Eumundi Markets

Eumundi Markets – Australia’s largest art, craft, and food market, full of local products, music, and a lot of esoteric hokum—think crystals and palm readings around every corner.

I have mixed feelings about this place. On the one hand, exploring somewhere new was fun, and I do like a good browse. On the other hand, without a home to decorate, a specific need for countless dust collectors, or plenty of money to spare, there wasn’t much I could actually buy. (Apart from a properly brewed matcha, which turned out to be the highlight of the day.)

To be fair, the day’s vibe would have improved tenfold if it hadn’t been raining like Zeus was trying to douse a bushfire the size of Eumundi. At one point, I stepped into a foot-deep puddle—which only mildly bothered me—but if you’ve ever soaked your shoes like that, you know the best part is yet to come: once dry, they reek to high heaven. 😁

As you stroll through the stalls, you often end up chatting with the owners. I had quite a few nice conversations—though, inevitably, they cover the same ground: where you’re from, what you’re doing in Australia, etc. When I stopped to talk to a lady selling seashell art, things took a turn. After I mentioned that staying in Australia permanently would be enticing, her warm demeanour switched instantly: “No. You go back to where you came from. Nobody wants you here. We never should have let you people into this country.”

It took me a while to process that properly. That concluded an odd day.

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What else has been happening?

I’ve now completed every official hike in Noosa National Park—and had an absolute blast! It’s a little sad I’m done with them 😁

I’ve been job-hunting some more. Still waiting to hear back from a bunch of places. Fingers crossed.

Oh, and there was some drama at the hostel. A few days ago, one of the guests apparently had a shotgun, which he casually placed on a bed while rifling through other people’s belongings and robbing them. He left early the next morning. Everything was caught on security cameras, and the robber even helpfully left his wallet by the pool. Witnesses say he seemed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Good times! 😁Read more