Roos and wombats and crocs, OH MY!

You know, all my hesitations about leaving Condobolin and work completely evaporated once I started the holiday portion of my Australian Adventure. Took the train into Sydney, upon which I was semi-courted by a Sudanese emmigrant (at least he told me I should be married, that I should come with him to Africa, and then demanded my phone number, which he didn't get because I am crafty?). After a awkward few hours of rigid silence (the "proposal" took place roughly half way on the 7 hour train ride) I arrived in Sydney, back in the CBD, my old stomping grounds. It felt really nice to feel so familiar there, I was even able to give directions to an Ozzie couple visiting from Victoria! Two hours later, I got aboard my night bus to Byron Bay, and about 15 minutes, a juice box and an Ambien later, I was asleep. I woke to bright sun dancing over green pastoral country side, so shockingly unfamiliar after 2 months in drought ridden bushland. The rolling hills soon gave way to the bustle of Byron's streets, lined with cute little shops and cafes, and LOADS of tourists.
Byron Bay reminds me a little of upscale Californian beach towns, lots of money and tourists floating around, but still retaining some hippie charm, set on a stunning bay, surrounded by beautiful farmland. I can see how someone could hole up there, and want to whittle away their days sipping coffee in a cafe, spending afternoons on the perfect beach, and dancing the night away (on a table!) in one of the most fun bars I've ever been to, called Cheeky Monkey's. The only thing wrong with Byron Bay is everyone knows about it.
I took a day trip to this little town called Nimbin, which is like a total hippie enclave left over from the days of the Aquarius Festival. The town is a total trip, but I had a really fun time hanging out with some awesome Canadian girls, seeing the stunning country side, chilling out to some rad music. Really a great day
After 2 days in Byron, which really was not enough, I went to visit some family friends who live about 45 min from Surfers Paradise. I've been having a blast hanging out with the family, they've really outdone themselves, showing me a great time- They took me to this wildlife reserve, which is really more of a zoo exclusive to Aussie animals. Hey, Perfect, i don't want to see other animals. I got to feed and pet loads of kangaroos (they are a lot softer and fluffier than one might expect), I got to hold a baby salt water croc, and see pretty much all the animals that I've never seen before- wombats and dingoes and all sorts of birds (like emus), so that was all kinds of fun. Plus, it's great to feel taken care of by a family. I suppose the backpacker lifestyle doesn't really fulfill that need, so it's nice to get a dose of wholesome family time, even with someone else's family.
So it's on to Brisbane tomorrow! Onward ho!