Oh my!

I have been delinquent! So sorry, dear reader. It warms my heart to see that people have checked the blog for updates, but then disheartens me that I haven't provided. It's been a whirlwind of activity... I'll do my best to provide a concise, yet interesting, insight.

I thought it was getting cold two months ago. And now, it's actually Winter. In Melbourne, this means more inconsistency in temperature, but generally cooler. For example, today is a sunny & relatively warm day, but by about 5pm, the sun will be gone, the air will be cool, and the prevailing winds will become increasingly noticed. However, being the massive country/island/continent that it is, it's possible to escape Wintery-ness! Which is exactly what I'm about to do.

Queensland is the northeastern-most state of Australia, marked by a tropical climate with a distinct rainy season that has basically just "ended". (In quotes because it could and very well will rain whilst I'm there). I believe I mentioned it in the last post, as I was headed to the southern part of the state a couple months back. I did enjoy it thoroughly. Definitely a different culture, including activities, sport, people, among others. Also, they employ a thing called Queensland-time (see previous post on Hawaii-time), which I can really get down with. Laid back mentality... nice weather... I've never seen so many people grocery shop without a shirt and/or shoes on! And I was only in the very South of the state. This time I'll be flying into Cairns, a bit further up. Actually quite a ways up (it's always so hard to tell on the map - I can't emphasize the vastness of this space enough).

Anyway, looking forward to that.

But let's be honest, the most exciting thing I have to write about is the three weeks I just spent traveling in a campervan around New Zealand. I mean, seriously, one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. But even better than seeing some sights, the consistency of the place really blew my mind. It wasn't like you go see a beautiful thing and then go somewhere else to see another beautiful thing. Especially on the South island, the beautiful things just don't stop! I had a traveling companion for the duration of the trip, and I'm glad I did. Being in disbelief alone is only so satisfying.

There are eight sheep to each person in New Zealand, or so they say.

 We first flew into Christchurch, the South Island's largest city. Christchurch was hit by a massive earthquake, and a number of aftershocks ever since, in early 2011. I wish I could have seen the city before because, even two years later, the rebuild was still going strong. In fact, a sizable portion of the downtown area was still closed off due to construction. It's unfortunate when an earthquake shreds any place of course, but Christchurch was particularly known for its historical and impressive architecture. So, by taking these out, an important aspect of the city's heritage was also destroyed. Due to the extreme damage, many people fled Christchurch, their jobs and/or homes no longer in existence. On the one hand, this is a devastating outcome. And on the other hand, I was wonderfully impressed at the display of progress that initiated as a result. Many of the buildings are being rebuilt, with respect paid to the original craftsmanship. But so many other structures are being built with a fresh perspective. For instance: a chapel built of thick cardboard insulation, a city-wide mini-golf course, a community space pavilion constructed of wood pallets, a shipping container mall, and many more displays of art, commemoration, and growth. It's especially interesting because a lot of this growth & change is being initiated by the younger crowd. I think it's probably a bit easier for them to see this natural disaster as an opportunity. So, while there were definitely plenty of reminders about the tragedy, I felt invigorated & excited for the people of Christchurch, as they step slowly but surely forward.

In Christchurch, we also acquired what would be our home for the next three weeks:

Never a shortage of great spots to camp!

Relocations (the process of returning a rental car back to a more frequented area) are very popular in New Zealand. Usually, the company provides free mileage and/or fuel, if you return the car in a certain number of days. But (because we were traveling to Auckland, where most people arrive), we were lucky to find one that charged a very small rate, but with indefinite time limitation. This meant our accommodation & transportation was sorted, and cooking gear was provided. Too good.

We traveled far & wide, doing our best to see a lot but also take the time to thoroughly appreciate it all. I think, instead of a written recollection, I will use photos. Naturally, I will preface this visual collection by saying: photos continue to undo justice. Guess you'll just have to go there yourself some day...

Like a model village in Autumn

After Christchurch, we began our journey South to Wanaka via the inland scenic route, which was recommended to us back in Melbourne. And good golly, what a treat! I'm telling you, this is one of the most beautiful drives I've ever been on, and with perfectly sunny days to boot. We were basically, mouths gaping open the whole way, with lots of "Whoa, look at that!" and "Holy crap, where are we??"

