Woke up around 09:00, got ready and went out at about 10:30, into warmth and sunshine.
Because we came from cold, grey, rainy days the impact of the nice weather was heightened – no gradual change which meant it felt so comfortable and pleasant to be in the warm and sun outside.
Walked around to get a coffee, not many people about, and stumbled across the man made lagoon on the sea front where there were some people swimming and generally lazing around.
Picked up a coffee, most of the cafes were busy with people having brunch and coffee, and then walked through the town to the main shopping centre to get some lunch, fancied some sushi.
It was quite hot in the sun, so kept to the shade.
Grabbed some sushi, then went to check out the train station because we need to be there on Wednesday for our rain forest trip. It’s only about 10 minutes from the hotel, Song has booked us into a place that is in the centre of everything. Did a bit of shopping in Woolworths, just fruit and water for the reef trip tomorrow.
Walked back to the hotel, I was hoping to find an ice cream place but we didn’t pass any so just went back to the room to chill, literally, putting on the AC.
I watched the rest of World War Z, had a cup of tea, really relaxing to just sit in the room because we’re going to be going to the reef tomorrow, rain forest Wednesday then back home Thursday afternoon.
Song checked out a couple of seafood restaurants and we decided to book because there are a lot of people here and it’s probably risky to just turn up at these places. There are plenty of restaurants but only 3 or 4 that are decent seafood places so they’d get full quickly.
I decided to head out to get another coffee and would probably accidentally find an ice cream place.
Most of the coffee places were shut, but luckily found an ice cream shop so sat down and had one.
Walked along the seafront and the tide had gone out, for miles. It was mud flats so there wasn’t anyone on it. The lagoon had a lot more people around it now.
Wandered along to a different Woolworths to get some milk for the coffee machine and then headed back to the hotel.
Watched some tv then went out for an early dinner because everything after 17:15 was booked. The restaurant was only 5 minutes away and we also found the place we need to be to get the boat to the reef tomorrow.
I ordered the Barramundi and Song had the seafood tower, a selection of stuff. I also had a beer.
The barramundi was on a roast sweet potato and had a little garnish but wasn’t much and wasn’t very hot. Luckily Song’s tower had too much for one person so I helped with the calamari and chips.
Song said hers was very good. A woman sitting behind us was dining alone and ordered Yabbies, ate them all and then complained to the waitress that they weren’t very nice so didn’t want to pay. The manager came over and said nope, so the woman said she’d give a bad review. Based on the fact that the place was packed I don’t think they were too worried. I’m of the opinion that if you’re not happy with your food you can usually tell after a couple of mouthfuls and are within your right to send it back, but to eat most of it and then complain is just trying it on.
I was going to order a dessert but was too full, but Song was so impressed we booked it again for tomorrow.
Walked back to the hotel, the area was buzzing with loads of restaurants and bars all busy.
I think Cairns has got the tourism thing well-balanced. There are nice restaurants for the up market crowd, but also plenty of bars and pubs for the youngsters to enjoy. It was a really pleasant vibe.
Got back to the hotel and checked on the cat, watched some TV then to bed – got to be up early for the reef trip tomorrow.