I don’t get flu very often. When I do, they’re pretty bad, but in general I tend to be pretty healthy. So I should have guessed that my body would conspire against me to get sick the very week I was supposed to do a 5-day PADI learn to dive course on the
Great Barrier Reef. I took a chance in attending my first class, knowing that they conduct a medical to ensure your level of fitness upon starting the course. And I got a clean bill of health too…until the doctor failed my medical because he thought I’d have trouble with my ears due to my flu. They gave me no option but to cancel the class, thankfully giving me a full refund, and I suddenly found myself with 5 unplanned days in Cairns. Needless to say, I had an instant craving for a cappucino and a good book. I’d also heard Cairns has some good nightlife, so I thought I’d work on my hangover a bit too.
Yes, I’m a little bummed at the lost opportunity to scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef. Who wouldn’t be? But at least due to the change in plans, I have some sparetime to get over my cold. And anyway, I don’t think I’ll have a problem finding something to occupy myself…I’ve already found a cool cafe within a short walk of my hostel. This little unplanned alteration of my itinerary has also freed up a few days to go see the crocodiles on the Daintree river or have a go at seakayaking, all adventures that I can do in Cairns.
Oh really, come on, folks – do you really think I would waste my entire holiday in Australia hidden in a bookstore? Of course not! …Just an hour or so each day will suffice…