hippeville

yesterday i moved into my new hostel - the arts factory. its definitely unlike any other hostels ive been too! its a byron bay institution, was started in the 70s by hippies as a place for artists and in the 80s became an venue for rock n roll. its set on 5 acres of subtropical rainforest a few blocks from the center of town, with a pool, sauna, beach volleyball court, recording studio, and hammocks sprinkled around the complex. the accommodations ranges from campsites to tee-pees to 'the surf shack' dorm - im staying in the all female 'lakeside cottage' which has our own little kitchen and bathroom and wrap around porch which faces out to the lake. neighbors include iguanas, bush turkeys, and possums which hang out on the porch and have breakfast with us occasionally. the arts factory is a little old and run down but makes up for it in atmosphere - there's always the sound of drumming or someone playing guitar in the background and everyone staying there is really nice.

very cool!