Hey friends. I'm finding the blogger interface to tough to post to while traveling (hence the dump of posts every few weeks) so I'm moving house. From now on you can find me at: http://hollatalla.tumblr.com/
See you there!
Friday, March 30, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
Profound?
The other day Leena talked about how she expected to have profound thoughts when independently hiking for two straight months but instead found herself thinking of very basic things. When I get to camp will I make dinner first or set up my tent and bedding? How far have I gone today and how much further do I have left to walk?
It's definitely been this way for me as a traveler. I had no big goal in mind for my travels but did kind of expect to have some deep thoughts/reflections due to all the "extra" time on my hands. Turns out I have little free time and I'm constantly thinking about the daily ins and outs of travel. Where will I sleep tonight? How will I get from point A to point B. How's my budget doing? This will be even more true as I shift from six weeks of road-tripping with others to independently traveling through Singapore, India and Turkey.
All that said, here are a few not-so-profound reflections from my time in Australia:
It's definitely been this way for me as a traveler. I had no big goal in mind for my travels but did kind of expect to have some deep thoughts/reflections due to all the "extra" time on my hands. Turns out I have little free time and I'm constantly thinking about the daily ins and outs of travel. Where will I sleep tonight? How will I get from point A to point B. How's my budget doing? This will be even more true as I shift from six weeks of road-tripping with others to independently traveling through Singapore, India and Turkey.
All that said, here are a few not-so-profound reflections from my time in Australia:
- Americans have too much stuff, including extra weight, because food and things are super cheap. Food, clothing, toiletries, everything is more expensive in New Zealand and Australia.
- Racism is everywhere. When white europeans colonized they believed their culture to be superior to others and expected others to assimilate. This is still the case.
- People are good! It's okay to trust most people. People typically have the right intentions.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Expectations
We had to edit our route from Melbourne back to the Gold Coast because of the extra time we spent in Yulara. This means I had no idea where we were headed when we departed this morning. The plan was to drive to Bathurst or as close to it as possible to do some gold panning in the morning. I was prepared for a boring drive. We did hear of a waterfall in Marysville that we thought we'd check out. On our way we suddently entered into a massive eucalyptus forest. It was so beautiful. Really really tall eucalyptus trees on a mountainous landscape with winding roads. Lush, prehistoric ferns at their base. Most of the bark had peeled from the trunks creating an effect of sudden existence.
As we got closer to Marysville the evidence of a relatively recent brush fire was evident. Lots of new construction and regrowth. Black trees. I've seen lots of land here in Australia that have been devoured by fires and consumed by floods only to come out more beautiful and awe-inspiring. Makes me reflect on the power of nature, how small we are and how we, living things, can actually tolerate a lot. We rebound.
I had high expectations for Melbourne and was, dare I say, disappointed. I had no expectations for today and was pleasantly surprised. That's the funny thing about expectations. They are necessary but can be dangerous. I remember reading something in a book, "Pursuit of Happiness" maybe, about the importance of balanced expectations. Anticipation creates happiness, disappointment the opposite.
As we got closer to Marysville the evidence of a relatively recent brush fire was evident. Lots of new construction and regrowth. Black trees. I've seen lots of land here in Australia that have been devoured by fires and consumed by floods only to come out more beautiful and awe-inspiring. Makes me reflect on the power of nature, how small we are and how we, living things, can actually tolerate a lot. We rebound.
I had high expectations for Melbourne and was, dare I say, disappointed. I had no expectations for today and was pleasantly surprised. That's the funny thing about expectations. They are necessary but can be dangerous. I remember reading something in a book, "Pursuit of Happiness" maybe, about the importance of balanced expectations. Anticipation creates happiness, disappointment the opposite.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Learning
My time in Yulara, out near Uluru, was special. I'll be reflecting on it for a long time to come. I'm taking a risk by sharing some very preliminary reflections based on my limited experience here.
I learned an incredible amount about the indigenous people of Australia - about their culture and about their struggles. I see many similarities with Native American and African American issues, but there are also some very unique issues.
Our host, Craig, discovered his culture later in life but he is so passionate and curious and wants to teach others. There is clear racism in this country - even by the people that want to "side with" and preserve aboriginal culture. Not intentional of course, but obvious.
It is so difficult to comment on these complicated issues of race and culture. I know very little about the history, the problems and therefore the solutions, but it seems especially problematic that people aren't asking a lot of questions. What do the traditional land owners want? Why are we assuming the want modern white culture? It feels like their only option is assimilation and that is just not fair.
This experience illuminates even more for me the problems with our culture of power - white, european, male culture. It also reaffirms my desire to continue to work for equality. How can I reject white privilege and play a role in move us closer to equality for all?
Most of my experiences in Yulara were centered around learning about aboriginal culture but we also met a guy, Chris Hill, that owns and runs the Uluru Camel Tours. We really benefitted from Craig's networking skills! After a sunset camel ride we joined Chris for some drinks. He is SO passionate about his work. Chris traveled across all five Australian deserts with wild camels that he tamed all before he was 21. He does what he loves and that is the reason he does it well. I am passionate about equality but struggle with figuring out how to do something tangible with it. I am thinking more and more seriously about two options:
I learned an incredible amount about the indigenous people of Australia - about their culture and about their struggles. I see many similarities with Native American and African American issues, but there are also some very unique issues.
Our host, Craig, discovered his culture later in life but he is so passionate and curious and wants to teach others. There is clear racism in this country - even by the people that want to "side with" and preserve aboriginal culture. Not intentional of course, but obvious.
