Coming back DOWN UNDER TO (re) DISCOVER MY ROOTS
Locations: Sydney, Jervis Bay, Canberra
Australia has open it's arms wide and embraced me like a long-lost friend. Beginning at Sydney's airport-where i picked up my luggage after 11hrs of flying and had to negotiate my way through customs, agricultural inspections, trains, stations and finally the hostel- it felt different than my previous week of traveling. Perhaps it was due to my extra 100 lbs of bags and bike i was hauling around, but people were helpful and kind. I spent the night at a huge Youth Hostel that reminded me of a college dormitory and summer camp haul. The place was buzzing. Fortunately, i was able to fall asleep after being up for almost 24hrs.
Australia has open it's arms wide and embraced me like a long-lost friend. Beginning at Sydney's airport-where i picked up my luggage after 11hrs of flying and had to negotiate my way through customs, agricultural inspections, trains, stations and finally the hostel- it felt different than my previous week of traveling. Perhaps it was due to my extra 100 lbs of bags and bike i was hauling around, but people were helpful and kind. I spent the night at a huge Youth Hostel that reminded me of a college dormitory and summer camp haul. The place was buzzing. Fortunately, i was able to fall asleep after being up for almost 24hrs.
My first day in Australia started off wonderfully as i ran through the Australian Botanical Gardens and Hyde Park over the the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. It was great to see so many joggers out amongst the amazing flowers in full-bloom amongst the constant harmony of birds. After returning to the hostel I went and wandered the streets, playing a popular game of 'spot the Aussie.' It seemed as those white, Caucasian folk were the minority in this part of town.
My next task, after making a substantial withdrawl from my Aussie Bank account, was to catch a train south to Nowra. For the last time, i dragged my bike through the station and onto the train, sweating and grunting in the process.
The train ride was very pretty as we passed through the southern Sydney suburbs, then country towns, along the coast and through large paddocks. After three hours or so i arrived at the train's termination to my Grandma's surprised, yet relived, expression that i had made it with all my gear. We drove to her place which is next to a beautiful National Park and picture-perfect paradise, sea-side community: Jervis Bay. That afternoon i got to meet my youngest cousins: Charlie (8) and Sam (4) as well as reconnect with my Auntie, Kay, and her partner, Blair. They live next to my Grandma in an incredibly customed designed (by them) and landscaped house.
Left: Catamarans on Jervis Bay.
Left: Family's house in Vincentia.Right: Callala Bay- undisturbed paradise. Common for these parts
My days in Jervis Bay and Vincentia were spent riding my bike, running, swimming, sailing, walking, hanging out with family and playing with my cousins. I really felt as though i could make a life in this area as it was all so beautiful and self-contained. The great thing about small Australian towns is that they have not be corrupted by corporations. There still exists the locally run and owned butcher, baker, newsagent and everything else one needs to sustain life. Of course, in terms of recreation, they had anything beach and bush related so i was happy.
Atop Norwa Hill.
Atop Norwa Hill.
Heaps of biking and swimming to be enjoyed along Callala Shores
After a few days there, Grandma and i traveled south to Bateman's Bay, the hub of the South coast, yet a tiny beach town to American standards. I was able to swim in an outdoor 50m pool which was refreshing. that night we went to a live performance of The Wizard of Oz. It was really good.
After a few days there, Grandma and i traveled south to Bateman's Bay, the hub of the South coast, yet a tiny beach town to American standards. I was able to swim in an outdoor 50m pool which was refreshing. that night we went to a live performance of The Wizard of Oz. It was really good.
Bush (single) track near Nowra.After a long and difficult (read fun) mountain bike ride the next morning, we headed up over the hills inland to Canberra where i grew up before moving to the US. Our first stop was Jerrabomberra and our beloved house. A great deal had changed in this neighborhood, namely many new houses and grown trees. We stopped by the Harrisons, family friends of ours, and were happy to find two out of five home.
Me outside our old house. Roos up on Waniassa Hill
Next we drove into town and went to my Aunty, Jill's, where we were spending the night. I went for a walk behind the house and into the hills to survey my old town. So many fond memories of growing up in the Utopian-like environment flooded back.
That night we went to dinner with two of my Jill, Aunty Helen and cousins Jane and Sally, as well as a family friend, Kerry.
The first friend i got to see was appropriately, one of my best, Josie Russel-Brown (formally LeHoczky). We had a great time visiting old friends, touring Canberra and being kids again by re-calling certain memories and playing around. Josie took my to the bus depot after we walked around Commonwealth Park doing Jane Fonda exercises.
I caught the Greyhound to Sydney airport which was pretty plush and easy compared to the US. My next destination- Queensland's Gold Coast- and my two cousins, aunt, uncle and college friend awaited. More details to follow.
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