga on the sand, running on the shoreline, and even just reading my book while listening to the waves. All these things made me happy, but they are all at home and I never actually do them.

2) there are no pennies here. I'm not sure how I didn't realize it before, but when you pay for things everything is rounded to the nearest 5 cent. There is no one cent piece.

3) it is possible to get sea sick while kayaking.... Very very sea sick. But realizing how awesome and powerful the ocean is when it starts raining while you are kayaking in the middle of the ocean might be worth it.

4) Irish girls are crazy. Now I know this is probably not true of all of them, but I met a group of Irish girl who I went drinking with and all sorts of craziness ensued. I thought it was hilarious, but still a leftover bit of craziness.

5) there is no point in trying to wash sand off until I leave. It is everywhere.

6) living out of a backpack in public space sucks! My soap, face wash, toothpaste, and toothbrush went permanently missing :(. I am pretty sure it just ended up in one of the girls' stuff when they left but it still sucks.

7) rainbow multicolored parrots are like pigeons here. They are more like pests than pretty animals.

And finally 8) California really does have the best weather in the world. Weather here is suppose to be really nice and it is for the most part, but not quite as good. we really are spoiled.

On to surfers paradise for a couple days tomorrow, then finally brisbane for a few weeks. Wish me luck!