Hey, I'm still in Cairns. Why? because I've been sorting out my future travel plans - the biggest change is chucking New Zealand out of my itinerary... See I have 6 weeks to do the East coast of Australia and also travel Christchurch to Auckland in New Zealand, however instead of doing 2 rush jobs I would rather do one at ease (Australia wins because it's hotter here!) I know - I'm so sad!

So, within the next couple of days I'm going to do a day trip to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef - I love snorkelling so that's gonna be so cool. I also want to do Daintree and Cape Tribulation (the only place in the world I think where Rainforest meets the sea)! A loss of my bank cards, driving license and faithful tattered boots also set me back but I'm cool.

It really is a lovely town. So laid back... Maya's leaving on Wednesday for Brisbane to volunteer so I'll be lonesome again but atleast I've had company til now. I'm staying in an ALL GIRLS hostel by the way. Anthony said that it sounded dodgy to him, and cos some girls were within listening range at the time I had to be very subtle about confirming that it is what it sounds (well in the Lonely Planet it says it is well known for lesbians to stay there), but of course there are straight girls there as well and the bonus is that it's mega mega clean - I don't even think hostel is the right word, it's just so CLEAN and is hoovered, disinfected and cleared out every morning! (not by me of course).

I joined my first belly dance class in 6 MONTHS yesterday. The teacher was very good but her advanced class was not really advanced enough for me, though I did learn some great new moves and I'm glad it wasn't a difficult first class. I was so happy afterwards, just being able to shimmy again.

Til next time, Rish xxx