Sunset Train

I wrote this on one of my v-line train journeys.
Inspired by the setting sun and a longing for what I had just left behind.

Step on

Quiet, thoughtful

Good for writing.

If there is space,

in your mind, in your place.

Great for watching.

See country, See sky

Ponder who, what, why

Remember being.

Warmth, solemnity

Light so bright, so dim

Inspiring, missing , longing,

Hoping, looking, seeing

Moving, stopping,

ever present,

Sunset.

Step off

A Road That Bends

It's November, nearly three months in. I've returned from a very welcomed journey down the Great Ocean Road. A trip that left me longing for home, and what was. A trip that spurred me onward towards adventure, and the unknown. It is no surprise I felt this way, the road itself, when traveled with all its bends and turns, promotes forward movement, never letting you stay in one place, leaving a longing for what was left behind and a yearning for what lays ahead.

The Road is ever winding, variant. One moment you are overwhelmed by the ocean, the sea and the great cliffs who command your respect. The next is filled with rolling, flowing hills, who hold a feigned softness brought on by the rough sea. Groves, pastures, farms, and distant windmills line this land. You move on, traveling through an ancient rain forest, a forest that holds a prehistoric life of its own, shaped, in part, by this great ocean.

You travel through this all, and then you are back, back among the cliffs and the wind, finally staring down the Twelve Apostles who are now eight, and gazing at the London Bridge who is fallen down. It seems as if the wind, the sea and time are doing their mighty work upon this great master piece. Soon what we know and see here, the bridge, the apostles and the rain forest, will be forever changed.

Amidst all of this, you cannot help but think, “How can I make this last?” It is not a question of preserving the land, it is a question of preserving the moment. It is a thing of life that neither can be upheld forever, but their lessons can.

The Road encompasses you, it breaks you, but it leads you to those places that heal. Sea, plain, forest, river, waterfall... They are healing places, and the road holds them all. Step into them, they will tell you something. More often then not, the lessons they teach, you have already learned; learned but forgotten. As such, we must always be opening and reopening, else we will remain stagnant and closed. I learned this from the many waterfalls along the road. They flow ever and always, journeying towards the great perhaps. The water molds to the land, veering often from its determined path, but always finds its way forward, towards whatever end it is destined, most often the sea and all its vastness. 

I am glad I took this journey, it reminded me of what I left behind, and has shown me a glimpse of what I travel towards. What do I travel towards? Wait and see.

Clock Time, Eternity

Life seems to have resumed a normal pace again. I've come to see the unsteadiness of time in my two and a half months here, more so than I did back home. Perhaps it is because I am more aware, and less aware, of time as a whole.

There will always be the ticking of the clock, things that need to be done at this time or that time, schedules. But in that clock there is eternity, which can be seen in a second, in a minute or in any length of time; such is the beauty of eternity. It is forever in an instant. Have you heard of this concept? It is quite unexplainable, but we try. I believe it is similar to that of catching a glimpse of heaven. For one irrevocably beautiful moment, you see through more than just eyes, but through something eternal, to something eternal. It is a pause, not in clock time, but in life time, where an hour can turn into centuries and a year a few seconds. Such is the case that most often these eternal moments go unrecognized, at least until after their passing. It is a blessing that we can look back on them at all.

I must admit, the two weeks I neglected to post were because I was caught up in clock time. The business of the moment is very alluring, especially when you have been seeking something to occupy your time. Yes, being is nice, but we are human, and must also do. And I most certainly was doing! In the span of two weeks I rehearsed and performed over 15 hours of Wagner, climbed all over the Dandenong hills, saw my first Australian wildlife (an echidna), and watched a most beautiful sunset overlooking the city, the bay, the You Yangs and beyond. I traveled on my first V-line country train, explored the city of Geelong, Torquay, and Bells Beach, and have been progressing with my new job.

Life is easier when it is filled with things to do and achieve. Busyness brings concentration, activeness, movement and so much more. Unfortunately it can very easily lead to distraction, if you aren't careful. It did with me, but I do not regret it, or apologize for it. It was necessary, for I have progressed more in the two weeks time than I could have hoped for, finally gaining what I most sought after arriving here. A friend. Someone to share my time with, and not my clock time, my unmeasured time.

