Had a really nice relaxing last day in Cairns today. Went to the lagoon with Jenny from my room in the morning, which was really nice. I'd seen postcards of the fish sculptures and did wonder where they were, and they are at the lagoon! It's really nice down there, and I had a lovely walk along the promenade by the sea.

Just hung out in the town centre really, having a good look around and catching up with emails and so on. I finally phoned for my Fraser Island tour refund, only 30% of the tour price, but I guess it's better than nothing and it seems like that's the best we're going to get. I don't think it's good enough to be honest, and the letter we got from the manager didn't really attempt to explain what had gone wrong, so I couldn't be bothered to argue with them. Especially as I'm leaving Australia tomorrow and don't really have the time or the inclination to take the company on. The other girls I've spoken to have said they're not going to recommend that company to anyone else, so I guess they probably will lose out on some income along the way.
I guess at least we did get some money back, so I probably shouldn't complain too much.

It does feel a bit strange finally leaving Australia as I feel like I've been here forever!! Travellers Oasis is also a really nice hostel and so it's a shame to leave, but I'm glad that I've had a really good time for the last bit of my Australia trip as I get to leave on a good note. I am excited about going to Tokyo, but also still a little apprehensive as to what it will really be like.
A few people who I've met who have been there have said that people are really helpful, there are signs in English, and it isn't as mad and as hectic as everyone makes out. However, I am going there at holiday time, so who knows what it will really be like!
I also feel like the time I've been away has just sped by!! It's so weird when that happens isn't it? You feel like you've been away forever, but also like you only left yesterday! I am looking forward to the last leg of my trip, seeing as I'll be home in just over a week's time as well! I'm not looking forward to 11 and a half hours on the plane home, but I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed and having other clothes to wear!! I'm not really tired of wearing the clothes I've got, but it will be nice to wear other clothes again!!

Caught up with Laura who'd been on the Karunda skyrail today, which looked really cool. I did want to do that too, but I just wanted a nice easy day today. Had lots of washing to do today, and was happy to just hang out in Cairns. Glad I got to see the lagoon and the promenade, as I'll be missing the sea when I get to Tokyo! I'll be missing it more when I get home too, so I'll have to jaunt to the seaside one weekend after I get home!
My flight tomorrow isn't until about Noon, so thankfully I don't have to get up too early. Will need to be at the airport around 9am I guess, but luckily a taxi only takes about 10 minutes to get to the aiport. There's also a shuttle bus, but that's only about $8 cheaper and takes about 45 minutes!! I'd rather take a taxi if that takes a fifth of the time and isn't really much more expensive!!

Will be sad to leave Oz and the hostel, though it will be nice to go to a hotel in Tokyo. Ahhhh, my own room and my own bathroom - yippeeee!