I don’t often get flu. When I do, they’re not fun, but normally I tend to be pretty healthy. So I should have guessed that my body would conspire against me to get sick the very week I was signed up for a 5-day PADI learn to scuba dive course on the
Great Barrier Reef. I took a chance in attending my first class, knowing that they conduct a medical to ensure your level of fitness before the course. And I passed too…until the doctor failed my medical because he thought I’d have trouble with my ears due to my flu. They gave me no choice but to cancel the class, thankfully giving me a full refund, and I suddenly found myself with 5 unplanned days in Cairns. Needless to say, I had an instant craving for chai tea and some travel brochures. Cairns also has a pretty impressive public swimming pool, so I thought I’d work on my tan.
Yes, I’m a little upset at the lost chance to scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef. Who wouldn’t be? But at least due to the change in my itinerary, I have some downtime to get over my cold. And anyway, I don’t think I’ll have a problem finding something to occupy myself…I’ve already found some great shops within five minutes of my hostel. This little change of plans has also freed up a few days to go see the crocodiles on the Daintree river or have a go at seakayaking, all adventures that I can do in Cairns.
Oh really, come on, people – do you really believe I would waste my entire holiday in Australia hidden in a bookstore? Of course not! …Just an hour or so each day will be okay though…