I have learned to stop looking for eternity in the beyond, and to start seeing it in the now. That is where it lies, playing out right before our eyes. With each passing day I am opened a little more. So are you. If we're lucky, we might even catch a glimpse of heaven. 

Rainbows and Showgrounds

It never occurred to me, but the conditions for rainbows are rather perfect in Melbourne. The weather is quite variant and quick rain showers are common. All that is needed is a little sunshine in the mix and there you have it, a rainbow! Sure it's a bit more complex than that, but only slightly. Anyhow, you see a fair amount of those multicoloured arches around.

I have a feeling, and a hope, that I'll see many more. Rainbows are the sort of thing that make you stop, make you look, admire and see. They are so bright and beautiful, and sort of hard to miss. It is a good thing the world knows the beauty of rainbows, they are visible, bright, and easy ways to pull us from the busyness of life. Even the most distracted and blind of persons will often pause at the sight of a rainbow.

I visited a place called the Showgrounds the other day. It is normally a racing track and stable, but on this occasion it was a fair. A well known and celebrated one at that. Every year, once a year, they come for a two week stint and nest in the showgrounds. It so happens that it cheekily comes right when school holiday is in session, so they get quite a few attendees. In fact, they have express trains that run to and from the showgrounds so you can get to the fair as fast as possible!

The Melbourne Showgrounds Fair is quite like a rainbow. It is colourful, bright and loud, and distracts you from the busyness of life. The rides are a kids dream, and the candy is ever flowing and overflowing. Walls of stuffed animals practically line the grounds, and there is a different game to match each section. They have goats and various farm animals for petting and feeding. They have crafts, and cakes and soaps to admire and purchase, and of course, food booths every few meters in case you should ever have those tummy rumblings. I did.

The noise is constant, but it is not a grating or annoying noise, or even a loud noise. It is a joyous and carefree noise that makes you smile and let go. It makes you want to play and laugh and be active and participate! If you've lost the kid in you, this is the place to get it back! It's hard not to keep your eyes wide open, to look, to admire and see. It is hard not to enjoy yourself. I most certainly did.

Should you find yourself going to a fair, remember to let go and lose yourself among the multicoloured arches (so long as you don't have little ones to lose). After all, you've made it to the bottom of the rainbow. And maybe, if your aware enough to see it, you'll find the pot of gold.

City on the Bay

If you ever visit Melbourne, I recommend touring the bay. Whether you do it in a day, a week, or a year, there are many sites to see. Great ocean views are typical but never boring, and small quaint towns can be found covering every inch of the bay. There are even hot springs a little further inland, and of course, the never ending amount of wineries always ready to give you a taste, with the required fee of course. It just takes a little adventure, and an easy means of transport.

At the top of the bay (most trams will take you within walking distance) lies St. Kilda Beach and Port Melbourne, the more popular places to visit, being closest to the CBD. If you're looking for some sand in your toes, Port Melbourne has the better offer, but be careful you don't get sun burnt! St. Kilda is unique with its Esplanade Market selling crafts and art abounding, though it is only open once per week. However, there are shops and boutiques galore to make up for rest, try one out!

I am positive I've said this before, but I feel the need to repeat myself. Every place you go in Melbourne, city, suburb, country, bay, you will find an array of unique shops, cafes, and stores to match your tastes. They are without a doubt a staple of Melbourne. And I assure you, the phrase, “Would you like to get a coffee?” will be uttered more times than you can count! Quite often it will be followed by, “I know a place just around the corner!” And usually the best places are indeed, just around the corner. However, they fail to mention that it is also around this bend, through some shady alley, and more often than not, behind a dumpster or trash bin. It adds to their charm, trust me.

I recommend, during your tour of the bay, a stop on the Mornington Peninsula. The town of Mornington is beautiful, elegant, cutesie and a large tourist hub during the summer months, or so I'm told. It has its sights, its ocean views, its seaside pubs and diners and a very Hyde Park feel to its town center. I myself took a four day break on the top of Mt Martha in a beautiful home owned by a lady named Verity, who has now become a new friend. One of many to come. Mt Martha sits about 2 kilometers from the town center in Mornington, and offers a view that the town cannot boast of. Spend some time in the country around Mornington, relax, go for a walk, its hills are worth the climb and its wineries are fabulous !

