My grandparents have a friend in Cairns and I had always planned to visit as she had kindly invited me to use her home as my base but with the last job cut short I arrived earlier than anticipated and in time for Christmas although this had initially worried me as I didn’t want to gate-crash someone’s Christmas, especially at such late notice. But I need not have worried I was given a warm welcome by Geraldine, her family and friends. We realised we had much in common chatting about England, travelling etc.etc.
I spent some time sight-seeing local areas, Northern beaches, Palm Cove, swimming in their pool and looking for a car. I tried out some churches; Crystal Cascades that had been deemed a must by Jethro at Tully and a church in Cairns that boasted an X Factor singer!
Then it was out to the Great Barrier Reef enjoying a full day on Green Island. Through the glass-bottomed boat and snorkelling in the clear waters I saw a turtle, reef sharks and a sting-ray; some of the many things I can tick off my ‘must see’ list. The family took me to Kuranda in the tablelands with its fantastic green tropical views and huge waterfall – Bowen Falls.
On Christmas Eve I made my biggest purchase since leaving home, a present to myself – a car. Australia is so vast it is hard seeing most places from public transport and was taking so long as well as being disappointed to miss some of the smaller but beautiful places of interest. Coincidentally one of the lads from the Mission Bay hostel had advertised his car and so I felt more comfortable buying from someone I knew and a car I knew off.
Christmas day was spent with Geraldine’s family and we visited the Botanical gardens – a completely different experience to Christmas to my traditional one at home and somehow didn’t feel like Christmas in the heat, although still very enjoyable.
For the first time in my life I went Boxing Day shopping but only for necessary travelling supplies; it felt good having my own wheels. My last few days in Cairns Geraldine was housesitting for her son and so I was home alone with a house and car, made me feel like a true citizen for a little while. I spent the time preparing the car, researching routes and packing. My last day Geraldine treated me to yet another meal and we rode through the cane fields and to Kuranda Railway Station, where you can take a journey through the world Heritage-Listed rainforest; a most picturesque place that looked like it had come from a film set.
What a lovely surprise Christmas, I can’t thank Geraldine and her family enough for their hospitality and help – treasured memories.
