19/11/2017 1 Comment BLOG #7 : TRAVEL DIARY - BUNDABERGSomething I have appreciated a whole lot about travelling through Queensland so far would be seeing the different types of scenery. In Brisbane was cement buildings, bridges and a reflection of lights on the water. On the Sunshine Coast was blue water, bin chickens and scattered chips on the sand. Now Bundaberg, a massive rum bottle, tall sugar cane fields on either side of the road, fallen trees and branches from the previous storm and people wearing fluro singlets and pattern board shorts, as if fashion hasn’t changed since 2008. It’s amazing. The scenery is always changing and so is the culture.
On two of the nights I was in Bundaberg I went on a pub crawl with a couple of people. We started at a brewery and it actually reminded me of something Tasmania would have. It had massive wooden cable wheels that were used as tables, there were groovy pattern sofas, fairy lights strung across the ceiling and a rustic looking interior. The place is a craft beer joint which had jenga, barrel monkeys and other games you could play while having a drink. I actually enjoyed it, so if you happen to be in Bundaberg go check out ‘Bargara Brewing Company’, also known as ‘The Brewhouse’. Moving on. Beer progressed into trying rum and that then turned into staying out until 2AM dancing in a building that had two DJs and an acoustic set outside. I met a man called ‘Avo’ (which I doubt is his real name) who was wearing a witch hat and was dancing with a tiny broom. He proposed to me when I was walking past, of course I said yes, never to see him ever again. What a short lived love life. On the second night of testing local beer and rum I ended up meeting two people who welcomed me to join their crew for the night. I ended up convincing a group of seven Japanese Backpackers to come dance with us, they were a bit hesitant but I think that was because I was one of three people who were dancing in front of the DJ booth. The night went on and I met so many friendly locals who seemed so interested in knowing my little journey so far. I promise I did more than just dance while I was in Bundaberg! I did go do the touristy things like visit the Bundaberg Rum Distillery and the Bundaberg Barrel. I spent an afternoon on Bargara Beach eating ice-cream that ended up melting so quickly because of the heat. Out of everything that happened during my time in Bundaberg my favourite times were with an entrepreneur, investment home owning, travelling Australian dude that I feel like I have known forever. We ate mango and papaya on top of the old volcano, ‘Sloping Hummock’, then we grabbed some food and headed to the beach. Star gazing took place and so did a shooting star. I asked the star to bless me with a car or a job once I get to Coffs Harbour if that’s the place I am meant to stay in. He helped me realise that Bundaberg isn’t all that bad and for the whole time I have been in this town, I started to see it’s beauty. Surprisingly. I feel like it doesn’t matter where you are in the world, if you are with people who understand you and can appreciate your goals, you can feel content. On the second last day in Bundaberg I decided to go to the seaside and write. I have written through so many major events in my life and once things became positive I stopped. I have discovered that writing in good and bad can showcase my journey; from where I have been, where I am at and where I am going. I don't just mean this literally but also emotionally, spiritually and mentally. I think thats why I decided to blog, so that I can keep entries of something great that is happening in my life. I am hoping that this whole travelling thang is pivotal for my future. I think taking the risk to just go and do something I never thought I’d be ready for has the potential to propel me into something greater than what I can see right now. Step out, take risks and if that means going to Bundaberg out of all the places in the world for a week then do it, because it is so worth it. Another thing that is worthwhile would be wandering. I did that for a little while on one particular day and I came across this clean eating cafe. The first person I saw was a groovy, long haired brunette man who would be in his late 20’s - 30’s for sure. He was the barista and had an arm full of tattoos and had a nose ring, of course. I sat in this cafe for a while and blogged, drank a double shot, lactose free latte which tasted ideal and I admired their taste in music. The Smith Street Band and Lyall Moloney were a couple I picked up on. The people there had an amazing vibe and I could not believe the difference in people just within a 10 minute drive or even a 5 minute walk. Within the town of Bundaberg are bogans, stupid cars and grumpy looking people but then in Bargara are life loving baristas and smiles all around. I felt like I could be in that cafe forever. It reminded me of ‘Fundamental Espresso Bar’ in Devonport with a touch of Byron Bay community feel. I think this cafe is called ‘Kai Coffee’, well that’s what it says on the coffee cup anyways, or maybe it is called ‘The Journey’, I really cannot tell. I would highly recommend this place to anyone that had the chance to visit it. I’m sure I’ll find out if they have Instagram and end up tagging them in this post. (My apologies if the barista is reading this and is not in his 30’s, my bad dude but you do have sweet style). If I had to give advice to anyone who is visiting the Bundaberg region it would be this, get lost and wander, meet strangers and talk to them, they honestly have the best advice. Meet with locals or fellow travellers and find spots tourists don’t go to, talk to the staff at places you eat and drink at because no doubt they will give you a spot to visit next. Be touristy but also be local, you get the best of both worlds and you experience more. Seeya Bundy! I might come back for a coffee sometime in the distant future.
1 Comment
Mat Grills
20/11/2017 08:48:49 pm
Ohhhh yes! I’m that guy! The barista! Ha! Thank you for your beautiful words And lovely writing. We will throw your blog up on the page! Thanks again and happy traveling!
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