On the other side of the bay lies a town called Port Arlington. One of the last towns before you hit the great ocean road. It is a nice place to take a breather, relax and get to know a bogan or two! I might also mention it boasts some excellent olive groves. And no tour of the bay would be complete without a stop in Geelong, Victoria's second biggest city on the bay, which sits halfway between Melbourne and Port Arlington. It's a great place to enjoy a walk along the pier, watch the ships come and go, and maybe catch a local game of footy.

You could live a life time in Melbourne and not see the whole of Port Phillip Bay. I myself have been down both sides of the bay and have yet to see even a quarter of the many wonderful things found along its sandy shores and winding roads.

A Trip to the Zoo

Here's a cheeky little poem for all of you.

I hope you like it, I know I do!

"A Trip to the Zoo"

I went to the Zoo today,

As a means of getting away.

There are things you can learn at the zoo,

Things only the animals can teach you.

But you have to listen quite carefully,

Else you'll misconstrue, misinterpret, or miss the message completely!

The Tiger is first, in him is a quite strength,

Listen to him, listen to him at great length.

He'll teach you of charisma, courage, and passion;

And help you through your fears, in a fashion...

The Elephants come next,

Of family and kindness they know best!

They'll help you make new friends,

A smile, a nod, and knowing the how's, where's, and when's!

The Giraffe and Zebra are a pair,

They have some advice to share,

How to give and receive with an always open heart,

If you can master this, you'll never feel apart!

The koala knows about relaxation,

Take a break! Take a nap! What a great medication!

And it doesn't hurt to be cuddly, warm and cute,

You might even get a hug, shoot!

If there's one thing a Kangaroo knows,

It's how to hop hop through life, anything goes.

But remember, when it gets too hot,

pick a shady area to stay a while, 

under a tree is a great spot!

I went to the Zoo today,

as a means of getting away.

Oh! and I learned a thing or two,

The animals have a quite a lot to teach you!

Tell Your Story

Not long ago, I used to dread telling my story, and when forced to, I would tell it halfheartedly or without much spirit. My story always had hope, but that's about all it had going for it. Perhaps it was because I wasn't proud of it, or felt it had no direction.

The three short weeks I've had here, have given me a few revelations with regards to story telling. One such, is that there is nothing more exciting than an unfinished story, an unfinished person. It means there is still room for growth, an infinite amount in fact! Be proud and excited about the fact that you are an unfinished person. Let it comfort you, and let it guide you.

In many ways it is essential I tell my story. It helps others to understand. Not because they may be from a different country, with a different lifestyle (I think you'll find that Australians are very similar to us, with a few odd quirks). It is because knowing someone's story helps you to understand where that person is coming from, and if you're observant enough, where they are headed.

I've found that sharing my story is a powerful way of making connections, forming bonds, and moving forward. With each sharing I have gotten better at telling it, weeding out the bits that clutter, or changing its order, trying for a new angle or perspective. There is no right place to start when telling your story, no beginning place. It is only important that you start someplace. Which place depends on the listener, on the situation, and on you.

Your story is a part of who you are, it is what has led you to this person you are today. It is a powerful thing, knowing your story, and being able to share it. And share it you must, for it is one of the ways we move our story forward. With each telling of it, we shape it, in someway or other. However, there are right ways to share it. Do not force it upon someone, don't get caught up in it, or blame your life on it, but if someone asks, tell it. Invariably, they will know something about your story that you didn't.

I've learned to be sincere in the telling of my story. No longer trying to seek gain through it, or from it. If you choose to manipulate your story, warp it, you will stray further from its purpose. Manipulation may get you what you want, but it will only take you so far. Telling your story is a gift. Having someone who will listen is a gift. It is not something you should seek to profit from, though quite often you will.

The setting for my next chapter.

