I was going to take a walk into Cairns (pronounced Kane's) but it was so hot when I got on deck, I thought better of it. Besides, my eyes got sunburned yesterday at the reef. I'll just relax and read today. I'm worried because I have tours scheduled in Darwin and Bali and it is even hotter there. I'm finding it awkward to be traveling solo. The ship is filled with retired couples. They hold hands and sit close, smile and dance. They are sharing life. This has a depressing effect on me as I thought my retirement years would be similar. I can't help but think about how Dennis has a travel companion and has left me with no one to share my life. It angers me that his despicable actions can invade my vacation and bring me down. The solo travelers seem desperate to connect. An old guy named Alan keeps following me around. He is stooped like Dennis, has bad teeth and bad breath. I'd rather be alone.
Cairns is a beautiful little port city, surviving on tourism like Airlie Beach. The Aussies tell me that their economy is still down after the recession and they want more cruise ships to dock. The guide at Arlie was angry that his tour was rushed because the ship had to leave earlier than planned. He was doing his best to provide everything as advertised on his tour and was concerned that he would be given poor ratings resulting in the cruise ship dropping his business - all through no fault of his own. We've all heard that story before in one form or another. Maybe I should brave the heat and walk into Cairns and spend some money to do my part to help the Aussies.