Southeast Asian Slowdown

Greetings from Ko Tao Island, Thailand!

Well, life has certainly taking a few interesting twists and turns since I last wrote. At last check in I was on my way to Bali. Currently I'm in Thailand, enjoying the sand, sun and beautiful blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand. But it hasn't been all fun and relaxation. Traveling is just like anything else in life - you do it long enough and you're bound to hit some rough patches along the way.

I arrived in Bali feeling awful. Some general abdominal pain, coupled with really low energy had me thinking that something serious was going on. I spent my first two days in Bali visiting doctors and trying to get sorted. The medical docs couldn't come up with anything after an abdominal xray turned up nothing. Oh wait, they did suggest I take and pay for a 980 dollar CT scan! No surprise there. The next day I took myself to the chiropractor. I found an excellent one in Kuta - the tourist mecca of Bali. After some massage, and adjustment, and electro-stim treatment to my lower back, I felt about 90 percent better. When you're used to exercising the body almost daily, and going in for regular chiro adjustments, after nearly 6 months of doing none of that, I was more than due to feel something. On the mend but still needing to rest, I spent my first 4 nights in Bali indoors, watching several very cheap (and very suspect) DVD's I purchased,and just generally taking it easy.

Finally feeling better enough, I hopped on my rental scooter and headed to the village of Ubud, about 45 minutes from Kuta. There I was greeted by Ketut, the friend and business client of my good friend Mikey Files. Ketut showed me around the local monkey rain forest and took me to dinner at a phenomenal restaurant. Best fish I'd ever had! The next day I joined Ketut and her son Oneness (yes, Oneness) for a day trip out to the reef at Ahmed on the Northeast corner of the island. We snorkeled the reef, ate pizza, and generally had a wonderful time. Ketut had never been for a proper snorkel because of her fear of the depths. So I took her along with me, keeping her close by. She lit up like a Christmas tree for having seen all the beautiful fish and corals. Her seven year old son took to water like a fish, and followed me all around the reef. Imagine swimming in clear tropical waters over beautiful reef with a golden child named Oneness at your side. It was ethereal.

I stayed two nights with Ketut, Oneness and Uli, Ketut's business partner and Oneness's father. I returned to Kuta set on just relaxing, and enjoying some of the beach. All was going quite well on the hour scooter ride home, when all of a sudden - the shakedown. Bali law enforcement is notorious for corruption, particularly when it comes to tourists. A motorcycle cop pulled me over and fined me 3,000,000 rupiah (a touch less than $30 US) for not carrying an international driver's license. And this dude wouldn't even haggle. No money on the spot, and I'd have to go downtown as it were. Oh well, easy come, easy go. Later that day I checked out famous surf spots Dreamland and Balangan. Beautiful spots for sure. Dreamland wasn't rideable when I arrived - only shore break. Balangan I surfed a little bit on the inside, but generally took it easy. At the end of my beach day, I was cruising along in the last afternoon when BAM! - flagged down by another cop. This time, for apparently not stopping completely before I made a left onto a the main highway. Bastards! I wasn't having it though. I angrily told him that this was the second time in a day I had been pulled at that I only had 50,000 rupiah left for food for the next two days (I lied - but was still angry). He acknowledged my complaint, and let me go with a begrudging handshake.

My last full day in Bali I had another chiro appointment, and dealt with some travel logistics online. I feel like Bali was more of a rest stop for me than anything else. Though, I did have the opportunity to visit some very beautiful spots on the island. If you've never taken the opportunity to experience the beauty and calm of seemingly endless rice paddies, do it. They're spectacular in Bali. Every turn through the country reveals another scenic vista of stepped rice paddies, green and wet. Ketut and Uli lived in a house that backed up to a rice paddy. Completely amazing.

After a brief layover in Jakarta, I arrived Bangkok on the night of the 16th and rendezvoused with my old time friend, Ella Dascalos. Ella, who I hadn't seen or heard from in years, tracked me down on Facebook a few months back. Needing a break herself, I suggested she join me for some exploration of Thailand with me. She accepted, and here we are!

