Dear all, If the title projects a certain level of despair, I can only say that it explains very much how I feel. I had written a long update for my blog yesterday, almost ready to upload. And then I closed my pc with having saved my work. Lesson number one in computer classes : safe your work! Ok, I have sinned against this rule... punishment is that I have to start from scratch again.
Oops, nearly a week ago since I have been active: I am being tuned to the Aussie way of life, I think. Anyway, my week started with my usual trip to the AWM. Well, I knew that I was going to get known before my departure. The moment I walk through the door of the research centre, the lady already moves to the boxes, neatly arranged on a trolley with my unpronounceable name attached to it. Ok, let's say that the system of classifying their thousands of pictures is open to improvement, the friendliness and eagerness to help makes up for whatever they are lacking on the technical side. The memory I will take with me of the AWM is a more than warm one.
Since this is supposed to be a holiday to me, I decided to put on my tourist jacket on Tuesday. A lovely start of the day, catching up with one of my previous guests, for a chat over a cup of coffee. Make that 2 coffees please, as there is a lot to talk about. Being spoiled as I am, I was being asked whether I had been to the Telstra tower yet. Apparently this tower has been a strong point of discussion when the plans to build it were being presented, even to that extend that some people's life were threatened. I just hate it when violence tries to push decisions one way or the other. The ability to negotiate, isn't that what differs us from animals? Anyway, off we went for a beautiful ride towards the tower of 195m. Having been close to the CN tower in Toronto, which goes for over 500 m, this is not a building that is going to blow me of my feet. Well, perhaps the tower didn't have that much of an effect on me, but the views from up there! WAW... amazing, breathtaking, stunning (can I think of any other way to describe it???)
Another lesson was learned that day. During the length of the day, I had mentioned that I had fallen in love with this country and that I could see myself ending up here one day. Apparently someone took that very literally as, when firing my laptop in the evening, I found a message saying : " I know that you would like to immigrate here. Well, for 6000$ cash, payment upfront, I can arrange this for you.". In all honesty I have to say that there was a second message just below but this upset Belgian hadn't seen that, had she? It read "Aussie joke.... but you do have to admit that 6000$ would have been a real bargain!". I can assure you of one thing: the next person, trying to pull my leg will be paid back in the same way. Us Belgians, may not be renown for our sense of humour. However, from now on, this is about to change!
Yesterday was a day of work for me: before noon I had a lecture in a primary school whilst after noon, I had to present my second lecture to the University of the 3rd age. It was the very first experience with a group of 11 year old students but let it be clear that I have enjoyed it more than a bit. Sure enough I have to adjust the story to their age. However, these children proved to be more deeply interested than some of the age of 14. The initial idea was that I was going to address to them for the length of one hour on the history of the Great War. Considering the fact that I wasn't limited in time and the fact that the children (after a break of some 5 minutes) proved to be eager to hear more, I was invited to extend my talk. One and a half hour of listening plus half an hour for questions: all I can say is that nor me, nor them will forget this morning quickly. It hasn't only been a history class but at the same time an education on the country of Belgium: what language do we speak? what is the weather like? what are schools like? what kind of houses do we live in? A never ending barrage of questions was being fired my way.
My day so far was good but it even got better. One of the girls asked for my age. When replying that I am 53, an eleven year old boy said with a loud voice: "Really!!!! I thought you were only 35!". Well, I know that maths in Australian schools isn't a priority. Would this indicate that they need to change their views ? I couldn't care any less as I am feeling younger every day!
Speaking of languages: the teacher of French made an effort to welcome me in that language (assuming that this was my mother tongue). I gladly admit that my knowledge of Molière's language is not half as good as my understanding of English but it seems to be more than adequate to make an impression here. When jokingly saying that I am looking for a job, she responded that I might be interested in teaching history and French... O yes, where did I leave my old text books of French again?
Chatting longer than initially planned (a sin I have committed before) I was home just in time to be collected for my second lecture. A good hours drive (where have the days gone to, that I considered this to be a long long way???) took us to the venue of the university of the 3rd age again. Lunch first (what about that as a standard before a lecture?) and some chatting. My third visit here: so I am being invited to join in at other tables too. Still wondering whether serving red wine just before a presentation is the right way of handling things though...
Half past 2, time to make a start if it weren't for the fact the projector isn't available due to the fact that another group has already booked it. A reserve projector decides not to talk to a Belgian laptop, which brings forward the question if I can do my talk without the powerpoint. I should be able to do that, realising that it will challenge me to bring a good story. I know it wasn't as good a lecture as it could have been. However, I hope that the audience realises the technology devil is partly to be blamed for that too . About half an hour before closing time, the opportunity to raise questions was being given to the group. Can you imagine my surprise when learning that someone claimed Belgians hold the 3rd position on the list of most heavy ecological footprint in Europe. I have noticed that a lot of garbage is being disposed of in the same bin, I haven't seen a single wind turbine yet (in all honesty, I haven't experienced any serious winds here so far either) and solar panels seem to be an European privilege (in the country of the sun!). All in all, I am wondering how we can do any worse than this country when it comes to preserving the environment.
Saying goodbye was emotional: during the 3 weeks I have attended lectures here, I have established friendship with some people. Bill, the Lancaster bomber pilot, who has just passed his driver's license test at the blessed age of 90, will always remain in my memory. A wise old man of the type that one doesn't meet very often in life.
This month's stay in Canberra has definitely turned me into another being: I feel a lot more relaxed now, and in a way, a bit wiser too (at least I hope I am). Part of me will remain behind, and even having no certainty that I will ever make it this way again, I already sense the attraction that this city will hold on me for ever after. With another 10 days to go (of which 2 will be spend in Bowral and Goulburn), I start thinking of the next step in my journey, which will take me to the city supposed to have the strongest European feel: Melbourne
A month ago, I flew into this vast country, worn out after a journey of more than 30 hours, absorbing the first impressions. Although I can not claim to be that worn out right now: the clock is pointing at midnight... in other words : time to catch some sleep!
