Eco village at Currumbin

On the south end of the Gold Coast there is a little pocket tucked just seven kilometers off the shore where a group of people have chosen to live sustainably on an intentional community: the Ecovillage. With heavy hearts we depart from our stay with Barry and Celia. At their gorgeous home we helped tear down and rebuild a new and improved chook run. It was hard work in the sunshine and in the rain but we enjoyed the whole of it. Barry and Celia were such an inspiration to us when it came not only to the way they chose to build their home and live a sustainably led life, but also with their positive attitude. They are a retired couple who originate from New Zealand and have found happiness in the village. We were abler oboist the village coffee shop and see many of the different houses that have been built within the three different areas. Celia's cooking was phenomenal and she has directed me in my new found way of cooking pumpkin for things other than pie! Barry had a sense of humor like no other and we had to listen very closely or else we would miss out.

Being in the subtropics it did rain a fair amount, hence the lack of pictures from not wanting to take the camera out in the rain but we have got it all stored upstairs.

We took a barefoot hike to the top on one of the highest hills in the village and it was a very liberating experience. Just as we left it was barely drizzling out and in the distance we could hear an odd sound. As it grew closer and we began to make a clear picture of our confusion, it was the rain heading toward us in a sheet. Granted we got soaked but we really did love seeing some of the slimy creatures that come out in the rain.

We are headed just west of Byron Bay next on a greyhound bus that smells of damp clothes and stale coffee. Good thing it is just over an hour and a half away.

Until the next stop,
Jes and Brian

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

This is a place that I would highly recommend to anyone who ever spends any time on the Gold Coast. The price was reasonable and it was totally worth a day trip to go. We were able to catch the bus and get a reasonable ticket.

At the sanctuary we were able to see lots of animals both in the natural habitat and those, like king brown snakes, safely behind glass. We saw a fresh water crocodile that has a pretty cool pointy snout but it had absolutely nothing on the saltwater one that was five meters, that's fifteen feet long. When we saw it we were both very happy to know that we were well outside of its reach. Our only complaint of the day was that there was loads of mosquitoes, referred to here as mozzies, so we caved and bought overpriced, roll-on bug spray. Regardless we were tough and continued our wonderful adventure.

The were two highlights of the day. Feeding kangaroos right out of our hand, both large grey ones and and little red ones too! And we held a koala bear, yes a real life koala bear! We were absolutely the happiest ever. I actually had goosebumps after holding it. We got our photo taken and printed, and it was well worth every cent we spent. You would be surprised about what they felt like, their fur is so soft soft and thick it feels just like a stuffed animal. It was amazing.

Just to complete the list we also saw some peacocks, dingos, emus, wallabies, birds that we can't quite remember the names of, frogs, lizards, and plenty of other tourists too, which sometimes can be the most interesting to watch!

After we had seen everything we took a quick stroll to the beach just down the road and were able to climb up to the top of a rock with stairs named elephant rock (why it was named that we are still unsure) but there were some breathtaking views of the ocean and coastal cities from the top. It was a wonderful way to end a great day!

Until the next stop,
Jes and Brian

We play for claps.

Tuesday night on the strip in Surfer's Paradise, we went out for a nice meal at an Irish resturant. Brian of course got bangers and mash while I chose the seafood basket, both accompanied by nice cold beers. When were were finished, after waiting ages for the waitress to bring us our check and then proceed to almost forget to collect it we went for a stroll to see some the people who come out at night.

James, a man of many talents first showed us his ability to ride a mini bike while standing, and then proceeded to juggle three very large machete like knives. This was the smaller of the two stunts we saw. He then climbed upon an eight foot high unicycle with the support from three very large male volunteers from the audience. He overcame a bit of wibble wobbling and when he regained his balance he not only juggled those three knives again but his passed one right under his leg having to take his foot off the pedal! It was amazing.