So when you go to new places, meet new people, and discover new things, tell your story. It will lead you to places you would surely not have gone otherwise. And if you're lucky, you will get to hear a story in return.  

City Walks

"It's dangerous business... going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to."

J.R.R. Tolkien

I've taken to walking the streets of Melbourne, occasionally jumping on a tram when it's convenient. I walk with no great goal or destination in mind. Sure there are things I desire to do, but my time table is such that I am in no great hurry to do them.

There is something about the steady rhythm of walking that calms me. When facing the unknown, and the uncertainty it brings, walking is a way of finding direction, focus, and courage. It is something that allows for doing, for action, but also for listening, for being. And I must say, in a city such as Melbourne, you never know what you'll come across!

Melbourne is meant for the walker. It's lane ways are enticing, varied, and ever present. If ever you think you know which direction you're headed, enter a lane way, and you will surely lose all sense of it. It is a wonder to me that some shops are ever found, hidden as they are behind bends and turns. I was taken to a little cafe, not long ago, that might as well have been behind a dumpster, it was so buried. Do not ask me to take you there, I will not likely find it. It's okay, there is another fabulous cafe just around the corner, I promise.

Today, my walking took me to the pier in Port Arlington, located an hour's drive around the bay from the city of Melbourne. It is a small, bogan* town, that holds quite a lot of character, and a certain Australian charm that you won't find in the city. My small adventure to the port reminded me of the huge journey I had recently undertaken.

It amazes me that I must consciously remind myself that I am, indeed, on an adventure. How often are we on one and don't even realize it? Caught up in the details of creating a life. We must remember to, every now and then, perhaps when we gain the slightest bit of courage or insight, choose to go on one. It makes all the difference.

Adventures are scary, formidable and exciting things. They're like a test you've studied for, you are ready for, but when the time comes, you're woefully unprepared for. Even so, you push forward with the information you have on hand. Failure is a possibility, but never a certainty.

I'm slowly ticking off the questions.

*Bogan: Australian equivalent of Redneck.

Why? What? Because.

People always seemed to ask me the same three questions upon hearing of my move to Australia. First would invariably be an intrigued, 'Why?' This would quickly be followed by the next most logical question, 'What is it you plan on doing there?' Fairly easy questions to answer, even if their doing is hard. They were questions I had already asked and answered myself.

The third question always threw me off, at least in the beginning. 'What do your parents and family think of all this?' Looking back, that's not such a surprising question, but I'd never given much thought to it. At first, I would simply answer with a polite, 'I don't quite know actually, we've not really discussed it, but I'm sure they're fine with it.' And I knew they were. They've been with me for most every step of this journey, albeit mostly for moral support. It was never something I had to ask, so I didn't. The understanding was inherent. Words, however useful, are not always necessary.

In part, they know the wisdom of attachment, and of non-attachment, the wisdom of holding on and of letting go. Which are subsets of the wisdom of love, and I know my parents and family love me. How lucky am I! This is why they were able to so easily accept my adventure to Australia, even though the parting was hard.

It amuses me that I'm am still answering those same three questions half a world away. Humans! Through all of our differences, our customs, our traditions, our routines, we still desire for, crave for, fear and wonder for the same things. Sure they may have different names, expressions, or forms, but their meaning is the same. We desire a place in this world, but crave for more. We fear losing our place, even if it is unknown, and we wonder at those who are free from any place, making the world their own. And so, for whatever reason, habit I suppose, we ask the same questions. We ask them until we find a suitable answer, and even if we have found an answer, because of habit, we still continue to ask the question! Sure the words are different each time, but like before, the meaning is the same, and so is the answer.

So, why did I choose to go to Oz? I am searching, following a dream. What am I looking for? I'm not quite sure yet. Certainly for adventure, and knowledge that can only be found through doing. Most of the reasons are unclear to me, or have yet to be discovered. I do know that I want to be here. I have things to learn here. This is one path that I have consciously decided to journey upon, knowing that it would be full of uncertainty and doubt, and I will travel it till it's end. I can see the path set before me, though I do not know where it leads. This is what inspires me to travel it.

And lastly, What is it I plan on doing here? I can assure you of one thing, I will be living.