Cairns- Queensland

Mike left Sunday night and I've been staying with a friend and her family, Jess Lipman from IH, the last week while I try and find work. I'm completely broke! I came up here with the idea and hopes of getting work on a dive boat to explore more of the Great Barrier Reef, but it's not looking too promising. It's the low season now and not many boats are hiring. I don't have any contacts here either which doesn't help when that's what matters up here. The Lipmans are only a 15min bike into the main city center so I've been riding down nearly everyday to the marina asking around if anyone needs crew. I've gotten to where I'm volunteering just to get out on a boat but its that slow that no one needs help. I've learned too that tourism is down (mainly from Japan which is the majority of tourism dollars) b/c of swine flu fears. ugh. Not only do I want to work out on the water, I'm also really interested in finding work on a farm. I recently joined WWOOF; willing workers on organic farms. There are all sorts of host farms/families that are members that take you in, give you a bed, and feed you in return for work. Could be anything from cattle mustering, fencing, caring for the animals, picking fruit, weeding, cooking, general farm maintenance, yoga/meditation retreats, horse farms, you name it. Google it if you're more interested, it sounds like a great opportunity to get off the beaten track and settle in with an Aussie family. I've emailed several hosts but only one has written back saying they're booked up until October. Hopefully something turns up!

Other than looking for work, I've just been hanging out here in Cairns. Wish I had more money during this downtime to get out more but oh well. The Cairns Festival is going on all this month so there's always something going on in town. Next weekend there is a reggae festival in the botanic gardens I think I'll go to. One of the headliners I saw at Blues Fest back in April I really liked and few other bands I know of so should be a good show. Always like discovering new musicians too :)

Jess and I going for a hike tomorrow at a place called the Pyramids. All I know is its just south of here and she's making it out to be quite the hike so looking forward to that!

All for now, Jess has a pool so think I'll go for a cool off swim.

Cheers