Lake Wanaka - this is the point where we decided that extending our trip was a necessity

 As stated, New Zealand is a land of rarely-rivaled beauty. A long-term isolation of the small country (that has a population of Melbourne I might add!) has allowed the exotic flora & fauna to flourish with limited interruption. The diversity is also striking. For instance, the following photo was taken facing inland from a free-standing look-out point on the West coast.

And this photo is the 180º view from the exact same spot. Felt like two different worlds.

I feel like the best way to explore a new place is by foot. Cycling is a close contender, but I reckon more sights are missed at increased acceleration. Therefore, we walked heaps...

...through forests...

...to massive glaciers (Franz Joseph, hmm)...

...around pancake rocks (a geological mystery)...

...across unusual landmarks (NZ's longest swing bridge)...

...through national parks (Split Apple Rock at Abel Tasman)...

...over & around beaches & mountains...

 

---traversed flooded flatlands...

 

 

...discovered turtle islands...

...crossed the Bass Strait on a ferry...

...of course drank beer along the way....

...hiked another mountain or two...

...and always relished in the sunset. Another wonderful day behind, and another yet to come.

Lessons for success: patience, sense of humor, humility, and genuine & unconditional appreciation for the world

Yep, that works better than words. Especially, as sleepiness calls... I'm sorry that I'm mostly rubbish at keeping this thing updated! I'll try to do another one soon, as there is plenty of natural Australia beauty that I've mostly neglected to portray of yet. It deserves better than that. As do you.

G'day!

Life is best enjoyed out of doors

So, it’s March. For Australia, that means the start of Autumn. Hard to believe I’ve seen out an entire season here. And let me tell you, Summer in Melbourne is pretty effin sweet. And active. In fact, I was a bit overwhelmed by the breadth of choices on any given day really, but especially any given weekend. I mean, massive events happening all over town, and you can only do one at a time. And really, you can only do one period. Because I use the term “town” lightly. In fact, different neighborhoods in Melbourne are essentially like traveling to different cities. Different culture & people & places. And all so far apart. Well. Comparatively.

Probably my favorite times here are spent on my bicycle. Galaxy, she’s called. (Appropriately named by some lady on the street because of the wicked splattered blue and silver paint job.) There’s a bike shop in my neighborhood called The Freedom Machine. The name couldn’t be more representative. I can get anywhere in the city on my bike. And fortunately, there is frequently comfortable infrastructure all the way. (In fact, recently I had to get to the outer suburbs, and a little research showed me a cyclist’s ferry for crossing the river. It was fun, and is partially funded by the Department of Transportation, thus encompassing one aspect of official public transportation – awesome!). Otherwise, there are heaps of bike lanes, and even cycling and walking trails that will get you many places, without cars whizzing by. So, yes, biking here is really great. Not too hilly to boot.

Also, public art is very big here. In fact, at one point I considered an entire entry entitled “have a little heART”. But I suppose the title is about as far as I got. Sometimes the city sponsors big public displays. 

Christmas in the summertime!

 And in some places, it’s not regulated, but is condoned. Right in the CBD for instance. Yes, this leniency toward graffiti means there is some really unimpressive simplicity displayed along train lines and alleys what not. But it also means there are some really remarkable pieces. 

Alleyways dedicated to graffiti allow artists to perform in the daytime, and not lurk around in the night.

"Raise your hearts in marvel for this painting captivates the immediacy of your eternal presents without application of technology or conceptual engagment"

I also give props to the city for supporting a number of impressive displays. From the simple to the extravagant.

Sweet laser light show projected onto Town Hall

Admittedly, it's not all sunshine & rainbows in Melbourne summer of course. This has been the hottest recorded summer in many many years. And as usual, the bushfires ravaged multiple parts of the country. And where fires don't strike, the residual smoke does. Check out this smoke cloud moving in. It seemed to appear spontaneously, real apocalyptic-like.

View from the train

 

Oh, and then the wildlife. If I’m going to be outside, I’m bound to encounter other outdoorsmen. 

