Getting Groovy in Goldie With Some Cheeky Times In Byron!

First holiday in Australia was amazing, I've learnt so much through out the last 2 weeks or so which has really helped me learn some new life lessons that will be really useful in the future.

The holiday started with us worrying about the money budget, which I must say after the first day there was no budget and the only budget I had in mind was to have as much fun and live a proper gap year life!

The 16th April we departed from Sydney airport at 10 o'clock to fly up to Brisbane on TigerAir, which is similar to Mango airlines in South Africa - maybe a little worse. As excited as a teenage boy would be going on his first holiday in a different country with 2 good mates, I was pretty scared flying on the airlines but at the end of the day it got us to were we wanted to be and got us there safely. We arrived in Brisbane and checked into our Backpacker accommodation after that it was time to travel so Connor, Mark and I were in a big rush to see and hold a Koala Bear at the Lone Park Koala Sanctuary, so after an expensive taxi ride we arrived at the park and managed to hold the famous Koala bear and feed some hungry kangaroos along with taking a lot of selfies with the funny looking creatures.It was an amazing experience and was worth every penny. The night time approached along with some funny games that the backpackers hosted. Brisbane I was told is well known for their night life. I must say I cant agree with that but what I can say we all had huge amounts of fun and I can now say that I have experienced Brisbane. It was an early night because we had to depart for Gold Coast early morning.

Next Stop, Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise, The Vegas in OZ, whatever you want to call it because that place is amazing! Full of fun people and always has something going on in the city. Its a place to go to no matter what. The first stop of the day was the beach to get our hair salty and feet sandy! The biggest smile was on our faces as we walked onto the sand but what made my Gold Coast trip was the smile Connor had on his face as he dived into the blue ocean it was like watching a little boy open his first Christmas presant. We spent about an hour on the beach soaking up them UV rays before heading back to the hotel to get ready for the night which started way to early. We decided to go on a party tour whereby they take to to every bar and club and you get free entry. This started at 6:30pm and so did the drink flow...
By 8 o'clock Connor and I had done a strip show for the tour while Mark was squeaking some tekkie on the dance floor. The night had officially started. Gold Coast clubs and pubs are based along a street called 'The Strip' so it pretty sums up the place. It does take its name for being called The Vegas In OZ. As Mark and I have never been to Gold Coast before we decided to experience some special but helerious things that I guess every teenage boy on a gap year experiences. It was a long night and was one to remember. Manged to get home at around 5am to get 3 hours of sleep then head down to the beach for some more salt water in the hair and cleanse our bodies. We had some good laughs but mostly some good scares in a place called Draculas Haunted House. I don't think I've ever been so scared in my life, its actually disgusting as to what humans can do to other humans just for some laughs. I have never been so frightened in my life. We actually took some time to ask ourselves as to why we would pay for such a thing. It made some good memories and some good stains in our pants besides Mark who decided to run to the toilet before entering this place. After all the shenanigans we finally had to depart from the wonderful city of Surfers Paradise and take a bus journey down to Byron Bay where we met up  with the other boys and stay in a little house just outside of the town center and walking distance from the beach.

Welcome to Byron Bay, Cheer Up, Slow Down and Chill Out was the sign board that was on the side of the road as you enter this beautiful town. Besides my Hometown back in South Africa this place is by far the next best thing from the most beautiful land, happiest people and hippiest people then to the bluest ocean, it was just perfect. We were all settled in and ready to get into the ocean. Mark and I surfed till dark and enjoyed the beauty of the scenery and awesome people in the town. That night we headed out into the town all dressed to impress in our Hawaiian shirts and pearly white teeth showing! It was a fun times at a bar called Cheeky Monkeys where you were aloud to go out in you flip flops and boardies. Probably the coolest bar I've been to! To summarize the next couple of day it consisted with a lot of surfing, chilling on the beach and relaxing. The Main Beach consisted of a couple of surf spot like 'The Pass' which was mostly for surfers and long-boarders and was quite a walk away. I did managed to get a stand up surf there and got some really fun ones. Day 3 in Byron, Mark and I decided to take a walk to get Mark a surfboard from the Industrial area just outside Byron where all the board-shapers are based and later in the week with a big smile on his face Mark manged to catch a really good wave on his new board and probably a wave to remember for a life time, that same day I was privileged enough to surf along side some legendary locals at a local spot where the water was crystal clean and every wave just pealed through consistently and barreled to perfection. Probably no words to describe some of the waves that came through but for the surfers out there you would know what it feels like to catch a beaut of a wave. Meeting a couple of locals was a cherry on top of a perfect day. Another highlight that stood out was the hike up to the Byron Bay lighthouse which just was the perfect ending to the holiday. From a good time with the boys and to all the waves caught the holiday had now come to an end. It was difficult saying goodbye to such a perfect town but memories where made, we would all go back at anytime to get that perfect wave, maybe visit Cheeky Monkeys or to see their loved ones but reality has hit us and it is now time to work. I suppose its the life lessons we learn.