After one day in hot, hot Bangkok, we hopped on an overnight bus and headed south for the islands. The first two nights we stayed on Kao Phangan, and now are currently on Kao Tao. It's beautiful here. The water is blue, the accomodation next to nothing, and the food is varied and fresh. All of the islands in the Gulf of Thailand have something of beauty and relaxation to offer. Take yourself here one day if you ever get the opportunity. It's been wonderful having Ella here with me for this 10 day leg of my journey. Traveling alone certainly allows for optimal flexibility, but from time to time lonliness, or even boredom can set. Having a travel buddy has been refreshing, and it's been wonderful to reconnect with someone who I hadn't seen in about 15 years.More to come later on. Right now I find myself debating whether or not I venture into Vietnam and Laos, or whether I just relax here in Thailand for a few more weeks and then make an early jump to India in mid May instead of early June. Funds are beginning to fall, and so is my thirst for adventure a bit to be quite honest. We'll see what presents itself to me in the next few weeks.

Much love to all still following along. More soon.

Jonathan

Don't Cry For Me Australia . . . :-)

Happy April 6th!

Well, I am just several hours from getting on my flight to Bali. My indeed does time fly. I'll give the usual rundown of what I've been up to, then perhaps a few reflections on Australia.

So, I flew to Canberra and was greeted by Megan, a friend I had made while in Fiji. Megan, like so many in Canberra, works for the government - the air force specifically. She took me to the Australia War Memorial museum, up Mt.Ainsely for a panoramic view, out to dinner at local eatery, and out for my first ever netball game (watching, not playing). I have to say, as hard as I tried, I'm not really all that fond of watching netball. Must be my love of basketball getting in the way! GO LAKERS!!! And if all that wasn't enough given that I arrived at 2pm, after watching her friend play netball, we went up to Telstra Tower to the revolving restaurant for a true panoramic nighttime view of the city. Back to my hostel, and off to sleep.

Next day I just walked around town, going to the Australia National Museum - an historical display of all things Aussie. In the evening, I was picked up by Campbell, the last relative from the Melbourne family crew I had yet to meet. Campbell and his girlfriend Emily live and work in Canberra for Australian government as well. That night we joined my friend Niki, another unrelated friend from Fiji. Campbell, Niki and her boyfriend and I had some food and drinks and some good laughs. The next day I relaxed and was again later joined by Megan. We went for a drive and ended up back at her friend Sally's house for dinner. Off to a costume party - sans costumes - we joined Campbell and Emily in a lively and crowded apartment filled with various

cartoon characters. Was quite fun.

The next day I connected again with Nikki to take in some really lively Rugby League footie at a local sports bar. After watching nearly 3 games that evening, I was sure I had a pretty good grasp on the game, and on the fact that rugby probably is the most taxing, bruising and tiring game played in the world. We said our goodbyes, and the next day Campbell dropped me off at the bus stop and I was Sydney bound.

Last Sunday I arrived Sydney, greeted at the airport (where the bus dropped me off) by Matt Ives. Old friend from the Youth Sahavas days, Matt shuttled us back to his apartment in a beautiful coastal neighborhood of Sydney, southeast on the map. We collected his brother who was visiting as well, and headed to an actual pro rugby game - the Sharks v the Dragons.

The crowd was huge outside the stadium as we walked up. Luckily, some very nice strangers had three extra tickets to sell before we arrived. We happily accepted, not knowing that had we not we wouldn't have gotten in. Sadly, the Sharks lost in a somewhat defense-heavy game. Back to the apartment where I met Matt's roommate Carolina and saw my old friend Sage. We spent the evening hanging out and generally enjoying ourselves.

The next few days were spent visiting with friends and touring Sydney. I noticed that I was a bit off my tourist game as I didn't really push myself to see and do all things tourist while in Sydney. That said, Sydney is an absolutely beautiful city. Very clean, appealing, and easy to get around in. The Harbor, with the bridge and Opera house were one of very few man-made spots that have taken my breath away. Well worth a visit!

After staying with Matt for three nights and Sage for a couple, I spent the weekend with Roshan Keating. Roshan, Sage and Roshan's friend Sherie and I all went sub thermal as we visited Sydney's Ice Lounge. Sadly I have no photos to share as the bar did not allow us to take pictures. It essentially a large freezer room with a bar, decked out in ice sculptures and ice furniture covered in animal skin. Even the glasses were ice - so the drinks had to be strong to prevent them from freezing. We got buzzed, ran around and had ice block races with the furniture. At -15 celsius, the allotted time of 30 minutes was more than enough to hang there. Once I get the photo that they take and make you pay for scanned, I'll put it up!

