Partying in Bondi Beach backpacker style, Sydney, Australia

Tama House is a melting pot of young travelers from all corners of the earth, between the ages of 18-30, and who have one thing in common – they love to party. At any given moment someone is drinking, smoking, playing, listening to music, watching movies, cooking, creating, or just enjoying each others company. Just by living here, you seem to absorb words, beliefs, and bits of other culture. Though everyone has come from seriously different backgrounds, there seems to be a united front and easy-going atmosphere which allows for an amazing house vibe.

Americans, Brazilians, British, Chileans, French, German, Hawaiian, Irish, Italian, Israeli, South African, Spanish, Swedish, Uruguayan, Welsh, these are just some of the people who have lived here while I have been here in the last 3 months. On a day-to-day basis you may hardly notice that everyone comes from so far away, but to really think about all these people coming together to live in one place and take part in each others lives is quite amazing. Though everyone speaks at least a little English, it is most often not the language of choice.

They say that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and this definitely rings true at Tama. With a large cooking area and kitchen table hang out, there is always someone making something. Some days smells of French crepes creep through the hallways, on others is it freshly caught fish from the sea being cooked up, and there is always enough for you to try just a bit. Though the chef may not consider his dish to be gourmet, somehow it seems just a bit more exotic as you may never have seen such combinations, ingredients or spices.

Sunday night BBQs are a Tama House staple which is like a family meal, only there are drinks flowing, music blaring, and a beautiful ocean sunset to boot. Everyone contributes either food, drink, expertise, or just their presence to partake in the weekly party meeting. Though there are BBQs all the time, this special one is reserved for house members only. If you have recently moved in, it is a great time to meet everyone; it's also a way for friends to catch up, and a place to share crazy travel stories.

The beach, sun, sand, waves, rocks, and surf are what have drawn each person to this place. Our location is priceless with amazing ocean views and just a few minute walk down our own private path down to the water or coastal walk to wonderful beaches. Some of the best surfing in the world is literally at our doorstep and you better believe everyone with a surfboard, body board, or just a swimsuit take advantage of this at any given moment. If you want to learn, just feel free to borrow a board or get lessons from the guys who have been doing it all their life.

And just when I thought it couldn't get any better . . . today I walked out back to find an entire school of dolphins jumping and playing all afternoon in the sun with the BBQ smells wafting across the sky . . .