...Sunrise from the Most Easterly Point of Australia. Massage course. Massage Angel. Bush Tucker Walk. Fire performers. Working for accommodation...

I'm absolutely loving Byron Bay, this place is wonderful and doing me the world of good. I'm managing to really connect with my creative and spiritual side plus have loads of fun.

I saw one of the most spectacular sights of my trip this week, which was the sunrise at the Most Easterly Point of Australia. Was pretty cool knowing I was one of the first people in Oz to see the world beginning even if it meant waking up at silly o'clock to do it. We had lovely clear skies so could take in the whole event, seeing the sun's rays touch and lighten everything in their path. Viewing the iconic lighthouse of Byron Bay and the land surrounding it being woken up by the early morning light was something else.

One of the best parts of this week was doing the beginners part of my massage course. I learnt so much about how the body functions and how quite literally you can rub someone up the wrong way. Massage and bodyworks have always been interests of mine and I'm so pleased I now know how to give a proper full body massage. Zinnea our instructor was amazing and was one of the first people in Australia to graduate as a naturopath, so I feel quite privileged to have learnt at her hands. Some of the benefits of the course were also receiving a full body massage from out partner and now that we are trained we could also become Massage Angels.

Massage Angels give 10 minute neck, shoulder and back massages in return for a cash donation. I did a couple of shifts this week for a few hours at a tacky backpackers bar called Cheeky Monkeys. Working my magic I managed to walk away with quite a bit of cash which will go nicely to the Kelly Dove Travel Fund.

Other than the massage course I've been spending my time going to yoga, poi workshops, swimming and sunbathing. Also went on a Bush Tucker walk round the Arts Factory where we learnt how indigenous people lived off the land for food and medicines and how we could do the same if stranded in the bush. In the evenings been spending my time at the Buddha Bar where one night they had an amazing family of fire performers. The young girl spinning a flaming hula-hoop round her body was something else.

I've decided to stay here a bit longer than I initially planned so have decided to work for my accommodation. Many people do it whilst they travel to help with funds and means you only have to do a few hours or work a day and get to spend the rest of it in the sunshine. I've been allocated the wonderful job of cleaner! Admittedly people here aren't animals so makes my job nice and easy and I've managed to blag a few free nights in the Nunnery before I have to move into staff accommodation.

Photo: Sunrise at the Most Easterly Point of Australia

[Next blog entry: Byron Bay Friday September 28th 2007]