I am currantly living and teaching English in Japan for just over a year now and i am originally from London,uk but before coming to Japan I lived in Australia for 5 years and I was based up in the tropics in Cairns. I fell in love with Cairns at first sight and the longer I lived there the better it became. Sure, like most places Cairns has a few problems but anyone who is travelling and staying for a few days and leaves with a bad impression should really stay longer and get to know the locals and the history and culture of Cairns. The more you dig the more you will like.

Of course you can`t possibly go to Cairns and not be affected by the nature and the sheer beauty of the surroundings. You have the Great Barrier Reef on your doorstep, a free swimming and BBQ area at the lagoon, moutnains and rainforests surrounding the city. But the best thing about Cairns is that it is not so big and the people you meet there are all warm and open and laid back. There are many international students and being a teacher there is great.

There are many backpackers and tourists and I guess staying in a Backpackers is cheap but I would suggest staying longer in a share house and really letting the city overpower you.

When I am done with Japan I will not go back to the UK…I will head for the beautiful tropics of Australia:)