I did learn a hell of a lot when traveling to these amazing place and managed to write up a list while waiting in the plane, Poor Mark having to spend an extra $40 on paying for over weight luggage on the plane taught me to only pack half of what you think you will need because you never know what you might find while traveling in this case it was a Surfboard.
Sorting all possible transport and accommodation out before leaving is another important thing I've learnt, what taught me that was the fact we were kicked out our house a day early because we thought we booked for the day after but turns out not so we ended up staying in a Backpackers which turned out to be the coolest experience along with some good laughs.
Stick to budget food like our $5 pizza which probably saved me a lot. Live like bergies people I promise you its fun!

So that pretty much sums up my holiday on the the East Coast of Australia. It was hell of an experience and am so glad I ended up going even tough it drained my bank account. Thanx to the fellas that came along to experience it. Was good seeing all you boys in the green room getting so pitted and wapowing the lip. Thanx to the little sick cat that picked us up at 12 at night to take us home you legend you!

Just a little message to a friend back home who is and always will be a big role model and elderly brother in my life, Jox, Hope you get well soon brother, and that you are back in those pits and back to being the legend you are! Live life to the fullest every day!

Am back to work tomorrow for a while and going to be saving up for the family trip to Thailand which I am buzzing for! Stay tuned for an update.

With Love From OZ!

Hacked.

The PP

Oi Rob! Tongue out!

We trying to talk here.

Fitting in

I do miss Home only 15 720km away

Almost got my first kiss.

Just being Cheeky

Brisbane Bathrooms

Mixed emotions for Brisbane 

Surfers PD

Doing the tourist thing.

Lovely Gold Coast Beaches

The Soul.

The Boys in Paradise

Just viewing the scenery from the room

Straight Faces Boys

The Bar Crawl Crew.

Just having fun

First night in Byron

Mission down to the beach for the sunset on my own

meeting some interesting people and appreciating every moment. 

The sunset crew

The two Saffas at the lighthouse 

Byron sunset.

Deep Blue

Down the bottom are the waves you'll never forget.

The famous Byron Bay 'The Pass'

Absorbing the view.

Little clouds 

Lighthouse Missions.

Most easterly point Of Australia 

Most easterly point on OZ

The Byron Life

Paradise

Shenanigans and Different Accents

Been a slow couple of weeks leading up to the holidays and I am buzzing! We will be flying to Brisbane on the 16th April and will then cruise down the east coast of New South Wales. Renting a house in Byron Bay for 7 nights, surfing every day! That's exactly what I need.

I am enjoying my time here a lot but am missing the taste of biltong on my tongue. It was nice to have a good meal every once in a while and not make the choice of a slice of toast, Maggi noodles or even a tin of tuna. I was grateful enough to be invited to the Skacel household for a lovely dinner, a good old pork roast cooked by mommy Skacel. Reminded me a lot of home and but was good hearing all the stories from a couple of years back.

I've been really stressed over the couple of weeks, a couple of weeks ago I received information that almost caused me to lock myself in a dark room and listen to disturbing music. This news was that I wasn't allowed to surf for a couple of weeks. I was told that I have a serious case of exostosis, so for all you none scientific people its Surfers Ear, its not as cool as it sounds its actually really. Don't worry when the surgeon said I have exostosis I thought it was a smart word for a lot of ear wax. I could not hear for 2 weeks, was terrible and embarrassing especially when you have to say 'HUH' the whole time. Was glad to have the support of 3 British boys, a Canadian and a fellow South African helping me out except Max who thought it was hysterical that I marrow growing out of my ear. With the family support I am still alive and WILL be surfing in Australia this holiday.

JONNY IS A LEGEND BROTHER 4 LYF! (written by the legend himself)

Went to another rugby game which is a shocker for me but its always good fun going to have a few beers with the boys and watching a good game of rugby but not when the South African side is getting pumped. I was excited for the end of the game where we got to meet the players although I had no idea who they even where... although I did learn who the Australian flanker was after Mark was bouncing off the walls to tell me that David Pocock, (the Australian Flanker) liked and commented on his Instagram photo #happiness

So I did promise the boys that I would post a little article of each of them in my newest blog post...so I will keep my promise and will do so.