You know koalas spend the vast majority of their lives eating eucalyptus leaves. This baby's learning the ropes...

And wallabies spend a lot of their time relaxing. These animals have really got it right.

And then, of course, the beach. We just don’t have beaches like this in Texas. At least not ones I’ve seen. And there was ninety-four miles of this one! And check out how many people are on it… so good.

Anyway. I have many exciting travel plans in the next two months, all culminating in my exodus from this city. I'm very much looking forward to exploring new places in this massive island-country.

Life is good. Love to you all.

Accidental photo, but I like it.

It's the End of the World As We Know It

Well, dear readers, the last day of the Mayan calendar has come & gone. And we’re still here. Unless, of course, we were unknowingly transferred into an alternative reality and just don't know it… Either way, it's still nice.

Melbourne, Australia, is a city that has grown on me rather quickly. I’m not surprised by this, nor am I drawn to dissect my satisfaction here. On the most fundamental level, my basic needs are easily met, the sun is shining a lot of the time, and the opportunities for exploration continue to seem limitless.

Bridge over the Yarra River on my route to work. I make an effort to look over every time, as it always seems different. Mostly based on weather conditions.

When I say my needs are met, I mean, literally, the water from the tap is nice, the food is diverse and copious, and I have found a comfortable bedroom in a quaint little house in which to reside.
Food markets are plentiful.

Vic Market in the CBD. Not my market of choice, but fascinating for its size.

They vary in size and quality no doubt, but I’ve already found a handful that satisfy my needs. The organic food movement is present, but consistently more expensive. This is common in the States as well, but I think I’ve been more aware of it because there aren’t many basic natural food stores (think food co-ops, Whole Foods, etc.). The natural foods are found in specialty shops, or in my experience in their own sections of the big grocery stores. Therefore, the prices variations are all the more evident. More often, though, I’ve been trying to frequent the outdoor markets. This saves money as well as encourages a fresh food diet. And at least I then know from where the produce derives (which, for some people, is more important and potentially more sustainable). Anyway, I have ready access to fresh food, which I’m quite thankful for.

Veg Out Community Gardens in St Kilda (my neighborhood)

I’m also working full-time, which has been a welcome change. Two jobs, both as “barmaids.” The first is in my neighborhood bowling club. Lawn Bowls (think Bocci Ball) is a huge pastime in Australia, and a cool one too. Outside, barefoot, beers, friends, etc. And spans generations too, which I appreciate. There are clubs in every neighborhood, but I think I lucked out in my endeavors (thanks to some friends) because it’s a very laid back place. Actually, my boss is also my flatmate, which has worked out amazingly well. I live very close to work (just a short bike ride through Albert Park) and also near the beach, which is sweet. It’s funny because Melbourne is not known for its beaches, but for a life-long inland dweller such as myself, they more than satisfy. I also work at this cool beer bar in Richmond. Live music, lots of local beers on tap, laid back but busy, and friendly co-workers. I will say, however, I have found that most Australians (as I was warned) are crazy friendly. Very welcoming, cordial, and pleasant. There’s been a good exchange of culture with some of the older gentlemen at the bowls club. I won’t lie: it initially made me feel strange how much more some of them know about the United States than I know about Australia. Admittedly, I felt some level of guilt. However, it only proves to illustrate how prominent the United States is in the world, especially concerning terms of foreign policy and export of goods & culture. Naturally, the United States influences Australia more than is reciprocated. So, now I’ve been on a quest to learn as much as I can.

Famous Luna Park, celebrating 100 years of existence. I got a free wristband for the rides on their birthday. Without having been on a rollercoaster in probably 10 years, I wasn't sure how my body would respond... I giggled like a 10-year-old.

