Another very early start this morning to get the Greyhound down to Surfers Paradise for the day, before continuing on this evening to Byron Bay, where we'll be for three nights. I will definitely be napping when we get back on the bus!

Surfers Paradise sort of looks how I imagine Miami to be like, what with the tower blocks, bronzed beach bunnies, clear blue sky and pale golden sands. Jim seems to think it's more like Benidorm! It is a little bit naff but a different kind of naff to the inbred tackiness of Cairns. In fact, I quite like it here! But I'm glad we're not staying here to witness the night time carnage that will no doubt ensue (I think Benidorm will definitely be a more accurate description come nightfall!).

We've had a very enjoyable, relaxing day here. We went to a few cafes to get our tea fixes and spent the majority of our time toasting in the sunshine on the beach. I had a wander around the town and that's about it.

I'm really looking forward to Byron Bay though. I've heard loads about the hippyish, chilled out atmosphere there and I'm imagining beautiful beaches, loads of independent cafes (I'm hoping the fast food chains won't be there) and lots of proper travellers. I don't actually feel like I've seen any real travellers since I've been here, just lots of 18-30s holidaymakers. But then maybe I'm just imagining a student-ish, slightly arty stereotype that doesn't exist outside of my head! I think what I really want is to meet some people like my friends at home, though naturally they won't be as cool!

Anyway, will write again when we've landed in Byron!

Love you lots x x x