The Australia portion of our trip has been full of beautiful weather so I really can’t complain. Unfortunately, even with the sunny, cloudless skies on the Gold Coast, it was still a bit too chilly to go swimming or take a surf lesson like we were planning. Instead, we did a lot of walking on the beach (holding hands of course, cause it is our honeymoon ), relaxing, and enjoying the ocean view from our apartment.

Sunrise from our balcony

Since there is no Thanksgiving in Australia, they move right from Halloween to Christmas. Not only is it weird to see Christmas decorations beginning of November, but the fact that it’s summertime makes it even more surreal.

Luke (a friend of Jason’s and Craig’s who I became good friends with while in Australia) was kind enough to help coordinate and chauffeur us around a bit. I was thrilled to be able to hang out with him as much as we did, dinner the night we arrived, visiting the hospital (more on that in a little), a night time nature walk to see the glow worms at the Natural Bridge, and a ride back to the train station.

Jason (friend from uni) and his wife Deb had their baby boy Tristan the day Ryan and I arrived on the coast. Luckily, they were accepting visitors at the hospital two days later and we were able to stop by. We got to meet Deb (who I had only spoken to on the phone before) and have a cuddle with Tristan (as they call holding a baby). He was a pretty adorable baby! It was great to be able to see all my friends again and I hope I don’t have to go another 12 years!

Nicole, Jason, Deb, and Luke holding Tristan