Anyway, working in bars is fun. And admittedly, exhausting! I’ve met lots of very interesting people. And it helps me learn the accent better, which, believe it or not, is sometimes like a foreign language. So, they serve beer in pints, like in the United States. But most people, when they don’t specify, actually just want a “pot,” which is like a half-pint in the US. But regardless, in a loud bar with lots of distractions, the difference in sound between pot and pint (with an Australian accent) is negligible. And I’ll get stopped pouring halfway because they notice I’m using the wrong size. I feel like I pour more beers from a pot to a pint & vice-versa than I do from the tap itself! Also, they’re really funny with some of the things they say. Naturally, they have a number of expressions that are regionally unique (indeed, that could comprise another entire entry). However, I really like the genuine enthusiasm they seem to have for communication. Most people in greeting each other also inquire as to the other person’s state. From counter staff, to check out clerks, to librarians, to quick conversations on the phone, people will still say Hi or G’day and How are you going? It’s nice. Something I also like is the use of exaggerated appreciation. I mean, I use “awesome” probably more than it’s warranted. Not everything I deem awesome actually puts me in awe. However, some Australians (blokes, especially) will take it to the next level. “Here’s your beer.” “Ah, amazing, thank you.” Or “I’ll put it on your tab.” “Magic! Thanks.” Or "beauty" or “miracle” or “legendary,” which I think is my personal favorite.

Okay, well I think that’s enough for now. Hope you’re having fun too. And, Happy New Year!

Now this is what I call a bike path. Completely separated from auto traffic, and quite lovely.

Flinder Street Station in the CBD. Hub for all forms of transportation (bus, tram, train). I haven't explored the options much because I'm happy on my bike, but I imagine at some point I will. I can take day trips all over Victoria on the train! It's great.

Cultural Awareness

I was thinking a lot about this topic of late. There are many aspects of cultural awareness, and I aim to master them all. Or at least, to keep refining my ability to be open-minded and considerate when I am in a new place. Sometimes, this is quite easy, while other times it can be a bit more challenging.

For instance, I've just returned from Honolulu (located on the island of Oahu, FYI). This was a very different Hawaii from the one I met last year. In fact, during my visit I generally felt no connection to the Big Island, which is just 200 miles and a handful of islands South. Huge buildings and lights aplenty grace the skyline. It could have easily been so many other cities in the world.

Not a particularly great photo, but certainly was a cool spot

But for some reason, however, I maintain a romanticized image of Hawaii in my mind, and therefore, my attraction is sustained. I plan to revisit Hawaii as many times as possible in my life. However, the cultural differences of Honolulu (and specifically the tourist mecca, Waikiki) were undeniable. (Disclaimer: my short visit was limited to Honolulu alone, and therefore in no way illustrates the island of Oahu in its entirety.)

Balcony view made for a nice & breezy breakfast

I mostly wandered around on foot. I had a very pro-active and entertaining couchsurfing host, so I was also introduced to a number of other local pleasantries that I probably would not have sought otherwise. (One of which enabled the reassurance that I'm really not a big fan of snorkeling - another story altogether). But for the most part, I opted to meander alone. On my last day, I found myself moseying down Waikiki Beach. I figured I better at least take a glimpse at this famous landmark while I was there. It was conveniently located just a few blocks from where I was staying, and naturally, it provided some excellent people-watching.

Two very different families documenting similar experiences simultaneously

Such a diverse group of people that tour Hawaii, especially Honolulu. In the midst of my beach stroll, I happened upon a group of reclining beach chairs, all unoccupied, while the rest of the beach was speckled with sand dwellers. I think deep down I knew why they were unoccupied, but I couldn't resist stretching out in the sunshine. So, I removed my shoes and cozied up. Before I was able to even scan the horizon, a gentleman approached me. "Ma'am, how are you doing?" Ahh, of course. "Just fine, thanks," I replied, perhaps subconsciously in my best Texas accent. Certainly with a smile. "Well, these chairs are actually for rent," he said, pointing to all the empty recliners. "You mean I have to pay to sit here?" I asked. "Yeah," he smirked. "Not much is free is Waikiki." At least he was honest. "And how much does it cost to sit here?" I continued, still comfortably reclined. "Well, it's usually $40 a day, but we'll be closing down at 4:00, so we could do $25." It was 2:00. Paying $25 to sit in a chair for 2 hours was obviously out of the question. "So, can I sit in them for free after 4:00 then?" I questioned. No, of course, they lock up the chairs at that time. "Okay," I sighed, "I'll sit right next to it." And I rolled over to land on the sand a foot below. Not bad, really. Still a delightful spot no doubt, lacking only in back support. To be perfectly clear, I was not attempting irreverence (indeed if I was, I would have asked how much it cost to swim in the ocean). I was merely intrigued by the price alone, and not necessarily the concept. While I may not be the world's best capitalist, I do still want to be a good person. A thoughtful one, to boot.

