7 Days of Freedom
6th June 2005
I travel and I see. I think therefore I write. these are my words. (a really long and insufferable post really. skip to The Storm and The Moment for highlights)
29th June 2005
The Long Night
Arrived at Brisbane Domestic near midnight. The first train out to Gold Coast was at 6.30 am. In search for a place to sleep, we made camp on the carpets of the airport which was near empty except for a few weary travelers like us and airport staff. It was pouring outside and the best beds were taken (the seats without the armrest - you know so you can stretch out and lie down properly to sleep). Had trouble sleeping. First time having to sleep in such a public place. Every sound woke me and the ground felt so hard.
How do the homeless do it?
Only managed to catch 2 hrs of sleep. The other hours were spent tossing about on the carpet trying to get the best position to sleep.
_________________________________________________________________________
30th June 2005
The Storm
A sense of foreboding. Something was happening. The rain had not ceased since the night before. It was raining with a vengeance. As the train made its way towards what was suppose to be the Gold Coast, all I could see in the far distance was water levels rising. I found out later that the Nerang River was overflowing and Queensland especially southern areas like Coomera were flooding.
Upon reaching Nerang Station, we were told no buses were operating that day. The sunshine holiday I was looking foward too was fast dissisipating. All the roads were heavily flooded and buses could not get through. There were no taxis, buses or any form of transport (except for maybe a sampan?!) that could take us to our hotel at Surfers' Paradise. Ironically, the name that deceives ppl into thinking that it is in fact a haven for surfers (which actually isn't in reality), was fast becoming that. The waves were especially high that day - almost tsunami like - although I don't think anyone appreciated the high waves that day.
Anyway we were STUCK at Nerang Station. With our jeans rolled up to our knees, we waded through the flooded subway, pushing our bags on a trolley through the rising water. We burst out laughing as the incredulity and desperation of our situation hit home.
We met this Swedish guy who had just arrived that very day to begin his studies at Griffith's Uni. He too was stuck. What an experience it must have been for him to arrive in Australia for the first time and be experiencing the worst flood in Queensland since 1974! He later told us " I feel like going home."
After what seemed like ages, I managed to find a guy to drive us to the hotel. We were really lucky. He was the only bloke around and he had exactly 4 seats in his car.
The driver managed to find an alternative route to Surfers. The enormity of the flood registered when I saw cars half-submerged in water abandoned in the middle of the roads. Later we watched on news that many ppl had to be evacuated out of homes. Houses were being swept away by the torrents of rain.
_________________________________________________________________________
1st July 2005
My Shamu
I confess, before I wanted to be a doctor, I had always thought becoming a marine biologist would be awesome. I remembered the first time I went to Sea World in California. I was 7 I think. I was absolutely fascinated with Shamu - the killer whale and the dolphins.
Third time visiting Sea World, this time in Gold Coast, I am still enraptured by the grace and beauty of dolphins. And I still think the Sea World trainers have the best job in the world.
I gave up that dream upon realising the marine life scene in Singapore, well, to put it nicely, was just well.....
Went to Dreamworld later, home of the infamous Big Brother. Dreamworld is overrated. If you are a thrill seeking maniac who loves having your organs flying in mid air while the rest of your body braces for that free fall, well then, Dreamworld is worth your time and money. Me, call me scared whatever. I've been through the worst at some of the scariest rides in US and frankly, I'll pass thanks. Btw the weather was great today. Sunny and hot for winter. It felt like the flood never happened.
_________________________________________________________________________
2nd July 2005
The Moment
Today made my day. This is why I came to GC for. Took the bus from Surfers all the way to Coolangatta. Bal, you should be proud of me. I walked over 8-9 km of pristine beaches from Coolangatta to Kirra to Rainbow Bay to Greenmount to the top of Dangerous Point and crossed to the border of New South Wales!! The ocean view was spectacular. The Southern Points Promenade is a 36 km wooden walkway built right along side the beaches leading up through hills and cliffs.
