8 - Clermont, Emerald Queensland.

Yes so I have a job as a bar maid!! Woohoo it's in the smallest outback town you could imagine, and it's now my home for the next 3 months. I set off from Brisbane on Thursday and was sad to say goodbye to some great friend...who I'm sure I will see again. I took the coach to Brisbane airport where I flew to a small town called Emerald, from there I was greeted by Leanne the hotel owner and driven an hour to Clermont.

Arriving in Clermont I was delighted I had a motel room to myself, fridge, cooking equipment, double bed and a wardrobe which is pure luxury, for the backpacker I have become. To be able to put my stuff in draws was amazing and my own bathroom where I could keep my straightener, and not be sharing with 10 others was amazing.

Clermont and the grand hotel is a pretty special place, it's such a country town with such few people I feel privileged the have the chance to live here for a few months. It's a country place, the punters in the pub wear cowboy hats and drink lots and lots of xxxx gold beer. The music on the juke box is always Toby Keith, Allan Jackson or other country artist...Charlie thank god you introduced me to this kinda music before I came here, I can even sing along. Honestly I think you and Kris would love it here, it's all about rodeos, horse riding and country living, it reminds me of you everyday!

The bar work is fun aswel, having been here 4 days, I feel I have met most of the town and know all the locals drinks...Cassie thanks for the bar work tips, love you babes ;)

The weather is really hot and being quite far inland there is not too much of a breeze, which means it feels as hot as it is. About 33 most days. Luckily there is a local swimming pool in huge town which you can go too for the day, just to keep the tan alive. Today was my first day off and with Polly anther backpacker one of the locals took us to a Sapphire Mine where we found some beautiful stones which he will cut for us and set into rings...amazing! Granny you would have loved it, all different sapphire stone colours the Ruby's reminded me of your collection!

I'l keep you updated with my life in the country town...
Laura xxxx

Ps Mum and Dad have a lovely time in Barbados, you deserve an incredible holiday, then next stop Australia :) xxxx