Day 303! I didn’t think I’d be seeing any hail while in warm Australia… but sure enough, a hail storm came ripping through today! Luckily I was able to get to the beach while it was still sunny out. Today was another lovely day of relaxation in this small, quiet town.

Today was another day off from work, and another beautiful day outside. So I got up to my alarm to get my day going.

I kickstarted it with the same breakfast I’ve been having since going on my grocery store run, avocado toast and oats.

I saw, on Facebook, that a local restaurant was hiring bar/floor/kitchen help for the summer season. So I decided to shoot them my CV. We’ll see if anything comes from it. I want to continue working at the hotel, but I didn’t think it’d hurt to see what they were wanting and potentially get a second job. But I do hope as the summer season gets closer that I get more shifts at the hotel.

After this I lathered on sunscreen and headed up and down the hill to the Yamba Main Beach.

I sat in the shade and the sun, enjoying the beautiful day, and listening to my current audiobook. I wasn’t the only one out enjoying the day and at one point, a whole slew of students came to enjoy the beach for their lunch break (I’m assuming):

Some were a part of a surf program and some were playing rugby on the beach. I couldn’t imagine how fun a recess on the beach would’ve been back when I was that age. Young Elie would’ve been very jealous. BUT now I get to enjoy it whenever and WHEREVER in the world I want, which is pretty dang cool.

I spent a solid 3.5 hours sitting by the ocean. The audiobook I’m listening to is somewhat of a murder mystery. At first it didn’t sound like it was my cup of tea… but the further along I’ve gotten the better it’s been. So now I have to find out whodunit.

After one of the chapters finished, I decided it was time to head back home for lunch.

Lunch today was tuna sandwiches with tomato and Vegemite. Vegemite, as you probably can tell if you’ve been following my entire Australia journey thus far, is quickly becoming a crucial condiment in my eating. I’m a big fan!

After lunch, I finally got around to reaching out to my friend’s friend Shane, who is a surf instructor in Yamba. The other day at the bike shop, the lady selling me the bike ALSO suggested Shane. So I felt like he’d be the guy to call.

We chatted about what the lessons would entail and we are going to work out the dates for two lessons later this week! I need to figure out what my actual work schedule is…

But this got me very excited! I also finally found a cheap surfboard on FB marketplace that appears to be exactly what I’m looking for. So I’ll check that out on Sunday as well.

For the rest of the afternoon, I enjoyed the breeze blowing through my room and watched the anime, Bleach. But as I was watching, the wind outside drastically picked up! I could see storm clouds rolling in, so I knew a big storm was about to hit the little town.

I made myself some rice for dinner and used my leftover chicken. I also chopped up some tomatoes to throw in it as well.

Eventually the storm did hit and it was a loud one! I went to investigate on our balcony and it turned out it was hailing!! It might be a warm night, but I guess the clouds were nice and cold.

I haven’t seen hail in quite some time!

I finished out the rest of my night watching more Bleach and relaxing. Tomorrow I’ll finally be getting back behind the bar for a full 7 hours of work! Saturday I will be doing the same as well. I’m looking forward to a very social environment and making some money!

– Elie