Disappointed to have missed Surfers Paradise in-between, it took a matter of hours to reach the neighbouring state, to get to fantastic Byron Bay. Outside to greet us was a line of hostel reps, with instant pressure, I had a quick browse in the Lonely Planet before choosing Backpackers Inn on the spot. For 1 night, Aman & I went separate ways for her to visit her grand-aunt nearby and I pitched a bed in an all-girls dorm. Brought back school memories of MH years living in the Manor with lik-features. The hostel didn't live up to my expections that I had decided to relocated next daylight. Arts Factory has a reputation of being a 'hippy haven', slightly isolated and when I arrrived, I realised why it's my favourite place of Oz! With so much creativity & colour, the Arts Facotry exceeded my thoughts when I read the Lonely Planet recommendations. It consists everything you need that you wouldn't want to leave! Even has its own cinema with cow-prints leather sofas (Jods' ideal abode!), Balinese Spa and Buddha's restaurant & bar. Aman came by the afternoon, we spent the day chilling at the Factory. Tempted for a luxury spa, we resisted ourselves for Indonesia, we settled for drinks at Buddha's, which appeared a tad expensive than we'd hoped. Still no excuse not to indulge a glass of wino or two! On a beautiful sunny morning after breakfast, there was free digeridoo lessons on offer when a musician encouraged us to try out. Dusting off our instrumental skills, it appeared we couldn't gain any musical skills, 'spluttering' our best, pah! Still managed a few tries.. Curious to see THE Byron Bay everyone speaks highly of, at Wategos Beach by foot we could see the smooth waves many surfers have come for. Not only were the waves were pretty good, the surfers were even better! *chuckles* Reaching the other end at Cape Byron, boasting the most easterly point of Australia, we hoped to spot some dolphins there. Not so lucky, we gave up after half a hour, continuing our step aerobics to see the lighthouse, overlooking the whole bay. Back in town, we treated ourselves to Byron's famous dish, we had hoki fish & chips before gearing up for the nightlife. With plenty of 'grog' (Oz term for booze) at Beaches hotel, we spent the night meeting new people, or rather intoxicated people and dancing from floors to tables @ Cheeky Monkey's, till the end, it was definitely a wild night to remember, for time to come. Recommended by Andre, we already had Jim's Alternative Tour booked beforehand, with our immaculate timing, we weren't feeling top-notch, waking up with hangovers looming. With the driver's regrettable commentary, stopping every 5 mins to crack a joke, not so amused being on a bumpy bus, with narratives bumblings, Aman came to the end of her tether & chucked up. Now that is what I call light entertainment! Heh. Feeling bit fresher with Nimbin's market appeals, (in Andre's term, 'dopetown') we browsed all sorts, from fishermen pants & bags to scarfs & jewellerys, we were glad to have suffered the dreadful journey. Till lunch hour passed, we were taken to an orchard farmland & a lodge where several people rolled up their joints, cracking nuts. Not an usual fan of watermelons, there I definitely tasted the best & sweetest, sitting among other people in harmony. The day ended early enough for us to return back in Byron Bay in time for our bus. With a long-haul drive down to Sydney, I was sad to leave my favourite place and imagined it won't be forever till I return. S x