The Gold Coast

August 30th, 2002 at 12:00am

Wow. It’s been a long time since I’ve written in the journal, over 3 weeks I think. The time has absolutely flown by since I’ve been in Australia. And with my family being here and then the website being down for almost 2 weeks, well I just didn’t have a chance to keep up. But I’m back now, yeah, time to document again.

I left Sydney last Sunday and I’ve been on the Gold Coast ever since. I’m staying with a friend who I met while in Sapa, Vietnam back in January. His name is Alan, he’s 74 years old, and he’s been volunteering the majority of his time helping the H’mong people in Vietnam for the last 6 years. With him having spent so much time there and me having been completely Asia-ed out when I arrived here, we have a lot in common and much to talk about.

It’s been a great break from travelling to be able to stay in a house with my own room and bed and real sheets and blankets.

We haven’t done very much at all this week actually besides walk on the beach and sit around talking and watch tv in the evening and I’ve been completely content with that. It’s only a 10-minute walk to the beach from Alan’s house and a 20-minute drive up to Surfer’s Paradise so it’s a perfect location. I was really fortunate that he invited me to stay anytime.

I can’t believe that I’ve been in Australia for 4 weeks now that I think about it. The time has really flown by, I know I’ve already said it, but it has. For now I’ve got a flight back to Bangkok on September 10th, but I already feel like I want to stay longer. I guess I’ll decide about it once I leave Alan’s place and am back in the backpacker world again. I plan on heading out either tomorrow or the next day.

My friend and walking buddy Alan

Tropical rainforest

Entry Filed under: Australia,Gold Coast