Friends who opened up themselves and their homes to me - Matt, Sage, and Roshan Keating and her family - thank you so much. It was really amazing to reconnect with all of you while here. I got to see Sydney as a tourist and an insider. Yesterday, I finally got together with Amy Clay, another old time friend from the Baba community who moved to Sydney over 6 years ago. Amy, an Olympian in Beijing for Australia'a rowing team last summer, is the daughter of my beloved friend Barbara back in Myrtle Beach! After a couple of hours of catching up, I was picked up by Sage and we headed to Stuart's 43rd birthday BBQ. Great to see Stuart and Meherose on my last evening in Sydney. All the best to you all. Until we meet again . . .

Well, 3 months has been the longest I have ever stayed in another country. Time has certainly skirted by, that is for sure. Australia is big, beautiful in some places and barren and rugged in others. The people are, true to reputation, generally easy going and easy to be with. There exists in the cultural ethos an Australian identity that sometimes blatantly, and others subtly, underpins virtually everything you see and here in the media, and in the way people talk about themselves in reference to the rest of the world. It's not just butter or grapes you're eating - it's Australian butter and grapes. They're not beaches you're lying on - they're Australian beaches. Being Australian in Australia is probably more collectively understood - and perhaps valued - than being American in America. It's fashionable here to poke fun at people from other countries - light heartedly of course - particularly if you're American. In one night I was jokingly accused of having every stereotypical American trait, and later in the evening told how incredibly important the American alliance is to Australia,politically and culturally. They eat and breathe American media here - much to my embarrassment and at times dismay - often referencing all the shows and all the movies and musicians we all know and love. They certainly know popular media and entertainment way more than I.

All told, I got the sense that this vintage is still aging, still writing it's story for history. It's a relatively young country I suppose, with tons of room for growth - despite a slowing population growth. I truly can't wait to return to take the opportunity to visit the places I didn't get the opportunity to this go around. Thank you to all here in Australia who made my visit amazing. Here's to reconnecting later on down the road.

Next stop - SouthEast Asia. Get your sunscreen and spice appetite ready!

Until next time.

Jonathan

Ah, Family

Happy three weeks later everyone. I write to you now on the tail end of what has been a whirlwind of meeting extended family and regional travel in Southern Victoria. It's hard to recount, let alone comprehend, how many people I've met and visited here in Melbourne area in the past 3 weeks, but I'll try. When I last wrote I had just arrived and been graciously taken in for a couple nights by Marian, Peter and Matthew. After a couple days visit, Marian took me to the home of Cyril and Monica, her parents and also my mother's aunt and uncle. Cyril and Monica moved to Australia in the 1950's from Scotland, and had 9 children. It was lovely to meet them, as Mom has been so fond of them over the years. Along with Patsy (another of Mom's cousin's) and her daughter Shauna (19), we all had lunch together and visited for a couple of hours. Then, Patsy drove Shauna and me back to their home about thirty minutes away where I met her two other children Jenae(13) and Cameron(16). After about hour's visit Patsy drove me to the home of Tess (another cousin) and her husband Ron.

Tess and Ron graciously welcomed me for the next three nights. They have 5 children, 4 of which are living at home - Monique(22), Jerry(20), and the twin boys Simon and Shane(14). We went for a hike one day and Jerry and Monique took me for a stroll at an annual festival in Melbourne the other. Ron spent some time helping my hone my Australian Rules Football knowledge, and the twins did their best to guard me in basketball. Sorry guys, next time you'll be taller and surely will dominate! After my visit there, Tess drove me back to Cyril and Monica's (Grand Central as I would come to know it) where I was greeted by Pauline (another cousin) and her husband Carl. Pauline and Carl took me along the Eastern Bay for a nice day trip to the water and lunch. We arrived back at their home where I met their two sons David(19) and Justin(17). For the next three days I relaxed, watched a ton of movies on their new and huge hi-def TV and surround sound system, went for a long bike ride with Justin, visited the Melbourne aquarium with Pauline, and went for a cousin's night out with David. Carl also took delivery of his new BMW, which sadly we couldn't take for a spin because it wasn't yet registered. Pauline took me for an hours visit with Clare (another cousin of Mom's) and her family - Ross (husband) and three kids Tess (), () and ().

