Gold Coast

Me, Emily, & Mai
about to take a photo when a sneak wave came

Me and 12 other internationals took a bus into Brissie on Friday (so much more fun staying in a hostel where you know everyone in your room). That night we walked around the city and ate dinner at an Italian place along South Bank. Later on we all went to an Irish pub, which of course, had a great selection of American 80’s music that we all danced to. The next morning we got on a train and headed to Surfer’s Paradise along the Gold Coast. There was a slight chance of rain, and the whole train ride there I was itching to jump in the water. The second we arrived, we all changed into to our swimsuits and headed straight for the ocean. I have never seen a beach where skyscrapers were literally built all the way up to the sand. It’s definitely a trendy place, and apparently where all the annoying 18-21 year olds party (basically everyone my age). First time at an Australian beach, FINALLY! I have seen the other side of the Pacific Ocean, and it was beautiful! Even in winter, the water was sooo much warmer than the Oregon coast. I understand why it has the name Surfer’s Paradise because the waves were HUGE and close to shore. When you’re swimming you really have to look out for the waves. After a few trial and errors, a face full of sand and a nose full of water, I think I got the hang of swimming in this part of the ocean. Basically, if a wave taller than 5 ft is coming towards you, dive STRAIGHT into it, or the surf will break over your head. I suppose the other option is to just not swim as far out, but where’s the fun in that? We tried to lie out on the beach afterwards, but it was just too cold. We walked around the ritzy shopping area for a couple hours, had fish & chips near the beach, and then headed back to hit up some of the night clubs in Brissie. Sunday morning we went to a regional food and wine festival in the city, with (a college kids dream) free samples of cheeses, yogurt, bread, and fruit. We finally ended up in the Botanical Gardens and then headed back to Toowoomba early afternoon. Fantastic time in the city and at Surfer’s, can’t wait to explore more of the Aussie coast! 

Surfer's!

Matt, Mai, Kate, Me, Linn, Linn's Finnish friend, Emily, Silvana, Rebekka

Kate & I
tree pose on the beach :)

Matt, Mai, Emily, Me, David
in the hostel 

local yogurt, for freeeee