observations Keyword
Raining Again
Rain seems to be a bit of a theme of my adventures so far. Rain on Australia Day, rain around Sydney and, now that I am in Brisbane, constant rain for the past few days. Not that I’m complaining at all. I love the rain. Sitting on the veranda listening to the drumming rain on the tin is one of the most relaxing experiences in the world. Anyone who thinks that rain is depressing is a little tapped in my opinion.
My friend Tegan has been kind enough to offer me a place to stay in Brisbane. It is a shed out the back of a share house and it is perhaps the most wonderful place I could ever have imagined. The rain falls hard on the roof. I am awakened by the scratching of Bush Turkeys and the purring of Lilou the cat, and the vibe is just great. I have met pretty much the whole house, and we went out drinking last night. Brisbane has a very Perth feel. The city is very young, just growing up. I am looking forward to exploring more in the coming few days.
Max & Pascal
Yesterday I said goodbye to a couple of new friends, namely Max and Pascal. Ever the party animals these two brothers from Quebec have been traveling around causing a ruckas and breaking the hearts of ladies all over the shop. They are two of the biggest stoners you’ll ever meet. I am glad to have got to know them these past couple of weeks as their antics always brought a smile to my face.
Viva Quebec fellas, enjoy your road trip to Melbourne with Jeff, Alban and Anrie and I’m sure I’ll meet you again in my travels.
Alcohol Free Days
I’ve hit the point where I need another AFD. I’ve been drinking too much. Way too much, as shown by the multitude of nights out photos that have graced the blog. It’s hard not to go out all the time when you’re surrounded by like minded people, and it’s kinda my tradition that whenever someone new comes into a dorm, we have to take them out on the town. People come into our dorm a lot. I think if it weren’t for my insistence on AFD’s at least once a week I think the entire blog would be just a series of blurred drunken photos of the interior of clubs.
I promise that from now on I’ll be limiting my “I’ve been out drinking” posts but for now: here’s a series of blurred drunken photos from the interior of a club.
Salsa Steve
One of the best and most interesting characters I’ve met so far in my travels is Salsa Steve. Harking from New Zealand, inventor of 6 hour mozzarella and accomplished musician Steve travels the world in search of the worlds best Salsa dancers and competition nights.
I had the pleasure of attending one of the organised Salsa nights that Steve had been chasing around the world and had a great night. The mood of the room was infectious, and had even the audience of spectators shaking their hips. I am glad I made the effort to see Salsa Steve in his element. It is something that will stay with me long after this trip is over.
Keep dancing Steve, may your adventures on this Earth always be filled with sexy Salsa ladies!
I can haz cak3?
I like the fact that humanity still continues to surprise me. Sometimes just the smallest actions on the part of individuals can completely restore your hope for the whole. On the evening of my Birthday some of the backpackers I had met (Joe, Lucy, Camilla, Jamie, Max, Pascalle et al) organised a surprise birthday cake at the Side Bar! They even got me a card signed by pretty much everyone who counts at my Hostel. Their little gesture made me feel so loved and provided entertainment for the masses at the pub.
I made some new friends that night, danced like I was possessed by the spirit of jazz and went to bed with a smile on my face. Best, Birthday, Ever.
Saying Goodbye
One of the things I will never be able to get used to with traveling is saying goodbye. So seldom do we meet people with whom we form a strong connection with in our lives that to say goodbye is quite daunting. This effect is amplified in the arena of travel, where you have only days, and sometimes just hours to get to know a person. They breeze into your life, tidy up the place, rearrange the furniture, maybe paint a few walls, put up some art and then suddenly they walk out the door with the smallest of waves never to be seen again. You’re left staring at the paint drips on the carpet and the shattered glass they knocked over on the way out and your heart soars.
To all my traveling friends, where ever you are now: Thank you.
A Storm is a Brewing
Now that I’ve had a chance to relax, I can ponder the more wonderful things of my day.
I left Perth stressed out. I had people telling me what to do, when to do it, how do things and basically filling me with doubt. I started worrying about accomodation, visas, transport, money, all the things that normally “take care of themselves”. My first step onto the plane wasn’t filled with joy, but with frustration and concern.
And then, the fasten seat belt sign came on, and instantly I was free.
The roar of the engines seemed to frighten off my demons and clear my head and I was only left with good memories of those I am leaving behind. Quite a bizarre feeling.
Anyways, from the metaphysical to the minutiae: I finally checked in at about 1.30pm, had a shower and about half an hours sleep. I then went shopping and for dinner I made myself field mushrooms cooked in garlic butter, with fresh crunchy brocolli and chutney, topped with blue cheese and almonds. I topped it off with a beer while watching a storm roll in over the city.
I’m currently reading “The Beach” by Alex Garland, and listening to, as always when I am on holidays, Sigur Ros.
I might down a couple more beers, and if the storm has passed, swing over to the Side Bar to see if anything is going down, but for now I’ll just enjoy the thunder.