As my time in Australia drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on the incredible experiences I had, particularly in Cairns. My journey in this tropical paradise was filled with adventure, discovery, and most importantly, friendship. What began as a simple living arrangement with my apartment mates soon blossomed into something deeper—a bond that would make leaving all the more difficult.
I can vividly remember my first day in Australia, where my energy went from 50% to 0% due to the long flight. I never had any expectations for room or apartment mates since it had been three years since I last had one. For me, not having expectations meant giving room to accept disappointment without any mental and emotional damage. Fortunately for me, I had the best time in Australia because of my roommate—Bianca, apartment mates—Estrella and Sabrina, Dylan, Dom, Tommy, and two other girls—Thida and Paola—from Delaware University. This bond took me from Sydney to Cairns, a place I called paradise due to my adventure.
Waterfalls and Crocodiles
One of the highlights of my final days in Cairns was a visit to a breathtaking waterfall. We spent hours splashing around, taking photos, and simply soaking in the natural beauty. The sound of the water crashing against the rocks was soothing, almost like nature’s own farewell song to me and my friends.
From the icy cold waterfalls, we moved on to something wilder—a crocodile farm. Touring the farm was both thrilling and educational. We learned about the fascinating life cycle of crocodiles and how their gender is determined by the temperature at which their eggs are incubated. For example, 32.5 degree celsius gives you success in hashing a crocodile. To get a female, you increase the temperature. This small but intriguing fact fascinated me; it reminded me how interconnected and fragile nature truly is. Seeing the crocodiles up close, some massive and intimidating, others small and oddly adorable, gave me a newfound respect for these ancient creatures.
Exploring Cairns One Last Time
As my departure date came closer, my roommates and I made it a point to explore the city one last time. We started at Rusty’s Market, a bustling marketplace filled with fresh produce, handmade goods, and a variety of exotic fruits. The air was filled with the scent of tropical fruits, spices, and the chatter of locals and tourists alike. We sampled delicious fruits–I got rambutan, picked up some souvenirs, and enjoyed simply being together.
From there, we headed to Central Mall, a shopper’s paradise. We wandered through the many stores, trying on clothes, laughing at ridiculous fashion choices, and hunting for last-minute gifts. There was something incredibly heartwarming about this simple activity—it wasn’t just about shopping, but about making memories that we would carry with us.
As evening fell, we made our way to the Night Market for the last time, a vibrant hub filled with street food, local crafts, and lively music. The atmosphere was electric, and we indulged in delicious street food, from sizzling noodles to mouthwatering desserts. I got two beautiful scarfs for my mom and a friend, and then I got two Australia jerseys for me and my RD. The twinkling lights, the buzz of conversations, and the laughter we shared made it one of the most memorable nights of my time in Cairns.
A Final Feast and a Sleepover to Remember
As a final send-off, we decided to have one last eat-out together. We chose a cozy restaurant–Oriental– where we reminisced about our shared experiences over a delicious meal. The conversations flowed easily, filled with laughter, and a hint of sadness. We talked about the first time we met, the awkward silences that eventually turned into deep conversations, and the many little moments that had shaped our friendship.
After dinner, we headed back to our apartment for one final sleepover. We stayed up late into the night, playing games, watching movies, and sharing our hopes and dreams for the future. The room was filled with warmth, not just from the cozy blankets but from the love and friendship we had built over time.
As I lay there that night, surrounded by the people who had become my family away from home, I felt a mixture of emotions—gratitude, happiness, and a tinge of sadness. Leaving Cairns wasn’t just about saying goodbye to a place; it was about leaving behind a part of my heart.
A Heartfelt Goodbye
The morning of my departure was filled with teary hugs and heartfelt promises to stay in touch. As I boarded my flight, I looked back at the place that had given me so much—adventure, knowledge, and most importantly, lifelong friends. Cairns had been more than just a stop on my journey; it had been a home, a chapter in my life that I would always cherish.
Though I was leaving, I knew that the friendships I had built and the memories I had created would stay with me forever. And as the plane took off, I smiled, knowing that goodbyes are not forever; they are just the beginning of new adventures and reunions waiting to happen.