Standing at the top of Dangerous Point, I saw them. A few at first. And then more. Before I could fully comprehend what was happening, pods of dolphins were swimming only metres away from the shore! I could not describe the feeling of being able to witness wild dolphins frolick in the ocean and riding the waves right before my eyes. A few brave surfers swam out with their boards to get closer. A guy next to me said " Some people believe that dolphins represent Jesus." At risk of sounding blasphemous, I could understand what he meant. Again you had to be there to see it for yourself. Regardless of which God you worship, even unbelievers would believe for just a moment that there is a God. Only God could have created such poetic beauty. To see humans along side dolphins riding the waves was magical.
I stood there watching them for over two hrs till the last dolphin disappeared in the horizon.
I've always been drawn to the sea. I could spend days reading under the sun and sleeping lulled by the crashing waves. I was content just watching. Was.
Watching the surfers out there in the deep blue, I felt the need to be at one with the ocean. I wanted to feel the thrill and freedom of riding the waves. How lucky these aussies are, living and schooling by the beach. Surfing is like cycling to them. Its no wonder they call it paradise.
_________________________________________________________________________
3rd July 2005
101 Things to do: No. 21
Walked to Broadbeach and Mermaid Beach with mel. Abt 4km. Slept and read in the sun the whole day. A bunch of kids were learning to surf at Surf Academy. Some looked to be only 6 years old. Ok i'm jealous. Green with envy.
last night out at Surfers. had scallops at Seafood Mania. Surfers Paradise is a great place for people to come together. great night-life atmosphere and tons of cafes, restaurants by the beach for the late night coffee and cake. shops open till late and backpackers, tourists, honeymoon couples, high school kids roam the streets all day. and food wise - they've got halal restaurants here. many in fact. In fact sea world and dreamworld has halal outlets and even prayer rooms. many Arab tourists expecially honeymoon couples visit GC and spend quite a bit there.
NO. 21: LEARN TO SURF
_________________________________________________________________
4th July 2005
The River City
Arrived in Brisbane City at noon. We were staying at Palace Backpackers. It was built in 1910 and they had a manual lift - the kind where you have to open the door yourself. Its architecture bespoke of history with its lacy corridors and round towers. I love the atmosphere at Palace. Travelers and backpackers from all over the world bunking in dorms, sharing a communal toilet and kitchen. It felt almost like being back at Richardson Hall but better. The best part abt it was the roof deck, where you can go up there to watch the city hustle and sunbathe on the deck.
Palace is also a a gd place to see Queensland and earn an income to pay for your travels. the way it works is that, while you stay at the Backpackers, they help find a fruit picking job of your choice in any part of Queensland! it pays abt 15 bucks n hr. Or you can get paid by the bucket. So in addition to earning an income, you get to travel around Queensland and stay at cheap accomodation!
Hopefully next yr, I'll stay at Brisbane and work for the summer. That way i get to see the rest of Queensland that I was not able to due to money issues and time. Places include: Fraser Island, Moreton Island (whale watching), Whitsundays, Cairns, Sanctuary Cove, Currumbin Rock Pools and soo much more. anyone up for it?
Went to Queen St Mall (akin to Bourke St in melb) and Roma St Parkland later and Southbank. Southbank is gorgeous. SOOO much better than melb. Brisbane is truly a river city. Houses (fishing literally in your own backyard), cafes, public transport, parks are all centred aorund the river. The State Library has this open study area within the library where the tables and chairs face the river. How cool is it to study with the breeze in your face and the view of the river and Brisbane city around you.
It so happened the MOB (Museum of Brisbane) was hosting a festival for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Week. I had never seen so many of them in one place. (in monash uni, there is only one Aboriginal student in the whole campus)
Went up the clock tower for free and was actually within the tower when it chimed!
_________________________________________________________________________
5th July 2005
University of Queensland
In case you were wondering abt my comment on public transport, yes, Melbourne has trams but Brisbane has ferries! With a ticket, you get to travel on the buses, trains and ferries. The ferry service is called the CityCat. And it runs along the river and has ferry stops at most suburbs.