After 4 nights, the next day it was back to Cyril and Monica's. On the way we stopped by for a visit with Rosie (another cousin of Mom's). Rosie delighted me with her surprising quick wit and dry sense of humor. Back to Grand Central, where I was greeted and picked up by Monica (another cousin, not to be confused with her own mother). Monica took me back to her home where I met husband Chris, and sons Michael, Simon and . . . Stayed a couple of nights there. Monica and Simon and I went down to Portsea for a nice day out at the coast and lunch. Later that night Michael took me out with his mates, and we had a few beers and some good laughs. The next day, Michael took me back to Grand Central where I was greeted by Bernard and Anne. I drove with them 3 hours to their home in a charming seaside town called Warrnambool. Over the next 4 days I relaxed, worked somewhat obsessively on a 1000 piece puzzle, went for a bike ride, went to the beach with Anne, and befriend their dogie Pip. Bernie extended a special invitation to be a part of his Pudding Club - a regal group of men who gather monthly to share in food, drink and proper English pudding. As Bernie was hosting this months gathering, the invitation was somewhat obligatory. Thanks for the honor Bernie. On my last day (last Friday) Bernie was kind enough to take me on a tour of the Great Ocean Road, the world famous stretch of coast with stunning cliffs, beautiful water and scenic stacks of eroded cliff face. Most notable of all of them are the 12 Apostles, which by our count, are now down to 10. Bernie and Anne have two daughters Sarah (19), who I met for about 10 minutes, and Clare (21), who I didn't meet . . .
Deep. Breath. . .

It's hard to comprehend what a whirlwind of visiting it's been. Everyone was amazingly gracious, accommodating, kind and good spirited. Many thanks to all of you, Drew family, to extending yourselves to me as you have. You will always have a place to stay and a willing guide when you come to California.

Last Friday evening I took a bus to a town called Mount Gambier, and enjoyed a hotel room to myself. Mount Gambier is know for it's Blue Lake, which quite literally is the bluest body of water I've ever seen. Absolutely beautiful. Later in the day on Saturday, I met up with my German friend Andrea, who I met earlier on my travels in Fiji. Andrea is a wine maker and works at a winery in the South Australian wine region. She rented a car and we drove a couple hours to the charming and quaint seaside town of Robe. We stayed at a hostel which was more like the wing of an old manor. Massive rooms, high ceilings. The next day Robe was cold, windy and overcast - not much of a day at the beach. So we drove back to wine country, stopping in Naracoorte for a visit to the world heritage site Naracoorte caves. This place offers visitors the option of wearing full on caving gear, and going with a guide, crawling through tiny spaces with headlamps. We took the tamer route and went in the larger caves - which were still quite beautiful.

Back to the winery where I sampled - OK, more like downed half a bottle - of sparkling red. Who knew? After a couple of bottles of sparkling sitting on the grass overlooking horses and the vineyards, we dozed off to sleep. The next morning Andrea gave me a tour of the winery and taught me a bit about the wine making process. Then, she drove me 45 minutes to the nearest train station in a town called Bordertown.

Andrea left to get back to work, with me on the phone to the trainline company trying to assure myself a seat as the station was empty and virtually boarded up and abandoned -the train due to arrive in 20 minutes. Initially they told me the train wouldn't stop in Bordertown, even though it was on their schedule. I begged, I pleaded. No dice. But then, on the posted schedule of the Overlander (the line from Adelaide to Melbourne) was the direct mobile number of the train operator on board. I called her. She said, "no we're not stopping there, but let me see what I can do ". . . disconnected. Call back - voicemail. Call back again - voicemail. Left a message and also all my hope of catching this train. Not catching it would have meant more buses, another overnight stay in the region, and general dissatisfaction. On the phone now with a bus company, I get a call back from the train operator. "We'll be making a brief stop to pick you up. Be there in 5 -10 minutes." Just like in life, it's only when you let go completely does what you need show up. That, or I have the power the stop a moving train! Guess it depends on what mood I'm in when I tell the story in the future. Can you imagine being able to call, say, an airplane, and say "I know you're scheduled to fly directly to New York, but would you mind stopping in Cleveland to pick me up on the way?" . . .

