from the Rainbow Serpent music / arts festival in Beaufort, Vic
I think I’ve finally found what I’ve been looking for. I’ve been back in Melbourne for two weeks searching for my space, my people, and having trouble dealing with all the changes that arise from being away for almost 6 years. Mostly it’s me that’s changed, unsurprisingly, and it’s been a challenge trying to squeeze back into the world I left behind, and realising how unsuited I now am to the corporate ‘house, car and 2.5′ community that Melbourne seems to cherish.
But today I took a trip to Healsesville – 65kms out of Melbourne, and as soon as I reached the outback wine region, I remembered the things that I really missed about Australia.
The uninterrupted 180º view of the vibrant blue sky. The moist smell of lemon-scented gum in the warm summer breeze. The expanse of sun-crisp yellow grass and tall scraggy trees filled with the sound of hissing crickets. A cold beer shared with friends and the rackety kookaburras and cockatoos. The pitch-black outback night, and the stars so bright you can see the shimmering band of the milky-way.
At last, I’m home.