I will start from shortest to tallest...

Jonathan 'Jonny' Harvey. 

I'm actually not sure if he is the shortest between him and Paddy but will just go with it for the banter. He is the cutest yet strangest charter I've met. Jonathan wants to be South African with a Australian Accent but wants a British Passport. Mate, you can't have them all in life. A very humorous boy with a lot of energy and is always keen for a good chat. I wanted to choose him first on the list because, well he wouldn't leave me alone until I write a post about him. He is also the only guy I know that has kept a full on Australian accent on the whole night out. I will raise a cup of tea to that one. Jonny is the worst when making vital decisions in life because you will make the wrong decision...just saying.
There is a lot to write about the South Austalian Brit but I do need to get through 4 more interesting people. All I can say is thanx for the laughs mate and the future laughs to come! will be fun having you in the Motha CIty in December bru! Goeie More, Hoe gaan dit


Patrick Boyd-Gorst

A very bright, focused and determined type of guy. one of the three British boys in the house and is one of the two who play rugby. A gentleman at most and knows how to charm. Always down for a good cold one or a good chat about things that happen around the world. Loves beer and whiskey. If anything needs to be done ask Paddy! When I arrived I thought he had either lived here for a couple of years or was just a visiting teacher due to his long hair and beard. I know the picture above doesn't match most of the things I've said, although I do like this picture because it firstly reminds me of Clarck from Benchwarmers (my favorite movie) and secondarily it describes his humor. to sum it up he is a good bloke and a general knowledge genius.


Max Maciever

What a character and unique guy. He does make you laugh and sure does love his hair. He reminds me of a blossoming Justin Bieber, a true womanizer but will eventually make his own perfume. A true legend and genuine guy! He does tend to disappears during a night out, I never know where he goes, possibly a refrigerator. Always there to help you out where possible and very positive at anything he does, cant wait for surfing that's for sure. He loves himself but also loves the people around him which makes him the legend he is! Stay golden mate! I consider him a romantic. Happy now?

Connor Joseph O'Neill

The nicest Canadian I have ever met well what am I saying he is Canadian at the end of the day. The first gappie I met when I arrived in Australia. A very open-hearted and friendly human being. He is always open to do new things no matter the bank account and the timing. Always a smile on his dile and a joke up the sleeve. A guy I have learnt a lot from and have gained huge amount of respect for him. Beer is probably his best friend and a little sip of whiskey at 11 o'clock in the morning won't do him any harm even if he works for the school Sargent. Connor has the ability to break his pinky in his first rugby match, coach tennis when he has never played it, beat me at fifa 7-0 or even go for a surf which I am praying that there are no rip currents at any beach he surfs at. A very good person and always there for you no matter what. Dunnie is mine mate!


Mark 'The Bosh' Boshoff

A little boy who grew up in South Africa in a small town called Grahamstown and now discovered the big wide world. Am so glad he did that's for sure! Its good to have a fellow Saffa in the house with me. A very funny person who I personally think will run away from a fly because he thinks it might kill him. A guy that clicked with everyone once he first started talking after about 3 weeks but once the first word came out he was the new prankster in the household. Not the one for violence except when fifa is involved. Nice guy, good intentions and am excited to spend the year with. Don't change mate! Keep those pearly whites out all day!


So now that you have met the crew. I hope most of you know me and for the readers I don't know I hope my writing of the blog helps you out and don't count the Grammar, that's because I'm South African.

Happy Easter by the way, I hope the Easter bunny visited everyone this past weekend and you all regret it and that Virgin Gym has now probably received double the amount of members. I sure did enjoy the weekend by having to dress up as a Easter Bunny. It was all fun and games until I put the suit on and it was a tad bit to short so my ankles stuck out, it didn't go down with the children very well I must say. It was good fun hugging little kids and letting them take sweets from a complete stranger, not something that would occur in South Africa very often. I enjoyed it and have a tick in a box in my bucket list.

Well that wraps this blog up. Please do feel free to share to friends and family because I want to get famous and make lost of money and provide for my older brother one day. Just joking, just enjoy the read, well hopefully you do. To my English teachers, I blame the spelling on you.

With Love From OZ.

Such Tourists

Fireworks on the Lake

The two Saffas

...at the GIO

4 Fave players, one couldn't make the game due to 

him being so romantic.