Tasmania

I'm in Tasmania at the moment and it is really something worth writing about. I think most people tend to forget adding Tasmania onto their Australian tourist itineraries because of the East Coast and Northern Territory. After all, it is a MASSIVE country and most people have limited time and funds. But Tasmania shouldn't go unlooked--it is just too stunning.

Port Arthur is very well known to all Australian residents due to its convicts' history. Port Arthur was a secondary punishment station in an isolated part of the Tasman Peninsula and those who were sent there had to have been very, very bad--committing multiple crimes. Port Arthur was different from the other prisons in Australia in that it had a new solution for these tortured souls: Reformation. If you try to better the person and teach them the Word of God, then perhaps these convicts will be saved in the afterlife, if not actually in this life.

The problem with Reformation is that it didn't work. Either the convicts were hell-bent on escaping or creating as much havoc as possible or they went mad. Corporeal punishment was eventually banned because those who were beaten became rockstars to the other inmates. Anyway, lots of bad shit went down on this site. And it is all the weirder because Port Arthur's location is set amidst a startling beautiful setting of golden hills, crystal clear blue water, and lovely thick green forests. As one famous inmate quoted (and I'm paraphrasing): It seems more like a setting for a romantic getaway than a site for a prison.

I love the paranormal and it would seem odd not to venture into that little area whilst at this infamous place. I went on a ghost tour and it was quite exciting but with little to report. I can imagine the lingering spirits, however. (Sidenote: The Port Arthur massacre that occurred in 1996 by Martin Bryant was not mentioned once at the Historical Site. Not once.)

I also travelled up to Freycinet National Park and camped amongst the huge pink granite cliffs and secluded Hazards Beach. Hiked to Wineglass Bay and sat among the surf at Friendly Beaches. Truly, Tasmania is just the prettiest destination I've visited and I wish I had more time and money to thoroughly enjoy this little patch of Australia.

Home versus Here

As the return date closes in on a month, I am starting to get more panicky with dread. I like it here. I don't like it as much there. I think the hardest part is leaving the people who became like family to me in Australia. Who are, simply, just family and should always be around. It seems impossible to imagine a world where I won't be able to ring them after work for a quick chat to debrief our days and catchup. I think what has to happen is that they will have to be imported to America if I can't find a way to stay in Australia somehow. Yes. Yes, a very good plan. Sort that out, already, Aussie Family, K? Ta.

Also. What am I going to do in a world without being surrounded with Vegemite, Lucas PawPaw Ointment, Tim Tams, Mint Slices, Trams, and Stubby Holders? Must I import these things monthly to feel somewhat connected with the Down Under-World? Why can't Australia just move to America? Just do it already. Do. It.

I've been incredibly lucky this last year and I don't regret a moment of it, good or bad. There were lots of gray experiences that were quite enjoyable, too. It's not that I dislike Home so much as it feels like it's been placed elsewhere most of my life. At Home I feel like a visitor and Here I feel like a native. I do not understand this.

Thank you, Australia. You are the best country ever. After Brazil.

Roadtrip QLD

Had a great time roaming around in Queensland this last week.  Flew up to Brisbane aka 'Brisvegas' to see the bf's relatives and then wandered down to Byron Bay and Nimbin.  After a particularly troubling experience we made our way north again to the Glasshouse and Blackall Mountains, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Rockhampton, and Great Keppel Island.  

Next up is Tasmania and then Sydney to say goodbye to beloved friends.  I cannot believe it's been almost a year since I came to Melb

ourne and I just wish this could go on forever.  I love Australia long time.