Respite From the Daily Grind

So obviously the title of this post is completely tongue in cheek, as my life is anything but a daily grind at this time. My days generally consist of going for walks, runs, and bike rides, and using any of those modes of transport to find ways to entertain myself. It's not a bad life and I have no complaints, but there are days when I wonder if sitting in my apartment is the best use of my time abroad. So...that was how I decided to go away to Byron Bay for three days a couple of weeks back. And I decided to do it in style! I chose to forego the backpacker's accommodations and opted for the Beach Hotel, which overlooks the water and, most importantly, has air conditioning! It is also conveniently situated next to a bar of the same name, and also has a bottle shop (liquor store) on the premises that delivers room service. Yowsa! And the best part of all, when I arrived, I got a complimentary upgrade to a bigger room with a better view. Great start!

View from my room at the Beach Hotel

On the first day I arrived, I decided to use my 'alone' time to explore and get my blood pumping. I set out on a walk to the lighthouse, which ended up being about two hours round trip from my hotel. You could see the storm rolling in as I walked, but it made the setting that much more beautiful.

Lighthouse in the distance

Thinking this will make a good second home...anyone want to go halfsies?

Self-portrait on my hike

The road goes on forever...

Storm rolling in

And finally sets in as I'm having a pre-dinner drink

This was my second trip to Byron, but the first time that I noticed the place is infested with lizards. And I'm not talking the little kind that kids like to catch back at home. These things are no joke! I got pretty close to one on my hike, and though I managed to stand close enough to take his picture, I was freaking out the whole time. Moments later I ran across a couple of other tourists taking a picture...of a snake. This nearly made me cry, ha. (Actually it's not funny, but rather a completely irrational fear. Therapy could be in my future).

Pre-historic!

Day two of my getaway brought rain, and at the most inconvenient of times. Like when I was out for a jog or when I was just getting settled in at the pool to enjoy the sunshine. Luckily, my friend Kate materialized mid-day, and she and I combed the town for must have purchases, then retired back to the hotel for happy hour on our balcony. About two bottles of wine later, our friend Sharon met us and we all headed to dinner at the Balcony (for the record, the Balcony and my balcony are two distinct and separate entities). Tapas and wine, some good gossip and a nightcap/music at the Beach Hotel bar and we called it a night! Our only regret was letting two gentlemen that were at both the Balcony and the Beachy slip away before we got a chance to approach them. I thought it would then be a good idea to follow them to see where they were going next, but when they turned off of the main street and it was obvious they were going home, it was finally time to give up the ghost. But it was fun to behave like we were 14 again momentarily!

Dark skies during happy hour

Sharon and Kate at the Beachy

Sharon and me

The final day in Byron was, as luck would have it, the most gorgeous of all. We woke up, recounted the night, grabbed breakfast and headed to the beach. From there, we drove around and checked out all of the lovely beaches and put our feet in the water. When it was time to head home, we were mildly disappointed, but vowed to come back soon! What a great escape to have in your own backyard!!

Filo: our budding fashionista

Getting our feet wet on a magnificent day

Love ya, Byron!