We took the ferry to University of Queensland. It was AWESOME. How cool is it to travel to school by ferry!!???
and UQ was simply magnificent. again i was really jealous. (you have to see monash uni first to get what i mean. monash uni is just a sad excuse for the architecture students of Uni Melb who designed it)
the pillars, the towers, the bronze ceramic tiles, the gardens - everything abt UQ is beautiful. plus, its right along side the river.
later we went to Mt Coot-tha to get a birds eye view of the city. bought a sketch from an artist along Queen St. 35 bucks. blame the hrs i spent playing heroes of might and magic. i love all this fantasy creatures. pic available in album on the right.
chilled at Starbucks and then watched Batman Begins later at night.
_________________________________________________________________________
6th July 2005
The End of Freedom
Time to go back to the frigid weather of Melb. Will certainly miss Queensland - the Sunshine State. So many more places to go. so little time. and no money. will definitely go back to finish what i wanted to see.
for the past days, i felt freedom again. a freedom i had forgotten i used to have.
free from stares, speculation and conspicuity. free to blend in and be part of the nameless crowd. free from scrutiny.
back in melb now, the difference is amazing. that something so physical yet symbolic could cause such a stark difference.
back to the uncomfortable stares and sticking out. back to being part of a larger group but not an individual. back to feelin uncomfortable in my own skin.
btw see you in London 2012. (or now maybe Paris 2012? what's happening to the world?) insyaAllah i'll be there.
pics of queensland on the right.
Comments
oooh, i like ur post =) sounds like you had a truly unforgettable experience.. aint travelling such a liberating thang???!! take care aight? see u rnd...
Posted by: elia July 7, 2005 05:17 AM
thanx babe..i did have a gd time...an eye opener indeed. u take care too..i'll c u soon yeah next sem or sumtin! cheers.
Posted by: Munirah July 8, 2005 03:22 AM
I'm glad u enjoyed ur holidays...i'm enjoying mine too..difference is i go to places i've already been to 100 times...haha...i miss all of u in melb..can't wait to go back but i don't wanna leave msia..but i'm dying to hear all about your trip...post aje mana cukup kan??hehe..kena verbal la..with facial expression, hand gestures semua...hahha...see u soon n take care
Posted by: Aida July 8, 2005 11:48 PM
miss u too aida! i'll c u soon yeah. stay gorgeous! :)
Posted by: Munirah July 8, 2005 11:51 PM
I travel and I see. I think therefore I write. these are my words. (a really long and insufferable post really. skip to The Storm and The Moment for highlights)
29th June 2005
The Long Night
Arrived at Brisbane Domestic near midnight. The first train out to Gold Coast was at 6.30 am. In search for a place to sleep, we made camp on the carpets of the airport which was near empty except for a few weary travelers like us and airport staff. It was pouring outside and the best beds were taken (the seats without the armrest - you know so you can stretch out and lie down properly to sleep). Had trouble sleeping. First time having to sleep in such a public place. Every sound woke me and the ground felt so hard.
How do the homeless do it?
Only managed to catch 2 hrs of sleep. The other hours were spent tossing about on the carpet trying to get the best position to sleep.
_________________________________________________________________________
30th June 2005
The Storm
A sense of foreboding. Something was happening. The rain had not ceased since the night before. It was raining with a vengeance. As the train made its way towards what was suppose to be the Gold Coast, all I could see in the far distance was water levels rising. I found out later that the Nerang River was overflowing and Queensland especially southern areas like Coomera were flooding.
Upon reaching Nerang Station, we were told no buses were operating that day. The sunshine holiday I was looking foward too was fast dissisipating. All the roads were heavily flooded and buses could not get through. There were no taxis, buses or any form of transport (except for maybe a sampan?!) that could take us to our hotel at Surfers' Paradise. Ironically, the name that deceives ppl into thinking that it is in fact a haven for surfers (which actually isn't in reality), was fast becoming that. The waves were especially high that day - almost tsunami like - although I don't think anyone appreciated the high waves that day.
Anyway we were STUCK at Nerang Station. With our jeans rolled up to our knees, we waded through the flooded subway, pushing our bags on a trolley through the rising water. We burst out laughing as the incredulity and desperation of our situation hit home.
We met this Swedish guy who had just arrived that very day to begin his studies at Griffith's Uni. He too was stuck. What an experience it must have been for him to arrive in Australia for the first time and be experiencing the worst flood in Queensland since 1974! He later told us " I feel like going home."
