They say that when you evaluate an experience holistically, the smallest negative thing can be a total deal-breaker. It could be true in this context but I don't want to let the irritations of today (and it's been a very long day) taint the experience of my trip to Darwin. The awful bits aside, I think it was emotionally refreshing to escape into NT - Outback Australia. Being back Down Under for the sixth time did things to me. Firstly, it brought back pleasant memories of being on the start of my exchange and being a stranger in an unfamiliar place. And that led me to my second musing, which is how I felt like I was slipping back into an old pair of shoes. Yes, even in a place I'd never been to before, I felt instantly at ease. Which brings me to my most important, most provocative thought: how my heart is well and truly split between two places. My love for this place that's not my homeland has been tried, tested and sealed. After all, we're talking about 36 degree heat (with humidity), a glaring lack of things to see, do and buy in the city and the absence of a steadfast companion. It's got to stand for something that I remained happy in spite of it all. But then again being alone on this continent isn't a bad thing at all.

In the short span of two days, I got to make three new friends outside of the party posse, went on a pubcrawl (think open bar!) which culminated in a trishaw ride back to the hotel, had a flash meal all by myself (French duck with red wine jus and a glass of muscat), checked out a couple of the obligatory touristy sites, and most importantly, went shopping. Granted, I didn't go all out and snag a man like some people have told me to, but if you'd heard some of them talking, you'd understand that it was a lost cause to begin with. Whatever. This trip was never about finding a man -- it was ultimately about work and learning how to work with people, but more importantly, it reminded me that beyond my existence here, there is a wonderful life out there that beckons.

posted by beautiful at 8:47 am