And now I've arrived in Melbourne, Australia. Seems to be a wonderful place thus far, but obviously I have much more to learn. Admittedly, I was initially perturbed upon arrival into Sydney. I had to travel by bus from the international to the domestic terminal. I followed a litany of signs & arrows and eventually found the stop. However, upon boarding, I was shocked to learn of a charge for the transportation - five and a half dollars! I pleaded ignorance with the driver, who seemed genuinely sorry but equally unwavering. He sent me back into the airport to change currency. During the exchange, I expressed my astonishment to the conversion teller, who was delightfully friendly. "You should take the train," he said. "It's only $5." So, indeed I walked further down to the city train, purchased a ticket as if I was crossing town, and waited for it to take me one stop. Incredible.

I now realize this entry makes me sound terribly cheap, and perhaps the title of this post should instead be "Monetary Awareness." But that is certainly not my intention here. I understand that people pay for goods & services and alas, our society is sustained. But currently being without a consistent income, perhaps I am more aware about the cost of said goods & services and how I prioritize each one. (As well as how individual cities prioritize money for their local economies). I believe this greater awareness will serve me well in the future. I've never been a big spender, but certainly at times have made unnecessary or less sustainable purchases, without thinking twice. And while I also pride myself on spontaneity, sometimes it's good to think twice.

Anyway, I'm very excited to explore the subtle intricacies of being in a completely foreign place. Mostly, riding my bike in a huge city where they drive on the opposite side of the road is surprisingly exciting. A challenge in itself. But! For the first time in my adult life, I'm wearing a helmet. In a country with generous national healthcare, I risk getting slapped with a $150 fine otherwise. Fair enough.

G'day!

Here & There & Beyond

Well hello, dear reader. My sincerest apologies for the significant delay in publication. I have thought of you many times certainly. And while I have been doing many, many things, the internet has not comprised a substantial amount of my spare time. In fact, I don’t even have many photos to speak for my adventures. But I will share what I do have…

Canada, eh?

Vancouver! Boats! Busy-ness!

This guy was amazing. I can’t exactly put his style of music into words, but he was definitely feelin’ it. And recording a live music video to boot!

Wreck Beach - clothing optional & with a magnificent sunset

Photo shoots and hovercrafts on the beach

Homegrown veggies for a Lake Powell boat adventure

One day maybe I’ll also have a floating cabin on the water. Sure was nice…

Picturesque and serene (and you could drink water straight from the lake!)

My wonderful traveling comrade, Huckleberry Finn

Douglas Fir Trees at MacMillan Park! Whoaaaaa.

TEXAS on Vancouver Island!

Plenty of natural beauty along the Columbia Gorge (plus seven microbreweries!)

Have you ever seen a Redwood tree??

The Pacific Northwest continues to captivate me. I’ll be back here for sure.

Not many photos taken down the coast. But this one captures my experience nicely. Trees & bikes & sunshine & fun. [Impressive action shot by Tim Foley]

And then I went back to Austin! Mostly for the wedding of these lovely people:

[Photo by Bob Kinney]

But also to visit some other really wonderful people. In all my solo travels, not once have I felt lonely or bored with my time. That being said, I did frequently recognize the bounty of so many wonderful people and places in Austin that very much make it my home. I value that highly, and I look forward to my future experiences there. But for now, more adventures!

First, a trip to Florida to visit some of my delightful family. (Why does everyone have to be so far away from each other??) Then back to the Bay Area for just a few days before continuing my journey West. The flight to Australia is about 20 hours, but I have it broken up with a short layover in LA, then a few days in Honolulu, and eventually across the pond for a Thanksgiving Day arrival. Phew.

Wish me luck in getting a job soon after arrival.

With love and gratitude,

M