Life in Byron Bay

At the moment I live in a small surf town on the eastern most point of the Australian mainland. Byron Bay only boasts eight thousand registered residents yet see’s a daily influx of fifty thousand visitors from every walk of life. The town itself only consists of a handful of roads, and consequently these all remain packed shoulder to shoulder with pedestrian traffic during all hours of the day. The town is vibrant, even in the rain, which there is more than enough of. Classy boutiques, flash restaurants, boisterous pubs and clubs and countless art and photography galleries adorn the sidewalks. It’s a full sized city shrunk and vacuum wrapped in a pint-sized portion, perfect for the weekend escape or a daily reprieve for weary road warriors making their way up and down the eastern coast.

Living in a hostel/backpackers for the past three weeks has been an experience in itself. It is not my first hostel experience, nor do I think it will be my last. But the unique thing in being in one of these places is the constant flow of friends and acquaintances you meet and say goodbye to with every new day. It’s fun for many reasons as there is always a new crowd, with new energy and personality to make even the early weeknights entertaining. It’s also slightly frustrating as all too often you meet some really interesting, intellectual and simply fun people who you are disappointed to see leave so soon, such is life!

Europeans dominate the backpacking scene. At least in Australia. Of the thirty plus roommates I have had since being here, at least half have been German, another quarter English/Scottish/Irish with the odd Brazilian, Argentinean and one fellow American. With such a eclectic and revolving door of ethnicity and nationality coming and going, the conversations and debates I am witness to and partake in cover the entire spectrum of topics and tone. From government to culture, from overall national happiness to poverty and back, with each new face comes with it a story, and it is quite enlightening and informative to be able to hear of such experience.

It is particularly interesting to collect and gather opinions on America & Americans from these fellow travelers. The largest response I have found through conversation is that I am “Not like so many fellow Americans” who the words “Loud”, “Dumb”, “Arrogant” and “Fake” are very often associated with. Now, I do attempt to defend my fellow kind with the world, but it is hard to do so effectively when so often here the majority of my compatriots spend their time intoxicated and unruly. My theory behind this is that most Americans who travel here, are either a) studying abroad, usually in Sydney & Melbourne, and by being in Byron Bay, or any other small coastal town, one can assume that they are on break, or vacation, and that this party behavior should be forgiven, as we have all been guilty of such demonstration at some point in our lives. B) Are merely on vacation, in which again, the key focus is fun and relaxation, both of which happen to be complimentary emotions to alcoholic consumption, and it can only be expected to bear witness to unusually high amounts of aforementioned behavior.

As for my own observations, I have found the average world traveler to be much more independent and self motivated than the Americans I have encountered. Most all-international backpackers have come alone, and found ways to interact, belong and create & foster new relationships and networks. Most are all very educated, albeit younger than myself, typically ranging from 20-24. They do not party as much as one would expect, and hardly abuse alcohol or inflict any long-term strain on their bodies through sleep deprivation or substance abuse. Yet, a ridiculous percentage smoke, most rolling their own cigarettes as this is the most economically efficient way to survive on a shoe string budget when back packing. If there were three things that I could say everyone in the world shares a most mutual affection for, they would be Coca Cola, Cigarettes, and McDonalds. I intend to purchase stock in all three when my income is sufficient.

Another admirable quality I have noticed from the European and most international travelers are their ability to interact and befriend total strangers. All have been friendly, but also all have been very eager to introduce themselves, learn about one another and establish hour-long relationships as if they had known one another for years. It’s a fun and welcoming atmosphere to be a part of and as I said earlier, the influx of new information and experience you absorb from one another provides constant entertainment and education.

When the sun shines in Byron it is one of the finest beaches in the world. Being voted as high as third, in best world beaches in recent years, thousands scatter themselves amongst the sand and surf every chance they get, subjecting themselves to the merciless and microwave-like ultra violet rays the continent is known for. Sadly one in two men develop skin cancer during their lives here, and because of this, SPF 70+ is the only way to go, and you still tan! And the women here, there are no words to describe what I bear witness to every day; one can only visit for themselves.

The rain here is not rain, it is a monsoon. Coming and going almost in minute intervals, a thunderstorm in Byron can dump buckets of water on your head on the shortest imaginable notice. Days are routinely spent shuffling from the sand, to under balconies and back as tourists and locals alike dodge the weather as it morphs and winds in roller coaster fashion. On one night alone this week the rain was so intense that it doubled the total monthly average in only a matter of hours. My laundry hanging on the line took days to dry. At times the water can be refreshing and calming, but as I am discovering, after continual days of downpour, even the most spirited, enthusiastic individuals struggle to maintain such energetic personas.  Chalk it up to being spoiled in the Los Angeles sun for eighteen years of life.

My experience thus far in Byron has been great. I have met and interacted with countless new friends and global acquaintances, I have laid on amazing beaches, swam in some of the most beautiful surf in the world and have been able to do so while still staying in tune with the “outside” world, friends and family. It is a town that is deserved of a visit by anyone in this country and it’s vibrant life and bustling feel, though touristy, constantly keeps the city entertaining and alive. Although long term I doubt if I can stay in such a secluded paradise, I wake up refreshed and enjoyable every morning here and will never forget many of the experiences these past weeks have brought, the friends I have made, and the beaches & accompanying scenery I have been privy to. Byron Bay, worth a look.