Cyclone in Australia from iDidGo on Vimeo.
Published on June 25th, 2013 | by Lisa
Travel Tales: What is a Cyclone?!
Australia part 2 … Our second stop was Gold Coast – Surfers Paradise and Broad beach to visit a friend from Canada who has been living in Australia for a few years. She assured me it never rains in Gold Coast and that this would be a good opportunity to catch up, catch some rays, catch some necessary R&R. I heard Surfers was a little tacky but I didn’t care. I am a beach junky so the idea of time in the water and sand between my toes was thrilling.
We arrive in Gold Coast (Goldie) from Melbourne (Meli) full of excitement and enthusiasm. A full 5 days in the sunshine. Day 1 – it is a little cloudy but we are okay with that – after all it is just one day and “it never rains in Goldie”. As we are staying in her apartment we directly go to the grocery to get some vital supplies. My friend takes us to Ferry Road Market (must do if you are in the Gold Coast).
We walk in wide eyed like children on Christmas morning. We got smoked prawn dip, triple cream Brie with truffle oil, smoked trout, olives, gruyere cheese, sun ripen cherry tomatoes, and do many other delicious indulgences. I am drooling now just thinking about it. This was the place that introduced me to Merlo coffee and I’ve been spoiled ever since. On the way home we also stop at a wine shop and grab a few bottles of red and white – why discriminate?
As we start driving back to the apartment it starts to rain. We arrive and unpack our delicious groceries and make a group decision to stay in for the evening to watch the Australian Open and start diving into our snacks and wine. We still have ear to ear smiles, we are watching Andy Murray on the teli, eating posh food and drinking too much wine – a little bit of heaven in the Gold Coast.
A weather warning flashes over the TV stating a cyclone warning and flood watch for the area we were in. I proceeded to say to my friends – “I’m not sure what a cyclone is but should I be worried?” We laughed continued watching “the tennis” and eating and drinking!
We finally decide to consult the oracle known as Google and much to my surprise a cyclone is a hurricane in the South Hemisphere – holy hanna! I repeat – “should I – should we be worried?” The apartment is right on the beach.
My friend proceeds to say, this too shall pass, we’d have sun the next day and we’d be on the beach. She was sure of it.
The next morning arises and it is windier than the last and the rain us very heavy. There was no sunshine, it rained and rained, the Cyclone was real and it did rain in the Gold Coast!
We continued to watch the “tennis” and eat our gourmet food for three days straight. It was a fun few days and we made the best of our situation, we may not get beach time but we were in Gold Coast but we did get triple cream brie with truffle oil and sampled the many wines of Australia. I really couldn’t ask for anything more!
The morals of my story …
1. When you get lemons on holiday drink wine!
2. When a friend says NEVER don’t believe.
3. Always be happen with an alternative after all no matter happens it is still an adventure.
4. Do go to Ferry Road Market if in the Gold Coast.
About the Author
Lisa I don't travel to escape I travel to self discover. To see different parts of the world to build my personal tool kit. I enjoy the path less travelled to truly learn about the traditions and nuances of my fellow citizens of this great world. Born and raised in Toronto of Trinidadian descent I never forget my roots and as much as I love leaving on that jet plane I always find satisfaction in coming home to my great city to share the tales of my great adventures with my friends and family.