After what seemed like ages, I managed to find a guy to drive us to the hotel. We were really lucky. He was the only bloke around and he had exactly 4 seats in his car.
The driver managed to find an alternative route to Surfers. The enormity of the flood registered when I saw cars half-submerged in water abandoned in the middle of the roads. Later we watched on news that many ppl had to be evacuated out of homes. Houses were being swept away by the torrents of rain.
_________________________________________________________________________
1st July 2005
My Shamu
I confess, before I wanted to be a doctor, I had always thought becoming a marine biologist would be awesome. I remembered the first time I went to Sea World in California. I was 7 I think. I was absolutely fascinated with Shamu - the killer whale and the dolphins.
Third time visiting Sea World, this time in Gold Coast, I am still enraptured by the grace and beauty of dolphins. And I still think the Sea World trainers have the best job in the world.
I gave up that dream upon realising the marine life scene in Singapore, well, to put it nicely, was just well.....
Went to Dreamworld later, home of the infamous Big Brother. Dreamworld is overrated. If you are a thrill seeking maniac who loves having your organs flying in mid air while the rest of your body braces for that free fall, well then, Dreamworld is worth your time and money. Me, call me scared whatever. I've been through the worst at some of the scariest rides in US and frankly, I'll pass thanks. Btw the weather was great today. Sunny and hot for winter. It felt like the flood never happened.
_________________________________________________________________________
2nd July 2005
The Moment
Today made my day. This is why I came to GC for. Took the bus from Surfers all the way to Coolangatta. Bal, you should be proud of me. I walked over 8-9 km of pristine beaches from Coolangatta to Kirra to Rainbow Bay to Greenmount to the top of Dangerous Point and crossed to the border of New South Wales!! The ocean view was spectacular. The Southern Points Promenade is a 36 km wooden walkway built right along side the beaches leading up through hills and cliffs.
Standing at the top of Dangerous Point, I saw them. A few at first. And then more. Before I could fully comprehend what was happening, pods of dolphins were swimming only metres away from the shore! I could not describe the feeling of being able to witness wild dolphins frolick in the ocean and riding the waves right before my eyes. A few brave surfers swam out with their boards to get closer. A guy next to me said " Some people believe that dolphins represent Jesus." At risk of sounding blasphemous, I could understand what he meant. Again you had to be there to see it for yourself. Regardless of which God you worship, even unbelievers would believe for just a moment that there is a God. Only God could have created such poetic beauty. To see humans along side dolphins riding the waves was magical.
I stood there watching them for over two hrs till the last dolphin disappeared in the horizon.
I've always been drawn to the sea. I could spend days reading under the sun and sleeping lulled by the crashing waves. I was content just watching. Was.
Watching the surfers out there in the deep blue, I felt the need to be at one with the ocean. I wanted to feel the thrill and freedom of riding the waves. How lucky these aussies are, living and schooling by the beach. Surfing is like cycling to them. Its no wonder they call it paradise.
_________________________________________________________________________
3rd July 2005
101 Things to do: No. 21
Walked to Broadbeach and Mermaid Beach with mel. Abt 4km. Slept and read in the sun the whole day. A bunch of kids were learning to surf at Surf Academy. Some looked to be only 6 years old. Ok i'm jealous. Green with envy.
last night out at Surfers. had scallops at Seafood Mania. Surfers Paradise is a great place for people to come together. great night-life atmosphere and tons of cafes, restaurants by the beach for the late night coffee and cake. shops open till late and backpackers, tourists, honeymoon couples, high school kids roam the streets all day. and food wise - they've got halal restaurants here. many in fact. In fact sea world and dreamworld has halal outlets and even prayer rooms. many Arab tourists expecially honeymoon couples visit GC and spend quite a bit there.
NO. 21: LEARN TO SURF
_________________________________________________________________
4th July 2005
The River City
Arrived in Brisbane City at noon. We were staying at Palace Backpackers. It was built in 1910 and they had a manual lift - the kind where you have to open the door yourself. Its architecture bespoke of history with its lacy corridors and round towers. I love the atmosphere at Palace. Travelers and backpackers from all over the world bunking in dorms, sharing a communal toilet and kitchen. It felt almost like being back at Richardson Hall but better. The best part abt it was the roof deck, where you can go up there to watch the city hustle and sunbathe on the deck.