After a pleasant 7 hour train ride, I was back in Melbourne. Carl, who happened to be in the city working that day, picked me up. And true to my hopes, I went for a spin back home in his new BMW. So here I am now - the whirlwind of family tour almost over. Tomorrow I leave for Canberra for a couple of days to visit some friends from traveling, and then up to Sydney. On April 6 I leave Australia for Bali! At about the half-way mark, the adventure continues.

Probably one more entry from Sydney, and then it's Southeast Asia! Great to have been in touch with those of you who've read and responded to my blog along the way. Definitely helps to make the world feel smaller. Until next time.

:-)

Reef and Rainforest

Hey All,

Well, as things have been so packed recently and my camera is about to explode with images, I thought I'd keep up to speed. After arriving in Cairns, I took a day to get acquainted with the city and to book a couple of tours. Cairns is a clean seaside town bustling with tourism. There are scores of 18-25 year old backpackers roaming all over the place. A million and one adventurous things to do during the day, and there's always a party going on at night. I stayed a couple nights, then took a two day excursion up to the Daintree rain forest. Along the way the tour group stopped at Mossman Gorge for a swim, visited another animal sanctuary where I befriend a little cockatiel who insisted on sitting on my shoulder and receiving neck stratches for about 20 minutes straight. Lots of birds, a couple koalas and a massive colony of bats, plus the absolute largest pelicans I have ever seen. Later in the day with took a little cruise down the Daintree river to spot crocodiles. Saw a couple, but there wasn't much action as crocs like to rest on the banks during the day, storing energy for the night hunt. Also, the whole group was nearly asleep as we had just eaten lunch prior to the cruise.

We arrived at our accommodations around 4 in the afternoon. A hip place called PK's, it was situated in the rainforest and about 75 meters walk from the beach. To see rainforest meet ocean is spectacular, and apparently quite rare. Only one other spot in the world has rainforest down to the ocean. Bonus points if you can name it. I relaxed on the sand, took a walk to Cape Tribulation beach, and sacked out for the night. The next day I did a canopy zip-line excursion. About 40 feet up in the trees you zip along the rainforest taking in the view and beautiful forest around. Sadly, most of the time was spent waiting on each platform, as each participant had to be harnessed, unharnessed and harnessed again from platform to platform. That said, it was still amazing to be up in the tree tops, that's for sure.The remainder of that day and the next was just spent relaxing, having a beer, and getting to know some of the other travelers. I returned to Cairns last Monday evening, stoked for trip to scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef the next day.

The dive on Tuesday was spectacular. I did three dives, in a group of only five, with a guide who knew his stuff. The boat ride was smooth given the conditions, the equipment in great shape, and the weather was beautiful once we got out to the reef. Couldn't ask for anything else. The reef was amazing - huge and expansive, even just in the little sections that we dove. I took tons of photos with a rental camera. Here's just a taste.

And that brings us to today. This morning I caught a flight down to Melbourne, where I was greeted by Marian, one of 9 of my mother's cousins. She, her husband Peter and son Michael have graciously taken me in for the next couple of nights, and organized days and nights and for me to stay with the other relatives in the Brisbane area, as well as activities for while I'm here. Finally I get to meet this wonderful extended Australian family!

That's it for now. Apologies for not yet getting all the photos up yet that I promised. Tomorrow I'll begin the process hopefully.

Wishing you well.

J

Things Have Been Picking Up

Greetings One and All,

Well, since re-reading my last entry, things have certainly been looking up. Much has happened since my last entry, so here goes.

