It was rainy on our last day in Byron Bay. To bid farewell, we drove to the nearest beach, just outside town center, for that one last time to have sand between our toes. Actually, I had jeans, socks, and shoes on, and I refused to get out of the car; but Fabio insisted, saying that I should not let him go to the beach alone and that we should enjoy the moment together. I hesitantly rolled up my jeans, took my socks and shoes off, and gingerly went to the beach with him. Only to find him a few minutes later, a few meters farther from me, glancing at me while taking a selfie of himself. I burst out into fits of laughter. This man is hilarious!!! Ridiculous even! I could not stop laughing. This is one of the reasons why I am in love with him, I thought.
He dropped me off with our bags at the pick up station where we will take a van that will bring us to Gold Coast and then he went to return our rental car. It was mid afternoon when we arrived at our hotel in Gold Coast, and we had just enough time to rest and relax while enjoying our view of the river from our balcony.
Vibe Hotel, 42 Ferny Avenue, Surfer’s Paradise, Gold Coast
The view of the Nerang River from our balcony
It was our last day in Australia and we were taking a direct flight from the Coolangatta airport to Changi. I was going to pick up Lia then fly back to Manila with her while Fabio was taking a connecting flight back to Turin. I went to the nearby shops to buy some make up that was requested by a friend, and for the first time, found the shop that is Typo, and subsequently fell in love with it. I will always love Typo and wish they would have shops in Europe.
I got my friend this little “notebook” for fun
We made plans to have dinner with a friend of mine from El Nido who married an Australian and living in the city. We did not make it in time for dinner though but managed to visit them at their home. We had good times over drinks and tapas. We also made a promise to come back and stay longer next time.
Friends from El Nido 2005 days
The bridge to Chevron Island, early morning view
The Nerang River on a bright early morning
While we were packing, it was only then that I realized that I had forgotten to give the cans of Red Horse that I promised my friend in Perth that I would bring when I came over to visit. He still has not forgiven me for forgetting! Hahaha! I had to leave it at the hotel with the hope that someone would take them and drink them. It is, after all, one of the most famous Philippine beers! And apparently, not available in Australia except in some specialty or online stores.
We had lunch and drinks by the beach before checking out of the hotel and being picked up by our Uber driver in a Chrysler.
On the way to the airport, the driver could not stop himself and asked us if “we were friends or what.” I knew what he was getting at so I laughed.
“Yes, we are friends,” I answered.
Fabio was not too happy about my answer.
As soon as we got off, he said to me, “Why didn’t you say you are my wife?”
“I did not want to lie.” Still laughing. He glared at me.
I love this man, I thought.