The Share House experience

September 5th, 2002 at 12:00am

Where to begin? The Share House, my new home in Byron Bay, is really a home. Everyone here already feels like family. This place is a house, owned by Tiny, a big Australian man who could be described as anything BUT tiny. There are a few bedrooms here with bunkbeds, a big living room with couches, pillows, and tv, and a yard with a fire pit just perfect for gathering every night. Which in fact is where I’m at at the present moment, sitting here with 7 others – Steph from Germany who’s also writing in her journal, Carlos my roomate from Sweden, Tom the Englishman who’s birthday was yesterday (he’s 26), Libby an Australian girl, 2 other Australians who stopped by for a 30-minute visit on their way to Brisbane about 6 hours ago, and Noam, and Israeli guy who runs the house bar and is an absolute saint for bringing me over some candy a minute ago.

Others are watching a movie, and others still are out in the town for the night. Last night on Tom’s birthday we had a big barbeque and several drinks from Noam’s bar before going out later for drinks. The thing that makes this place so great is the type of people it attracts – friendly, nice, interesting, funny, and genuine. It’s a world away from Aquarius which is the place I came from.

There are several people here who intended to stay a week and wound up spending months. It’s just that kind of place. In the house there’s a vcr, board games, cards, surfboards, body boards, and bikes – all available to use for free. The beach is a 5-minute walk away, the shops and bars are about a 2-minute walk.

What else do you need?

Tomorrow I am planning to do 2 dives to see how the diving is here. I’ve found a good yoga class which I’ve taken twice this week at 2 hours/class. Other than that I’ve taken many long walks on the beach and spent all other time at the house.

The fire is warm, conversation is good, and I’m surrounded by good people here.

Me and Kate watching the sunset

Kate and Tiny, the owner of the Share House

(from left) Noam (Israel), Aky (Argentina), and Steph (Germany)

Entry Filed under: Australia,Byron Bay