Recovery is going great, and my follow-up appointment with the surgeon went well too. For two more weeks I still have to take it slow — and then I’ll be able to run the world again.
My first week back at work went surprisingly well. The girls have been taking such good care of me, making sure I’m not lifting anything heavier than five kilograms. That rule actually keeps me away from the dishwashing sink and lets me do more of the actual cooking — which I’m definitely not complaining about. It’s been nice to enjoy work a little more again.
Last weekend we had three days off because of Labour Day, and I spontaneously decided to rent a car and hit the road. I needed to leave these four walls — and Penrith — behind for a couple of days. I craved a change of scenery, and some much-needed alone time by the beach.
Let me tell you about the car first. A Toyota Hilux Dual Cab with a canopy — man, what a dream. I haven’t felt that safe driving a car in a while. Probably not since I lost that wheel somewhere along the Californian coast. There’s just something about driving a pick-up truck that makes me feel like me again.
As soon as I picked it up, threw my three weekend belongings in the back, and hit the road — I felt it. That spark again. Finally exploring. Finally on the road again. Finally getting out there. That’s what I’ve been missing this whole time since coming here. I mean, if you’re in Australia, why not spend as much time as you can by the ocean? I’m definitely not here for city life (that’s never really been me anyway).
From my camping experience, I knew I didn’t need much. I really raw-dogged the whole thing this time — prepped my food for the weekend, packed a couple of blankets, my yoga mat, sleeping mat, and a pillow, and called the back of the truck home for three days and nights. Well… I probably should’ve tested the “bed” before leaving, because it was harder than I thought. Which led to a few sleepless nights listening to the ocean — and wow, I forgot how loud the ocean can be. I forgot a lot about being on the road.
But all this luxury complaining aside — I haven’t felt so content in a while. I love the simplicity of camping — getting by without needing much, realizing how little it actually takes to be happy.
Just being by the beach. Swimming in the salty ocean. Floating in the water. Tanning in the sun. Reading a book or writing in my journal. Talking to strangers. That’s all I needed.
And yet, now that I’ve seen it for a bit, I’m really keen to give surfing a try. I‘m really just missing wing foiling, but it seems easier to give surfing a try, while in Australia.
Another part I love about camping is the connections you make — with fellow travellers or even locals. After watching the sunrise on Sunday morning, I was sitting on the tailgate eating breakfast when an elderly couple, Diane and Allen, walked by. We got talking for quite a while, and before I knew it, they’d invited me to join them and some friends for drinks at the surf club later that afternoon.
I had such a lovely time getting to know all of them, enjoying a few drinks, and walking away with more connections here in Australia. The whole group was inspiring, but especially Diane and Allen — they’re about to start a twelve-month journey around the world and will even visit Dresden at some point. Isn’t that crazy? Maybe I’ll get to be their tour guide one day. What a small world.
Ahh, but the sunrises and sunsets — mate, I’ve rarely seen anything like them. Though nothing yet has topped that winter sunset above the clouds at Cypress Mountain in Canada, these ones came pretty close, though. (You’ll see what I mean in the photos below!)
I decided to explore a region called The Entrance, just two hours north of Sydney — and what a lovely place! The ocean to the east, a lake to the west — water all around. I also checked out Caves Beach, which was incredible. Walking through caves along the beach and crawling through tunnels that open up to another stretch of sand — wow.
And then there was a group called “Grannies on Boards” — they meet every Monday around 8:30, do yoga on the beach, and then ride waves together on their bodyboards. I was fascinated. I’ve never wanted to join a club more. Another dose of inspiration — to be that fit and full of joy at their age. What a life.
Like I said before, I think this is what’s been missing from my time here so far — exploring. For now, I’ll try to save up for more travel plans, because I honestly can’t wait to get back out there. And I’ll start looking for jobs closer to the beach — maybe even somewhere around The Entrance.
It’s hard to believe I’ve already been Down Under for five months and haven’t really travelled yet. It’s about time I get started. Though, I suppose other things had their place first.
And on another happy note from the motherland – I became an auntie for the second time. My oldest brother, Max, and his partner, Linda, welcomed their first son to the world on September 23rd. Congratulations to them, and a huge welcome to Elia!
Stay tuned for more! So long.
marie louise travels 