Palace is also a a gd place to see Queensland and earn an income to pay for your travels. the way it works is that, while you stay at the Backpackers, they help find a fruit picking job of your choice in any part of Queensland! it pays abt 15 bucks n hr. Or you can get paid by the bucket. So in addition to earning an income, you get to travel around Queensland and stay at cheap accomodation!
Hopefully next yr, I'll stay at Brisbane and work for the summer. That way i get to see the rest of Queensland that I was not able to due to money issues and time. Places include: Fraser Island, Moreton Island (whale watching), Whitsundays, Cairns, Sanctuary Cove, Currumbin Rock Pools and soo much more. anyone up for it?
Went to Queen St Mall (akin to Bourke St in melb) and Roma St Parkland later and Southbank. Southbank is gorgeous. SOOO much better than melb. Brisbane is truly a river city. Houses (fishing literally in your own backyard), cafes, public transport, parks are all centred aorund the river. The State Library has this open study area within the library where the tables and chairs face the river. How cool is it to study with the breeze in your face and the view of the river and Brisbane city around you.
It so happened the MOB (Museum of Brisbane) was hosting a festival for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Week. I had never seen so many of them in one place. (in monash uni, there is only one Aboriginal student in the whole campus)
Went up the clock tower for free and was actually within the tower when it chimed!
_________________________________________________________________________
5th July 2005
University of Queensland
In case you were wondering abt my comment on public transport, yes, Melbourne has trams but Brisbane has ferries! With a ticket, you get to travel on the buses, trains and ferries. The ferry service is called the CityCat. And it runs along the river and has ferry stops at most suburbs.
We took the ferry to University of Queensland. It was AWESOME. How cool is it to travel to school by ferry!!???
and UQ was simply magnificent. again i was really jealous. (you have to see monash uni first to get what i mean. monash uni is just a sad excuse for the architecture students of Uni Melb who designed it)
the pillars, the towers, the bronze ceramic tiles, the gardens - everything abt UQ is beautiful. plus, its right along side the river.
later we went to Mt Coot-tha to get a birds eye view of the city. bought a sketch from an artist along Queen St. 35 bucks. blame the hrs i spent playing heroes of might and magic. i love all this fantasy creatures. pic available in album on the right.
chilled at Starbucks and then watched Batman Begins later at night.
_________________________________________________________________________
6th July 2005
The End of Freedom
Time to go back to the frigid weather of Melb. Will certainly miss Queensland - the Sunshine State. So many more places to go. so little time. and no money. will definitely go back to finish what i wanted to see.
for the past days, i felt freedom again. a freedom i had forgotten i used to have.
free from stares, speculation and conspicuity. free to blend in and be part of the nameless crowd. free from scrutiny.
back in melb now, the difference is amazing. that something so physical yet symbolic could cause such a stark difference.
back to the uncomfortable stares and sticking out. back to being part of a larger group but not an individual. back to feelin uncomfortable in my own skin.
btw see you in London 2012. (or now maybe Paris 2012? what's happening to the world?) insyaAllah i'll be there.
pics of queensland on the right.
Comments
oooh, i like ur post =) sounds like you had a truly unforgettable experience.. aint travelling such a liberating thang???!! take care aight? see u rnd...
Posted by: elia July 7, 2005 05:17 AM
thanx babe..i did have a gd time...an eye opener indeed. u take care too..i'll c u soon yeah next sem or sumtin! cheers.
Posted by: Munirah July 8, 2005 03:22 AM
I'm glad u enjoyed ur holidays...i'm enjoying mine too..difference is i go to places i've already been to 100 times...haha...i miss all of u in melb..can't wait to go back but i don't wanna leave msia..but i'm dying to hear all about your trip...post aje mana cukup kan??hehe..kena verbal la..with facial expression, hand gestures semua...hahha...see u soon n take care
Posted by: Aida July 8, 2005 11:48 PM
miss u too aida! i'll c u soon yeah. stay gorgeous! :)
Posted by: Munirah July 8, 2005 11:51 PM
Comments