Williamstown (and Farewell to Melbs)

I haven't written in a while because so much has happened! I've been working a bit, saying goodbye to Melbourne and planning my future travel adventures. I definitely believe in angels and the activities and people in my life for the past few weeks have helped me overcome my loneliness.

A few weeks ago, I fled from Melbourne city to Williamstown to escape my loneliness. The MacNeils, who are relatives of my friend Robert van Waarden, live in that historic suburb of Melbourne about 20 minutes on the city train away from the CBD. It was lovely to spend some time "en famille" with Nora and Richard and their lovely teenage daughters, Anna and Ella. The beach is about a 10 minute walk from their house and I was able to borrow a bicycle to trawl the neighbourhood with. The MacNeils provided excellent company, good food and a cozy bed; by the end of my first weekend there, I was feeling back to my happy self.

I've been a bit worried about money lately, in addition to being at a loss for what to do with my time, so I thought I might find a job. I set out from the MacNeils after my lovely weekend retreat, determined to go back to the city to find a job. About 15 minutes after leaving their place...I was gainfully employed! I thought I'd stroll around the waterfront one more time before heading for the train and wandered by The Bend Wine Bar on Douglas Parade, about two blocks from my host's house. I'd heard about The Bend from Tom and Anne Peters, friends of my parents who visited Australia last year. A sign in the window said they were looking for a part-time waitress and, after a short discussion with the owner of our common acquaintance and my job skills, I was hired!

I just loved working as a waitress! The Bend seats about 30 people, serving excellent food and wine. My boss, Daniel, was patient and supportive and I learned the ropes quickly. In the kitchen, Kurtis, the chef, and Parker, the apprentice, were friendly and full of pleasant teasing. I've always enjoyed working with men and this experience was no different. We all worked hard, laughed a lot and got into our cups together once all the customers had gone home. My mother's training in cleaning and party prep certainly paid off: I made excellent tips and felt at ease serving in a fancy resto without much experience. I got delicious meals and wine with every shift and soon found myself saying to customers, "Oh, yes, the kangaroo sirloin is divine. I highly recommend it paired with pinot noir." Having a job put me back in the present - I wasn't thinking about the past or the future. I was just doing my job and getting the great satisfaction that comes with working hard for a job well done.

Back at the MacNeils, who graciously let me stay with them while I worked, I went for lovely runs with Ella around the neighbourhood, made Christmas cookies and helped Richard and the girls pick out the Christmas tree. The contingent of cousins from Botswana arrived for the holidays last week and the house was busy with secret present wrapping, big family meals and lots of dance music. Those African boys, Jaspar and Charlie, can really dance! I was invited to say for the holidays with all the family but I declined because of plans to head to Kangaroo Valley in New South Wales. Once I finished my last shift at The Bend (they are closed for the holidays) and said goodbye to the MacNeil clan, I headed back to Melbourne to pack my belongings and move along.

It wasn't that hard to say goodbye to Melbourne. Most of my good friends had already left and the place was getting a bit empty. In my days off, I visited all those places I'd been meaning to see all semester: the National Gallery, Docklands, the State Library, etc. On my last night in town, I had champagne with Ramiz at sunny Rooftop Bar, with panoramic views of the city. We then met up with Channie, my Korean girlfriend, and Georgia, one of the Fraser Island crew, for a final Korean meal and a drink on Brunswick street. It was hardest to say goodbye to Channie. I've been staying with her whenever I wasn't at the MacNeils (I'm becoming a couch-surfer extraordinaire!) and we've had so many lovely relaxed times together. She walked me to the curb with all my bags on my last morning in Melbs. We hugged for a long time and promised to visit each other in our home countries.

In the taxi to the airport, the cabbie asked, "Going home?" I said, "No, just moving along." I've been thinking that moving on is both the best part and the hardest part of traveling. I'm excited to be moving along from Melbourne but sad for what I'm leaving behind. For now, the next stop is New South Wales, and Kangaroo Valley for Christmas.

More news about Australian summer and holidays to follow. Lots and lots of love to everyone back home...I'm humming "White Christmas" and thinking of you all.