After finally departing Avatars Abode, I was able to stay another night up in Noosa with the Foleys. Many thanks to Tony and Charmaine for your hospitality. Did a little surfing and a little relaxing. On Thursday the 12th I took a bus heading up to Hervey Bay, to visit the world famous Fraser Island. I stayed a night in Hervery Bay, and after a mix up the next morning with the tour company, who missed picking me up from my hostel because they though I was elsewhere, I caught a lift down to the docks and was aboard the ferry without further incident. Once on Fraser Island, we were greeted by a seemingly mild mannered tour guide named Dave. He gave us our itineraries and directed us to the 4-wheel drive bus that we would be touring the island in for the next 3 days. Dave was something else, to say the least - definitely not mild mannered. He wore a headset with a microphone to talk to all 26 of us with. And talk he did - The. Whole. Three. Days! He let us know a little something about everything, from nature and science, to Aboriginal history and creation myths, the ancient origins of the sands of Fraser Islands, to his views on human infestation of Earth and the need to have a cull. I have never been in such captive audience as I had with this guy. Dave, who by night one I had named Dingo Dave, would utter something blatantly offensive and then in the same breath, impress you and make you laugh. He has been leading tours of the Island for 18 years, I don't imagine he'll ever leave. Here's to yah Dingo Dave!

It's hard to extrapolate Dingo Dave from remainder of the trip, as he and the island experience were enmeshed as one, but I'll try. Fraser island truly is remarkable. It's a sand island, about 20 km by 80 km. Surprisingly, it's covered in rain forest and sub tropical forrest. All of the lakes and streams are perfect fresh rain water on white sand, so the water is very clear in most bodies of water. Imagine a white sand bottom swimming pool - that's several of the lakes. Imagine huge sand dunes plunging in lake water. Really amazing. One of the thrills for me was riding shotgun in the bus with Dingo Dave, as I had a much better view of the surround terrain. I'd relish in the jolted movements of the bus and we crawled up bumpy sand roads and hills, and feel the rush of racing along the sand at the beach for miles and miles. This trip sure brought out the little boy in me, that's for certain. One of the highlights was organizing sand dune races which ended with a full speed plunge into the waters of Lake Wobee. Trecking through rain forest was also pretty amazing, as was swimming in crystal clear waters of lake McKenzie, and then laying on her white sand beach. A must do for visitors to Australia.

The Sunday night of our return to Hervey Bay, I enjoyed dinner with some new friends on the boat - Ekaterina and her mother Doris from Germany, and Christoph and Christina, a sweet couple also from the Germany. We happened upon a really delicious Italian eatery, and enjoyed the evening, namely to jokes and stories of Dingo Dave. The next morning I caught a lift back to Noosa with Ekaterina and Doris. Surfed a little, hung out with the Foleys some more, and relaxed. The next day, Tuesday, I caught a shuttle down to Brisbane, and flew up to Townsville, to visit my friends from San Jose, Lelena and Daniel.

Lalena and Daniel recently moved to Townsville after Daniel accepted a position at James Cook university in oceanography. Lalena was one of many instructors at my yoga studio in San Jose, so I jumped at the chance to visit when I discovered that they would be moving here. Townsville is a small city on the coast. It's hot and humid up here, for sure. Lalena and Daniel live in a great house with their super Jack Russel Terrier named Jemez! Jemez and I bonded instantly. Lalena taught me how to get him to sing along to a finger snappin tune, and it's been all song every since. I've spent time relaxing, watching movies, playing beach volleyball, having a day and night out here and there with my hosts, and generally having a nice time.

My last couple of days have been eventful. I visited Billabong wild animal sanctuary just 20 minutes down the road from here. I finally got to hold a koala, as well as a wombat named Willemina, a black headed python and baby crocodile. Then there was the crocodile feeding, which was one of craziest things I have ever witnessed. Salt water crocodiles can grow up to 23 feet long, though the ones at Billabong were only a paltry 16! To see these beasts lunge their bodies out of water to grab at meat was unreal. One of the females came darting out of the pool, right for the handlers, jaws snapping at full speed. The crowd was whipped into a frenzy as the handlers whacked her repeatedly on the head with large wooden rods. After a few good whacks she retreated into the pool. Apparently that's the only way to show dominance over a croc - whack it heavily on the head with something heavy! Also saw wallabies, cassoweries, emus, dozens of other tropical snakes and reptiles. And of course, the kangaroos. Go my Facebook albums for all of the pictures.


