From Down Under

Yep, that’s where this one’s coming from. I’m in a place called Maroochydore, on the Sunshine Coast. It’s about an hour’s drive from Brisbane. Sunshine Coast is one of the most popular tourist spots in Queensland, and is said to have some of the best beaches in the world. The brochures talk of wonderful things that one can indulge in, in this beautiful part of the world, from surfing, to scuba diving, to diving with sharks, to sky diving, to wine tasting, to shopping….you name it! And of course, there are so many things to see- from the beaches and mountains to the zoos and national parks.

I got here about a week ago, and soon settled into my apartment. It’s a very comfortable arrangement, with a little jetty in the back, and lots of sea breeze. Though work has been pretty hectic, I have managed to take some time out to walk by the river, scope out potential shopping spots, and yes, have a pint of the famous Australian beer. I haven’t, however, due to time restraints, been able to do all the other exciting things the place offers.

What is so great about Maroochydore is that it’s a large town. Which means it’s not big enough to be classified as a city, yet has all the conveniences of one. It means that there is no dearth of shopping malls and supermarkets, but it also means that the people will take time out to have a little chat with you as they go about their business. The little roadside cafes and local taverns are quaint and friendly. The small, yet terribly interesting bookstores and music shops are places that one can spend hours at. I discovered a small music shop called “Back Beat Records” that sells old and rare music, some in rare formats. You can get old CDs, audio tapes and even LPs, some with yellowed covers. There are very few tall buildings; most structures are limited to one or two floors. Some parts on the Sunshine Coast have laws prohibiting buildings to be higher than the trees. The sheer beauty of the place is striking; especially when one wanders towards the river. I would like to describe the beaches, but unfortunately I haven’t made my way to them yet. I’m still trying to get my bearings here. Tomorrow’s Sunday, so maybe I’ll head over to the ocean then. Given Maroochydore’s size, walking is definitely an option, though one should be prepared for the walks to be long ones.

What I didn’t realise was that while I thought I had a long time here, to explore and do things; I actually have only about 6 whole days- the weekends. The rest of the days are booked for work, and evenings aren’t really long enough to do very much. But 6 days are better than 0 days, and I will put them to good use. In the meantime, I shall continue to eat beef, more beef, and still more beef…..two meals a day! :)

Head Above the Water

I just spent a very enjoyable 3 hours with an old friend I hadn’t met in more than a year. And as it often is with old friends, after the initial joy of being together wore off, it was like we’d never been apart all that while. We slipped into intensely personal conversations as easily as if we’d never spent a year in different continents, emailing each other once in a blue moon.
While in conversation, we discovered that we had both undergone similar experiences and similar trials and tribulations. The subjects we started discussing were unintentionally heavy and loaded. But having known each other the way we have, it all seemed to flow rather effortlessly.
We discussed the importance of not allowing life to get the better of us; of finding a way to defeat the demons we all face at some time or another. Some of us go through more than others; some of us create our own obstacles, while others have them strewn in their paths though no fault of their own. Of course, none are as hard to overcome as those we believe are of our own making, knowingly or unknowingly.

The hardest battles to fight are the ones we have to fight within ourselves
The harshest judgements to bear are the ones we pass on ourselves
The memories hardest to forget are the ones that condemn us
And suddenly, it is so hard to live with ourselves….