Not all hostels are created equal

Let's just say "Asylum" was not what it looked like on the advertisement on the backpackers wall at the airport! It was a free pickup from the airport and when we pulled up to see hippie, dread lock wearing, barely clothed people lounging on a mattress leaning against a tree in the front I knew I was in for an adventure! Next it was onto the check in area which looked more like party central with tobacco canisters nailed to the walls, a party dvd playing in the background from the night before, and a few very inappropriate signs! Then I was shown to my filthy room... I can't even describe the state of the room, I wish I had taken a picture it was that terrible! The three or four people already there had belongings spread ALL over the room and it was DIRTY! Needless to say I was thrilled that I had brought a sleep sack, cause there's no way I was touching that mattress or those sheets with my bare skin! EWWWW!!! Ok, enough about that... I quickly went out to enjoy the town (and met a nice german guy at the free dinner restaurant), went back just to sleep (with the ants and mosquitoes!), and checked out as soon as I got packed and ready this morning!
THEN, I actually followed the recommendation in my book and my gut and found the all girls hostel. Much to my amazement and total excitement it is like a different world here! The lady who founded, owns, and manages the place, Dawn, was super sweet and when I told her where I had stayed the previous night, her face went straight to a look of utter shock... "Why, that's the absolute worst hostel in Cairns! I'm so sorry!" she said. Then she really took pity on me, put me in a better room... only three beds... and told me about all the best tours and things to do! It feels like being at a friend's house with lots of girls. Everything is SUPER clean, the rooms have purple sheets with little girl flowers, there are four kitchens with the best equipment I've ever seen at a hostel, there are brand new computers with Skype, she lets you borrow DVDS and there are two TV rooms, and like 6 bathrooms!!! Did I mention that it's SUPER CLEAN?!!!!!!!! Dawn is like a mother to all the girls here and it's fabulous!
So, after reveling in my new environment, I went and a lovely leisurely lunch at the Lillypad Cafe and then made my way on down to the Esplanade Lagoon (or salt water pool) in the middle of town on the ocean's edge. It's absolutely gorgeous and I, along with every other backpacker in Australia I'm convinced, laid out on the various lawns, sands, etc of the surrounding park! Four hours I spent soaking up the sun, swimming in the lagoon, and people watching... SO relaxing and wonderful! Booked some tours and did a little grocery shopping - overall is was a much needed catch up day!
Talk to you after I see one of the World's Seven Greatest Wonders tomorrow!