Berridale, Australia
Wake up, walk dogs, pack, research visas, vaccine jabs, walk dogs again, repack, apply for visas, make chia pudding (hmm, not enough chia), drive to Canberra, acquire visas, see friends, drive back to Berridale, walk dogs again, repack.
Dear Friends,
We passed into November halfway through my first full week back in Australia, and I’ve been busy gathering the various things I’d need for both my Vietnam holiday and my Japanese ski season, which follows straight after. My arms were sore; I’d just had jabs for tetanus, typhoid, and diphtheria. I woke up with a shock in the middle of the night when I found my lips and an eye had swollen. I hope it doesn’t persist like my ankle…
Boys and Their Trucks
It was the Rural Fire Service (RFS) muster where I joined Dad and the brigade to prep the trucks and tools for the hot summer that was expected. We spent the day cleaning, dumping and refilling fuel tanks, testing pumps, and mulling over where to put the blowers, coffees in hand. I feel guilty that I’m not a very active member of the RFS, never being in Berridale for summer (or winter) to participate, especially when the crew is made up of retirees. At least with the musters I can show face, help out, and do my best to maintain a good relationship with the officers.
A Logistics Game
Most of my friends live in Canberra now, so I spent my evenings organising dinners and meetings to coincide with my admin trips, making the most of my time. When I submitted my Japanese visa application, I played pickleball with my friends Dev, Scott, and Avalon. When I collected my visa, I had dinner with Lexie, Matt, and Helena. Like the RFS, I feel guilty that I’m not active in their lives, but I try to make the effort to show face and maintain our long history. But that’s just life right now. “Tonight was fun! Let’s do it again in a couple of months…”
Sydney
I’d forgotten how beautiful Sydney could be on a sunny day. I was riding on top of the double-decker B1 bus up to the Northern Beaches a day before I was due to fly to Vietnam. In the south, the region is made up of sharp peninsulas that create scattered bays full of mansions and yachts. Once you summit and serpentine down, you’re presented with Narrabeen’s golden beaches that separate the lagoon from the sea.
I spent the night at Uncle Marc and Aunt Becky’s place before the flight. After a quick catch-up, I had to get back on the bus, as I had dinner plans with Sante. She’d flown in that morning to catch up with her Aussie friends, one of whom would drive us to the airport the next morning.
Checking in and getting through security is very easy when you just have a backpack! We were having lunch when we were surprised by the other half of the team, Ben and Tessa. They’d just arrived from Queenstown, and the adventure was ready to commence.
Vietnam
The most I knew about Vietnam was its location, the war, and MasterChef Luke Nguyen, so I didn’t know what to expect from my planned 18 days of travel. A full recount will be posted separately, but in reflection, Vietnam is a country of contrasting development. Maybachs drive past subsistence farmers who then meet and eat at the same restaurant.
The geography is like nothing I’ve never seen before: limestone spires, steep terraces, and surreal beaches. There are layers upon layers of history—from ancient Hindu temples and French occupation to scars of the war just becoming overgrown. It’s heartbreaking to see paradise full of plastic, but it’s also a reminder of what the West once was. I was told car sales are starting to overtake motorbikes, perhaps indicating increasing personal wealth. Ben and I often remarked we’d like to see the statistics for people in ratio to X.
Vietnam made me really appreciate Australia and how good I’ve got it. Yes, the beer costs $12, and it takes forever to get anywhere, but at least here I don’t risk gastro from an ice cube.
Australia Round 2
I rounded out November by rendezvousing with my parents at Sydney airport. They brought my larger suitcase and ski bag from home so I could amalgamate my packs. Aunt Becky is originally from the States, and what else do you do on 28 November besides have a Thanksgiving dinner? I hadn’t spent much time with Marc and Becky on my first visit beyond a quick catch-up, so it was nice to reconnect over a meal and give thanks for what we have. Thanksgiving.
I feel bad that I don’t spend enough time with you,
but I try to make an effort to show-face when I can.
I hope you know that I still think about you too…