opposites abound

planning, scanning for the present
past and future intersect
reflect on a pool
full of options
decisions to be made
i'd rather rest in between the glades
in the shade.

landing in sydney town was the first time my traveling emotions featured any second-guesses. leaving asia was a tough decision, and i even avoided talking with caucasions at the bali airport. my indonesian was sufficient for a few conversations, and i was lucky enough to meet a group of japanese that provided me with another half an hour before i plunged back into the proper english.

my initial impression of sydney was highly positive, due in great part to the abundance of green in the city and its cleanliness compared to american cities. the harbor area and botanical gardens were absolutely gorgeous, and the british colonial mark is comparable to parts of boston. the bustling city center featured a good number of asians, but it seemed a little too segregated for my liking. subversion also seemed lacking, but maybe there are just too many punks and winos in new york. either way, i like seeing graffiti and civil acts of disobediance. the laid-back atmosphere in such a large city left me thinking that life down under could be a possibility.

my walk along the coast was definitely the highlight of sydney, and the sculputures were an added bonus. a few odd ones are featured below, but there were plenty more that tickled my fancy.

after a week in sydney i made my way to the fruitshack, located in leeton, nsw. it's a backpacker house full of euro's and a me. everyday we work hard in the fields and relax at night. the sunsets are long and dramatic and the boxes of wine are large and go quickly. the simple life is a wonderful respite from traveling somewhere new every week, and the backpackers i've met all rock. i'll probably be heading out with a vehicle in another few weeks to a destination unknown, but still in aus.