You can call me Crispy...

 

After I left Katoomba with just five days until my flight to Melbourne was to depart, I decided to head to a little beach town called Newcastle, about a three and a half hour train ride from Sydney. I didn't book anything in advance when I left for Newcastle, just grabbed my bags and hopped on the train.
When I arrived, I asked a friendly looking couple for directions to the nearest hostel, and ended up having a nice chat on the street corner with them. It turns out they are from the United States, having just moved to Newcastle. They pointed me in a direction and off I went. The first hostel I stopped by was completely full, but luckily there was a hostel down the road that had just one bed left. It was getting late so I felt very relieved! It's a bit worrisome when you're weighted down with all your possessions on your back and can't find a place to set down for the night.

Newcastle is quite a nice place that is very laid back (barefooters everywhere!) and from where I was staying, a 3 minute walk to the beautiful sandy beach, at which I also happened to get a massive sunburn. Later I met up with the American couple mentioned earlier, (Sarah and J.R.) again at the supermarket and they generously gave me a ride back to the hostel. The next day Joy, a friend I had met in Sydney, came to join me in Newcastle for the next two days. We went to the Blackbutt Nature Reserve to see some of the indigenous animals, and unfortunately for me and my sunburned body, it was a very hot and sunny day out. That evening Joy and I met up with my new friends Sarah and J.R. for a great evening out. I was even able to share the joys of barefooting with Sarah!

All together I enjoyed Newcastle, it's a lovely place where I made some good friends and would like to go back if the opportunity ever arises.