My Favorite Thirteen Words in the English Language

Today was interesting. I had every intention of leaving Sydney for the North Coast tomorrow (wed) or the next day (thurs). And then, I looked out the window onto the gray city street -- it was rainy, cold and cah-rappy. This is where my plan for the day changed.

At this point, I was in Bondi Junction (a little mini metropolis btwn Paddington where K lives and Bondi at the beach) getting breakfast and then going to book some travel at a cafe. At about 11 a I sat down w my sketched out itinerary, but nothing solid. Fortuitously, I accidentally input today's date, the 14th, to quote prices. Who EVER thinks to book a ticket the same day they're going to fly? Not me. Until today.

I see that flights are available, leaving in 3.5 hrs (2:30 pm). I see that it's cold and rainy out - the first break from sunny perfect warmness that we've had yet. And I see that my SAD (self diagnosed seasonal affective dissorder) has come screeching back w crazy speed. Buy! Buy! Buy!

Two hours later, I was at the airport, bags packed and bikini on underneath layers of other clothes. By 4 pm today I landed in Balina airport, which is about the size of my condo and nestled amongst green rolling Ireland-ish fields of the north coast. So pretty. SO diff than Sydney!! I walk in to baggage claim, which is also the waiting area, which is also the transport center - and see my name handwritten on a whiteboard. No shit, it said:

"G'day Kat!"

Amazing. John, an older gent in a red bowler hat, greets me, grabs my bag...and basically my arse was on the beach in Byron Bay about 25 mins later. I'm staying at this super quiet, super chill cottage that is one tree-lined street away from the beach...it's a super restorative and very relaxing, homey spot.

As I got out of the van, John uttered quite possibly my 13 fave words in the english language:

"The best way to get to town is by walking along the beach."

I love walking along beaches to places!! Love it. Lots. Plan on being here for 2 or 3 days, then head further north to the Whitsunday Islands (Arlie Beach). Going to go on a sailing trip mon.