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Published: June 28th 2010
View from the balcony
Antony's apartment in TownsvilleThe day after, I’m sitting here having read every awful review of the game, as if watching the game hadn’t been torture enough.
The day after my luggage had been delivered, the previously soiled clothing pristine and washed, my brand new England shirt lying in a crumpled heap in the corner: I had decided against taking a dump into it, despite the absolute accuracy of the metaphor intended.
The day after a lovely drive south along the coast road to the town of Bowen 200 kilometers south, my brother and I excitedly discussing the upcoming game as we strolled along the beach, while hermit crabs were burrowing meandering pathways through the sand, the water and the sand shining.
The day after reveling in the alien Australian landscapes, the sugar cane plantations, the crystal blue skies, the ancient hills, the primeval-seeming vegetation, and my first live kangaroo hunched by the side of the road. Three other kangaroos splattered across the center of the road made a far less lovely impression. The Australian towns are not at all like I expected. I’m not at all clear on what it is that I’m finding surprising, but surprising is how I’m finding
Bowen Beach
Shining sea and sand things: the buildings, the signs - there’s something very 1950’s about everything, somehow. I mean, crikey, Woolworths still exists here! I’m sure as the days unfold my perspicacity will improve. Trust me, I’ll dig it up!
The day after waiting until midnight for the kick off to the most eagerly anticipated game of the year, knowing after five minutes that disaster was looming, saying so, then watching it all unfold in gruesome Technicolor.
The day after discussing the unsteady future with my brother, still jet-lagged.
The day after I started putting together a plan for this trip. Antony is fiendishly busy with his job. I’m going to spend the rest of the World Cup here with him, despite the heart of the competition being ripped out, especially for him. I need to look around Townsville today, and then start planning activities. I can go out to Crystal Creek one day with Antony, across to Magnetic Island for a day or two, rent a bike for a couple of days, then eventually get a plane to Darwin, do some stuff around there, then take the Ghan train to Adelaide via Alice Springs. Bit worried about the money side:
as long as I’m staying here it’s OK, but once I break out on my own - good lord, it’s going to get prohibitive fast! Still, one day at a time: I have my luggage, my medicine, a lovely fifth floor apartment right in the center of the city, my brother’s generosity.
What else can a guy on vacation ask for?
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deleted_20337
no Kangaroo photo?
Live ones, please. Kangaroos "splattered" across the center of the road? Really? Aren't they big? Was there blood? Is that too gruesome to ask? I don't want to think about dead Kangaroos. :( Glad you got your bag back. Woolworth's? I loved that store. And a 50's vibe to Australia? If it means a simpler style of living, it has my vote.