Yesterday I had the pleasure of doing more scuba diving, and this time I rented a camera using my own memory card. I took a 2 1/2 hour boat ride - each way - to the dive site of the shipwreck Yongala. It's a rare site, located several hundreds of kilometers between and away from any of the natural reefs of the Great Barrier Reef. It's 103 meters (over 300 feet long), and is now home to hundreds of corals, plant and animal species. Visibility was not that great, and in truth diving the wreck you wouldn't know it was a ship at first, looks more like a sea mount. But the fish were plentiful, and this time I caught 'em all on camera. A bull shark came swimming by, which really excited most on the trip. Me, now the seasoned bull shark diver, did notice it to be slightly larger than most, but otherwise didn't bat an eye! :-) A basic rule of diving is that the deeper you go, the less amount of time you can be underwater. Generally dives deeper than 20 meters only last 30-40 minutes max! So, we did two dives of the Yongala, but only for about 35 minutes each, which really isn't all the much time. I really love my underwater time, which is why I think I'll pursue slightly shallower reef dives from here on out.Whelp, that's about it. Tonight I fly up to Cairns to take in city, local rainforest and diving adventures. I'll update more when I can.

All the best.

J

Leaving Avatar's Abode . . . Hopefully

Hey All,

Well, just when I thought things couldn't get any worse . . .

About a week ago I had this conversation with my other bank (MOB). . .

MOB: "Sir, we still don't have a confirmation/tracking number for you. You'll have to call back tomorrow."

Me: "I've been told that for the past week straight. May I speak with a supervisor please?"

MOB: "How can I help you?"

Me: (I explain the whole story)

MOB: "Let me see, well, it looks like we don't have a tracking number because we don't have on file the complete mailing address. The system wont send anything out without a complete address."

Me: "You mean to tell me that even though I've been calling every day for nearly the past week to check on the status, all someone had to do was actually look at the order to see that there wasn't a complete address entered even though I gave it to you guys 20 times???"

MOB: "Yes sir."

This conversation was February 4th. After finally getting to the bottom of the issue my ATM card arrive on the 9th. Needed the ATM card because the emergency replacement credit card wont allow me to draw cash at ATMs. All told it took 17 days to report a lost wallet and receive replacement credit and atm cards. My advice, don't lose your wallet while traveling. Ever!

OK, moderately compelling sob stories aside, my extended stay here at the Abode actually worked out quite well. I continued helping a bit with the bookshop being built, got to visit the beach a few more times, and had the pleasure of befriending Richard Thompson, a Baba lover and fellow therapist - though his expertise, and love I might add, is in music therapy. Richard is stricken with motor neuron disease. I visited Richard twice at his care facility, and though the condition makes speech very difficult for him, we had some very lovely conversations about therapy, music, and life. Richard, your courage, your heart and your depth through this struggle have touched me deeply. Clearly you have done so much inner work to be as you now are. Despite not knowing you long, you have been an example to me that will effect both my personal and professional life. Nothing but God's love to you. My only regret is that I did not take the opportunity to get a photo of Richard. I'm sure I'll find one someday soon.

Well, today is Wednesday and in less than an hour I'm leaving Keil's Mountain and Avatar's Abode. I'm heading to Noosa tonight to spend the evening with the Foley's, and tomorrow I'm on a bus north a couple of hours to visit the world famous Fraser Island, renown for being the largest sand island in the world. It's a must see in Queensland, and I'm looking forward to it. More interesting photos to come once I'm on the move again.

Wishing all back home much love.

J

Bad Punchline

Just an addendum to the previous post . . .

Two days ago, I called my bank (as I have been doing more or less every day for the past 6 days) to get a tracking number for the delivery of my ATM/check card.

Them: "Let me transfer you to my supervisor who will assist you with this matter."

No worries . . . so far.

Them: "Yes Mr. Ramsden, we have confirmed shipment of your card. It is on it's way and should arrive in the next day or two."

Great!

Me: "Will you please confirm for me, just so I know, that you sent it to the address I provided."

Them: "Yes, Jonathan Ramsden, c/o Bill LePage, 48 Meher Rd., Woombye, Queensland, Austria, 4559."

Me: "Austria? You meant Australia, right?"

Them: "No sir, Austria. The card has been shipped to the address provided, in Austria."

At that moment I realized I was the punchline in a subpar joke. I wont repeat the words that came out of my mouth from that moment on. Just suffice to say that clearly I'm meant to be here for this time. Both banks now assure me that my cards are due to arrive by tomorrow, guaranteed. Well, they'll certainly arrive somewhere, that's for sure.

That's all for now.