I'd like to focus on how much of a great time I had at The Arts Factory and how grateful I am of all the 'sweet as' people I met while living there. While I was in Byron Bay, everything seemed to float along without a worry. Experiences and meeting new people just seemed to happen organically; which is how life is supposed to work. Everyone who tried to explain Byron was exactly right; it's unlike any place in the world. After Dave left I got back into my daily routine of living. I knew that my time there was becoming scarce, so I made the best of it and spent as much time with the new friends I had made as I could. I've snapped so many pictures due to having my "dead" iPhone with me. If I had a regular camera, I'm sure I wouldn't have taken a tenth of the pictures that I did!
Let's get right into my last week at The Factory before heading to Sydney...
One of Karlitos' last nights was another feast. This "Spanish Stallion" creates some of the best meals I've ever had. As you can see by the first picture, we never made it out of the veggie section! When you watch him make these meals it actually looks pretty simple. It's ALLLLL about timing I guess. I promised him that I'd see him again in this lifetime; and I meant it. Karlitos is from Valencia, Spain. He spent time at The Arts Factory a few years ago for about 3 months and said he has seen only 1 person he met since then. This go around, he spent 6 months here and made loads of mates. Let's be honest, I now know someone in Spain; why wouldn't I go see him at some point?
Troy, a cool cat from Canada left for Melbourne a week before my departure. Troy, pictured just to my left was constantly on the run from one place to the next. He skateboards, snowboards and has done more skydives than I could even think of! Next to Troy is our buddy Jay. Jay (real name Jasmine) is from French Canada and also a super down to earth dude. Always willing to go to the beach or the pool to check out the lady situation, this guy was a real trip! To Jay's left is Brad. Brad is the night manager at The Factory. As you can see, I'm wearing my name tag and effectively "working" at the moment. Brad was my boss and the enforcer on the property when it came to disorderly guests or just punks being loud after midnight. He's always sporting the singlet so everyone can see the guns! That being said, since we live in paradise #sunsoutgunsout.
The poster that resides just inside the restrooms at The Factory. Gives you a little idea of what's happenin'. Afterall, laws and rules are only made after some idiot goes too far with something, right?
Every once in a while, we'll have a doppleganger in our presence. Can you guess who this one is? He was at The Factory for a few days I believe, we were telling him he wouldn't regret it to set up shop and stay longer. You're right! It's Adrienne Grenier from the hit HBO television series Entourage, produced by and based on Mark Wahlberg.
So when Dave was here, I was hoping to be able to take him out to "The Swing" at James Kangeroo's house in the hinterlands. Unfortunately, it just didn't work out that week. But it did the next week!
I took the above video myself obviously. The below video is of one of the lovely young lady's taking a turn!
James was able to get us out to his property, and not only did we get to swing but he had an unexpected visitor in his chicken coop! Like a move from Steve Irwin, James just grabbed this sucker and we took him about a kilometer from his house to release him back into the bush. But not before we got some sweet pics!
Gather together with Friends and JOE for Skyline time!
I had 2 cans left with a week to go in Byron! So I took the opportunity to make some for Joe and I. This is his first bite of CINCINNATI! Way to go Joe! I'm not sure if I mentioned this before, but Joe is from Tamworth, Australia. (The country music capital of OZ)
The two above pictures are on Karlitos' last night. The night sky was pretty cool for his last one in OZ. He provided us with delectable treats as one last hurrah!
This painting was up in the computer room at The Arts Factory. I always admired it, so I wanted to share it with you all. Sure it might be a little racy, and the flash is purely incidental over the bosom. Trust me, I wouldn't be shy about sharing art.
GOODBYE ARTS FACTORY!!!!!!
My #547 block as I turn it in before I leave. Seems symbolic, I'm sure I'm recounting all of the great memories as I hand my block into reception. Some other stud or studette will take over now.
Just after Luca dropped me off at the bus stop, he affectionately waves goodbye. Luca is an Italian with the thirst for travel, I could definitely see him coming to The States someday and getting into the music biz like he always talked about! See ya buddy!
On to Sydney...
