...Arts Factory. The Nunnery. Scuba Diving at Julian Rocks...

I'm now in the lovely Byron Bay. As I've headed down the East Coast I've heard some amazing stories of this place, its energy and the lifestyle that surrounds it and I'm pleased to say that all my expectations have been exceeded.

I've managed to get myself a place staying in the renowned backpackers the Arts Factory that is so much more than your normal run of the mill hostel. Sited on an old hippy commune the place still has that easy going, relaxed, communal vibe about it today. Set back from the main street of Byron its almost like being in your own little world as everything you need is on site with wonderful extras like hammocks over looking the lake, a swimming pool, yoga workshops, reiki treaments, a cinema, entertainment at the Buddha Bar and the chance to learn massage, which I'll be starting towards the end of the week.

As the dorm I originally booked into is unavailable I've been bumped up to a better class room 'The Nunnery'. This place is ace and has to be the best place I've stayed in. The room is lovely with its own kitchenette, bathroom and private outside area (luxuries for backpackers). And for those of you wondering why it's called the Nunnery it's because it's for ladies only. However, this place isn't short of different style accommodation with people camping in the woods or staying in tepees and converted buses.

One of the highlights of being in Byron Bay is the Julian Rocks Marine Reserve, one of Australia's top ten dive sites. Not wanting to waste time I headed out for the first two scheduled dives this morning to explore the underwater world of the area. This site was completely different to what I've dived before and it was an amazing experience. It's probably the most deadly dive I've done to date being surrounded by Grey Nurse sharks, Wobbegong sharks, Jelly Fish & Sea Urchins pretty intense but bloody exciting. On my second dive I had a guide to myself so we were able to have quite an in depth dive searching for species of marine life I haven't seen before such as Nudibranchs (a tiny sea slug that is known as the Jewel of the Sea due to its beautiful stunning array of colours). The guide was ace as we managed to find quite a few, he must have eyes like a hawk, and we got to study them in quite some detail with a magnifying glass. Afterwards I met up with fellow nun Jen and we relaxed on Byron's main beach as the day ended.

Also been checking out some of the nightlife here. Jen and me headed down to the Buddha Bar last night for a couple and I randomly met a girl called Laura who was born in the same hospital as me. Tonight Ashley arrived in Byron Bay so him, Jen, and me were joined by fellow nun Cathryn, her brother Patrick, and some guys who Jen knew for a few at the Beach House Hotel. Was quite a giggle and got us in the mood for our road trip to Nimbin tomorrow.

Photo: Mural at Arts Factory

[Next blog entry: Nimbin Monday September 17th 2007]