Byron Bay

We’ve washed the last of seventies Coolangatta out of our sandals, ironed our tie dyed T shirts and put some flowers in our swimsuits: we’ve entered the hippie heaven that is Byron Bay. Hurrah! What can you say about Byron? It's way more trendy than when I was last here but still manages to be a delicious slice of hippy happiness and surfing coolness. More beautiful beaches of course, this time overlooked by Meditation centres with the scent of seaweed and weed mingling in the air. The main street is lined with shops selling everything from very expensive Sass and Bide jeans, to beads, crystals and an astonishing range of Thai fisherman’s pants. I’d never heard of these before but from what I can make out they’re not like the thigh-high, green waterproof dungaree things people wear fishing at home. They are colourful, widelegged, floaty pants that I’m guessing would be more likely seen on a dreadlocked guy twirling firesticks than on a Thai man in a river holding a fishing rod. Anyway, we’re here for a week, and despite being perturbed by a couple of cloudy days, we’re embracing it all. I’ve finally learned how to body board (still have issues with my head going under water but getting better) and have also fitted in a little yoga, getting my aura read and sipping skinny chai lattes with a side of organic, gluten free vegan donuts. Bliss. Even Mike’s succumbed to the laid back lifestyle. He’s finally bought a pair of flip-flops and has turned his back on coffee in favour of green tea. Groovy Baby!