terra australis

well, after much travel, off the grid and being out of contact i find myself on australian soil once more. it is strange to be back and it will take some time to adjust, and then there are probably some aspects to being back which will never really feel the same. but rather than dwelling on being back which is an active experience in the process of unfolding i want to reflect a little on what has happened on my journey so far.

since being back i have found myself staring down the barrel of the question "so, what was it like?" which has accosted me like some of the locals who work the block in san francisco's "tenderloin". it is one of those questions which can't really be answered as it seems to be asking for the 30 second recap of last weeks episode before continuing on with the nights viewing. even with extened running time of a feature film with accompanying post screening drinks, only outlines are able to be projected. this is much like the relating of anything in life, but it is perhaps not noticed as distinctly as what is usually related is very close to the common experience of both the teller and the listener in everyday life. but in an effort to provide some meat to for the question to munch one let me say that it was something like being at a buffet in a vegas casino. you find yourself in front of a cornucopia of dishes from around the planet, some familiar; others completely new and sometimes more than just a little intimidating; others greasy and to be avoided; others obscured by the sneeze guard, or others displaying amazingly vibrant colours only for you to discover that appearance out stripped flavour by a country mile. and when proceeding to engage with the smash-pile of tastes on your hefty plate you found your self simultaneously feeling like you are about to projectile the contents of your maw in the faux-flower flower-box; scorch the roof of your mouth; fall asleep in your mash and gravy; confused as to what exactly this thing called chewing is all about; excited about the fact that they have cutlery here; in awe of the what can be achieved with some foil, a camp fire and some produce from bulgaria; completely at peace in the moment between chews before you take a chunk out of the inside of your cheek, as well as being overwhelmed by having way to much on your plate.

but crapping-on aside, there is much too much to write about and it is something that can never be fully related as their are so many different keepers of the moments, experiences and memories of the experiences - of mine, their's and our journeys. to all that i have shared time and space with, to those i remember and to those i have forgotten, to those who have forgotten me, to both those who i have had fleeting momentary encounters as well as to those with whom i shared lasting and momentous life altering ones - Namaste, Na zdraví, Kampai, Egészségetekre, Saúde, Skål, Salud and of course that amazing expressive utterance from my mates in Skopje, Braauuuuu!!! i hope to see you all again at some point but since we are all one (or more accurately - Everything is one) you are always with me and me with you while this so called "me" exists and probably even when it doesn't.

not totally sure of where my plans are to take me next but i am sure that paths will cross again, experiences will be shared and we will celebrate life in all its delectable manifestations. and until then; En Guete :)