There was also an aboriginal man just down the way playing his digiredo. His ability to circular breathe and keep a rhythm was highly impressive. Needless to say Brian was very jealous and has set a lifetime goal of achieving such perfection in the art of playing a termite hollowed out eucalyptus branch. He also played us the interpretive sounds of the animals that come from the Australian bush. These included the dingo, kookaburra, kangaroo, and emu. Being from central Queensland he has grown up with these animals as well as his musical abilities. He spoke to the crowd saying "donations are nice and welcome, but mostly we just play for claps."

Street performers deserve high regards as they play because of their passion and love of performance for people from all walks of life, not just those who can afford tickets to the theater.

Until next time,
Jes and Brian.

Living a life of luxury, just outside of paradise

For around the last ten days or so we have been staying in an absolutely gorgeous home just outside of surfer's paradise with a women named Jo, her son Tyler, (who is absolutely adorable and could just play all day, it's great!) and her au pair Angelina, who is from Korea. Few we're lucky enough to grab this stay through our friend Leah who stayed here just about this time last year. It was really fate you see because the same day that Jo posted that she needed some help on the helpx website that we have been using, I was able to get in contact with her through Leah. So really the odds were in our favor. Jo has been nice enough to let use her car, tell about the great spots around, and introduce us to her mom and a whole lot of her friends!

From the back deck the is a stunning view of the surfers skyline with the Q tower front and center. And just on the edge of the yard there is a river way where many people take their boats, jet skis etc out to the ocean. Very cool. And the best part is, there are a pair of crab pots tied to the end of the dock that we have been checking regularly while we are here and we were lucky enough to catch some, cook them, and enjoy the tasty meat all within the week.

The work has been nice, and Jo is very flexible when it comes to getting time off as long as everything gets done we have been doing some yard work, basic house duties, and helping her package some goods for her business. In our spare time we have taken a few little trips out of the town, had a dip in the pool, and watched the movies on the nice big screen in the media room. It's been a tough life for a backpacker really. Hah.

None the less, we are going to be very upset when we have to leave from this little piece of paradise, but we are looking forward to seeing more the of the beautiful Gold Coast as well!

Until later,
Jes and Brian

Let's Get Brizzy.

Yesterday we went to big bad Brisbane and it was a ball to say the least. We were able to take a short, and fairly painless train ride into the city where our first stop was the Milton station. Right across the road is the xxxx (4ex) brewery and bottling facility. We were very excited go in the tour of the factory but we weren't quite as lucky as we thought we might be since they were all booked up. But regardless we went on, what Brian refers to as "the short tour," aka head to the pub and have a pint. We were shocked at the price of beer there though, only 5$ a pint. That's a steal anywhere else. While we were there, we were lucky enough to see a guy having his bachelor party (sorry we weren't brave enough to take pictures) because he was actually wearing a wedding gown. It was hysterical. We both agreed that it made up for not being able to actually go on the tour.

Back on the train and the next stop was South Brisbane where we were able to check out the Queensland museum, which was free! We have come to terms with the fact that it may be the only free museum we have ever been to and it was spectacular. There was a history of how Queensland was settled, animals and plants of the area, tons of stones that can be found and mined in the state, as well as a great deal of aboriginal history along with lots of artifacts. These included, but not limited to: drums, spears, clothes,pots, chest plates, among other bits and pieces that have been collected over the years.

After four levels of the museum we walked across the Victoria bridge crossing the river the bisects Brisbane and headed straight for the shops. The queen street mall was very cool as in it says both inside and it, as well as above ground and below. We didn't have a shopping spree or anything, but just one pair of sandals was purchased (for Jes of course).

To end our day of adventure we went on the Ferris wheel that was located just near the train station and in the heart of the cultural center. They gave us a little tour of the city via speaker while we took our twelve minute ride around and around. Each minute there was a new point of interest that was pointed out on the skyline.

Just as a heads up, we went to the beach for the morning and have successfully made it to our next stop with a woman named Jo-Anne. There is much more to come about it! Stay posted!

Until later,
Jes and Brian