An easy start to the day, having previously decided that to rent a car and drive up to Cape Tribulation might prove a bit too stressful what with all the other bits and pieces we needed to get done. So, we got up and enjoyed more free pancakes and maple syrup while still in pyjamas. We didn’t have phones on us to take a photo, just the room key swipe card.
Finally bracing the real world, our first stop was the camera shop in the mall. Basically, the magnificent Canon SX40, which was a present from my father-in-law, capturing so many memories over our travels- iconic landmarks (Taj Mahal, Sigiriya, Sydney Opera House) impressive scenery (Mount Everest, Bagan) cultures, wildlife (tiger, whales, rhinos, elephants, koalas, birds) and foods – only to find out that the salt water, however minuscule, has been the kiss of death to my LBD. Not wanting to rush into an expensive (and unexpected) purchase, we got the specifications printed off about the bridge cameras they had in stock so we could look over them to make a decision later on.
We browsed the bookshop, again not realising how much we both love spending time perusing new titles and flicking through titles on a shelf to find something new and exciting. Down to KMart for a painful bit of shopping, replacing a few clothes and toiletries. A weird little discount store selling loads of Japanese items was my limit and I left Katherine to walk the narrow aisles while I sat outside and ‘people-watched’. 
We spent far too long in Gloria Jeans abusing their amazing free wifi that when we returned to the hostel the kitchen was closed for afternoon clean up. The state that people leave the kitchen in is appalling. I don’t think they even realise what they are doing or how much mess they’re making. After a late lunch I purchased some premium wifi in the hope of getting some more work done on the beauty clinic website and I sent Katherine off to treat herself to a pedicure. She returned with pretty blue nails and I had almost thrown the netbook across the hostel for not coping with the demands of the website I needed to use. 
Having now spent an extraordinary amount of time rebooting the computer, cursing the air and having mini fits we couldn’t believe the time. We Skype’d my Mam in Ireland and tried FaceTime’ing Kat’s Dad and Step-Mum in France. All this before Katherine was all set to kick back and do blog work while I enjoyed the Movie Night. Except, it was Harry Potter and I relinquished Katherine from her tasks and I spent even more time with iPads and laptops trying to get blogs back in order.
The occasional bit of free popcorn we managed to get (greedy girl at our table) was washed down nicely with the fruity dry white wine goon. There was an elderly gentleman who clearly had never seen any HP before, asking others around for explanations and laughing really loudly at parts. There was also a mum and daughter reciting the lines to the film as it played. All in all it was an enjoyable setting to get some work done and proved a bit de-stressing. Plus, the taco dinner Katherine did afterwards was amazing and I didn’t have to lift a finger. The new guy in the dorm room was a bit miffed that we came back so late, but I was after drinking over two glasses of wine so only Katherine heard him tutting… I just passed out.
Thursday 11th August 2016
Trans Travels 