It is so difficult to comment on these complicated issues of race and culture. I know very little about the history, the problems and therefore the solutions, but it seems especially problematic that people aren't asking a lot of questions. What do the traditional land owners want? Why are we assuming the want modern white culture? It feels like their only option is assimilation and that is just not fair.
This experience illuminates even more for me the problems with our culture of power - white, european, male culture. It also reaffirms my desire to continue to work for equality. How can I reject white privilege and play a role in move us closer to equality for all?
Most of my experiences in Yulara were centered around learning about aboriginal culture but we also met a guy, Chris Hill, that owns and runs the Uluru Camel Tours. We really benefitted from Craig's networking skills! After a sunset camel ride we joined Chris for some drinks. He is SO passionate about his work. Chris traveled across all five Australian deserts with wild camels that he tamed all before he was 21. He does what he loves and that is the reason he does it well. I am passionate about equality but struggle with figuring out how to do something tangible with it. I am thinking more and more seriously about two options:
- Entrepreneur. Run my own company that employs people needing help - i.e. work skills education. Similar to Charlotte's King's Kitchen approach.
- Local politics. It's becoming clearer and clearer to me that change happens from the ground up. Local then national. I want to help make change locally and help our communities get their voices hear.
Neither of these are "careers" to return to and I'm still not ready to go back to work, but it's a good sign that I'm thinking about what's next. I feared I might never bring myself back to a career. I don't miss work the way I thought I would. I do miss being a part of a movement but still consider myself part of it.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Roasted Kangaroo Tail
A recipe.
Ingredients: 6 kangaroo tails
Instructions: Build a fire. Once strong singe the hair off kangaroo tails and scrape off with a knife or stick. Once all hair is removed wrap in foil and bury tails in ground with hot coals. Dig up 45 min later. Snap each tail into about three pieces. Peel leathery off like a banana before eating like a drumstick.
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We were lucky enough to stay with an aboriginal man that is a cousin of Leena's friend during our time in Yulara, where Uluru is located. Leena was invited to join his friends for a kangaroo tail roast on their land. I.e. in the middle of the desert. I got to tag along. It was a huge honor. We even got to meet Bob Randall. He is the father and uncle of the two men we joined for the day, Robbie and Johnny.
In addition to roasting the kangaroo tail we roasted a chicken in the ground. Later that night we used it for a small potluck dinner. This particular dinner made me realize, yes, I dearly miss home and evenings like this with my friends but I'll miss this when I am home. The freedom of the road. Meeting incredible people everyday.
Ingredients: 6 kangaroo tails
Instructions: Build a fire. Once strong singe the hair off kangaroo tails and scrape off with a knife or stick. Once all hair is removed wrap in foil and bury tails in ground with hot coals. Dig up 45 min later. Snap each tail into about three pieces. Peel leathery off like a banana before eating like a drumstick.
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We were lucky enough to stay with an aboriginal man that is a cousin of Leena's friend during our time in Yulara, where Uluru is located. Leena was invited to join his friends for a kangaroo tail roast on their land. I.e. in the middle of the desert. I got to tag along. It was a huge honor. We even got to meet Bob Randall. He is the father and uncle of the two men we joined for the day, Robbie and Johnny.
In addition to roasting the kangaroo tail we roasted a chicken in the ground. Later that night we used it for a small potluck dinner. This particular dinner made me realize, yes, I dearly miss home and evenings like this with my friends but I'll miss this when I am home. The freedom of the road. Meeting incredible people everyday.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
I miss
Our hosts in Mt. Isa took us out on their boat yesterday. The good company, mush, wakeboarding, beautiful surroundings, sunset and laughter all reminded me of home and how much I love the familiar, fun company of my friends.
I miss
I miss
- carrying on with friends over a potluck dinner
- listening to loud music in my car
- hearing the train horn in the wee hours of the morning
- walking around my neighborhood
- touching, a hand on your shoulder, a hug from a friend
- reading in my bed
- enjoying a lazy weekend morning on my porch
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Windmill!
When Leena introduced the "windmill" game I immediately thought "lame!" But that was before I realized how long and monotonous our drives through the outback would be. It's simple, be the first to exclaim "windmill" when one pops into sight and you get a point. For the first four days I was winning - something like 10-2 - but then Leena slipped on some blue green algae when rinsing our coffee spoons in a lake and hurt her arm. Leena is tough as but we agreed it would be best if she rest her arm and I try driving. Before this tangent goes too far I'll let you know Leena is now winning 15-10. Seems the passenger has an advantage.
Back to driving. Right side? Left Side? Wrong side?! This was my first time driving on the right side of the car on the left side of the road. Eight hours later and you could almost call me an expert, except that I keep turning on the wipers instead of the blinker and reaching for the door handle instead of the gear shaft thingy.
Our other driving activities have included listening to cassette tapes, applying sunscreen, spotting roadkill, spotting wildlife and analyzing how certain creeks or towns like Christmas and Mistake and Morella got their names.
Back to driving. Right side? Left Side? Wrong side?! This was my first time driving on the right side of the car on the left side of the road. Eight hours later and you could almost call me an expert, except that I keep turning on the wipers instead of the blinker and reaching for the door handle instead of the gear shaft thingy.
Our other driving activities have included listening to cassette tapes, applying sunscreen, spotting roadkill, spotting wildlife and analyzing how certain creeks or towns like Christmas and Mistake and Morella got their names.
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