Australia: a place with funny names, like Noosa

You have to hand it to the Australians, they sure know how to name things. Let's start, for instance, with the region of Australia that I was now entering -- The Sunshine Coast. Can you imagine a more inviting name? It conjures images of long-stretching whitesand beaches and sun-drenched sparkling blue ocean, and it doesn't disappoint. This coastal region in southeast Queensland is famous for beautiful beaches and prime surfing spots, a popular destination for those in search of some relaxation and fun in the sun. Which is exactly what I needed.

I arrived in Noosa tired but less befuddled than usual, because for the first time since beginning my journey I had actually arranged a place to stay ahead of time, compliments of my Byron Bay travel-and-tour-booking agent. And as per the usual backpacker-friendly Aussie way, there was a shuttle from the hostel conveniently waiting for disembarking guests at the bus stop. I climbed aboard the shuttle alongside two friendly German gals - Anna and Katja - for a short ride to the hostel -- a dingy and run-down excuse for accommodation. My companions wisely opted not to stay at the hostel, so I made plans to join them at the beach after they settled into their hotel. Finally, the beach.

My stay in Noosa was a wonderfully indulgent departure from the usual grungy backpacking lifestyle, as I spent the majority of my time with Anna and Katja strolling along Hastings Street window shopping and sipping lattes at quaint sidewalk cafes, catching some rays at the beach, dining at upscale restaurants (something other than fish 'n' chips!) and lounging or cooking dinner at their fancy hotel overlooking Laguna Bay. They even let me shower in their beautifully decorated (and clean!) bathroom ... sans shower shoes. Heaven.

I only returned to my dingy hostel room to sleep and pack, where I introduced myself to my only non-sleeping roommates - a British couple, Tom and Sarah. After introductions and a profuse apology on my part for keeping them awake with my hoarse nighttime coughing, we compared travel schedules and figured out that we might be bumping into one another at our next destination ... a camping expedition on Fraser Island!


Journal notes for Noosa:
- meet more nice Germans with holiday budgets
- Koala Hostels are gross, unappealing
- ordering coffee in Australia is baffling. short black? flat white?
I JUST WANT COFFEE.
- when visiting Steve Irwin Zoo, make copious fun of people wearing Crocs to the croc show
- did I mention Koala Hostels are gross?