...Massage course completed. Full moon at the Most Easterly Point. Dinner at the Church. Move to staff accommodation...

This week has been amazing. I've had some wonderful new experiences and met some interesting people.

I completed the second part of my massage course today. We focused on other modalities in bodyworks including aromatherapy, meridians, reflexology and pregnancy massage. This course was truly amazing and I've learnt so much. It's enabled me to really get in touch with myself and have a greater understanding of not only my body but our inner energy and how that reacts to the environment and the world around us.

Last night I had a pretty remarkable experience. It was the full moon and as some of you may know I have a slight obsession with the moon. I love the sun but am romanced by the moon. It's got such an amazing power and a full moon can cause all types of mischief and mayhem.

I was completely unaware that it was a full moon until I saw the wonderful silvery glowing orb in the sky. It was so beautiful and whilst having a drink at the Buddha Bar with a few people I'd met Steve the Gardner and me decided to head off to the Light House to view the moon in all its beauty. It was such a spectacular sight because the only light pollution at the Most Easterly Point of Australia is the beam from the Light House but this wasn't enough to affect the force of the moon.

The whole area surrounding us was dipped in the most intense silver glow. It was truly breathtaking as the reflection on the water mimicked the startling night sky. Steve had brought his binoculars so we were able to admire all the craters and matter of the moon and discussed the wonderful intense energy that is present at Byron Bay. You can really feel the power of Mother Nature here as there is such a life-force in everything around you. It's easily understandable why Byron is renowned for its healing and spiritual qualities.

Prior to my moon experience a group of us from the Arts Factory had gone down to the local Church for dinner. Pretty random I know but on a Thursday the Church does a buffet style dinner in return for a gold coin donation. It was a wonderful meal and a great way to see how the community integrates and comes together here. It's wonderful when you start to get under the surface of somewhere and get more than just a touristy view of a place.

The other nights of the week I've been enjoying the free sauna & hot tub at the Arts Factory, been wowed by an even more elaborate display of fire performance from Lumiere, and working as a Massage Angel. Tonight I got my highest donation for a ten minute neck & shoulder massage which was $50 (for you kids at home that's about £25) and I got recommended to his friends who gave equally high amounts. Sweet! Then headed off to a beach party afterwards.

During the days I've been swimming and sunbathing lots plus carrying on with my wonderful working for accommodation job as a cleaner (thankfully the people here aren't animals). Also moved from the lovely Nunnery into Staff Accommodation. I'm now sharing a shoebox dorm with three very messy boys, a complete and utter contrast to the Nunnery. But they're nice lads and it all adds to the experience.

Photo: Section of the mural at the Arts Factory

[Next blog entry: Byron Bay Tuesday October 2nd 2007]