| Queensland - The Divorce Equivalent of a Honeymoon |
| May
1996: Newly divorced (well in November), needing a holiday, a
wedding to attend, not really wanting to be in the vicinity when the ex
remarried, and more than ready for a little adventure. That was the
climate in which I set off on my first really big solo adventure.
Well it seemed so to me anyway. Why did I decide to dub this adventure the divorce equivalent of a honeymoon? Weelll, you go on a honeymoon to get used to being with a new partner (or that is the theory behind it I understand). I had never been anywhere much on my own and was not used to doing things alone, and definately not travelling. And after thirty years of marriage had definately gotten used to having a partner along most places I went. So I saw my divorce equivalent of a honeymoon as being a time when I got used to doing things alone. And it turned out that way. I had plenty of think time to work through some issues, did heaps of things that I had never done before, and a whole lot more that I had never done alone. Mother and youngest daughter were having all sorts of panic attacks about the whole thing, but armed with a mobile phone, a well serviced car and top level RACV cover, off I went, not without some trepidation I have to say, but with a brave smile to hide my shaking hands and knocking knees. Over the next 3 1/2 weeks I drove 5,571 kilometres through 3 states, visited friends and family and places I had never been, as well as a few I had. I did things that I had never done alone before (like eating at a restaurant, or taking a cruise or tour), had a wonderful time, and returned believing I could conquer the world. Well maybe I was aiming a little high, but what the heck!!! |
| Cowra, NSW |
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| Cowra's main claim to
fame is that it was the site of one of the Japanese prisoner of war camps
during World War 11, and the Japanese influence remains today. The
main attractions in the area, other than the remains of the POW camp, are
the Japanese Gardens, and the Japanese War Cemetery. All worth a
visit. The gardens are so peaceful, and it is easy to see why water,
and particularly running water, are so popular in their gardens. So
peaceful and soothing. One thing in particular that Cowra taught me was that is it a good thing to book ahead. I had terrible trouble finding accommodation - there were two large weddings in the town that weekend and all the good accommodation was gone. I eventually found a room (using my trusty RACV accommodation guide and the mobile phone), but I nearly died when I pulled into the carpark to find around 50 motor bikes parked there. When I decided to make this trip, I determined that I was going to eat in restaurants whereever possible and made a start on this course of action in Cowra. It was at this point that I decided to keep a diary of my trip. The purpose of this was twofold - as a record of the trip, but more importantly to give me something to do while waiting for a meal. I found that if I happened to look at a guy who was eating alone HE thought I was trying to pick him up. If the guy was with his wife SHE thought I was trying to pick him up. Sheesh!!!!!!!!! |
| Dubbo, NSW |
| The standing stones at Glen Innes are a commemoration of the early Australian settlers of Celtic origin. Definately worth a visit if your interests lie in that direction. |
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| Glen Innes, NSW |
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| Graphics on these pages designed by: |
| Lightning Ridge, NSW |
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| Lightning Ridge is
apparently pretty typical of towns of it's type. Accommodation (for
the residents) can range from a standard brick or weatherboard structure,
to some sheets of tin against a tree, or as in the picture, the back of a
furniture van. Some were constructed of timber with lining inside,
but no outer cladding. The vast majority of the population are
itinerant and, according to one local, probably wanted by the law
somewhere or other. Most people are known only by their given names
and some distinguishing feature like a favorite article of clothing and
which area they mine. The most successful miners are often the ones
who look the least likely to be, drive beat up cars, torn jeans and the
like. There is very little government funding available, but the
facilities are excellent and generally funded by someone annonymously who
sees a need. A very interesting, if different, place to visit even if you are not into fossicking. |
| Brisbane, Qld |
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| The main reason for my trip, the wedding of my neice Karen and Trevor. She was a very pretty bride, and he a very handsome groom (aren't they all??). |
| Southern Highlands, NSW |
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| Montville, Qld |
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| A simply wonderful place to visit if you like brousing through specialty gift shops, antique shops and a wonderful olde world atmosphere. |
| Mogo, NSW |
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| Fitzroy Falls and Kangaroo Valley, two delightful spots to visit. |
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| Mogo? Whoever heard
of Mogo? Well I hadn't either, but Mogo has the loveliest little
private zoo, which boasts some very unique residents. Tom Cougar is a TV star (and, when not in his cage during the day, goes everywhere on a chain with his owner), Kultur is the only Siberian tiger in Australia and must stand 3'6" at the withers, he is huge. The pigmy marmosets are only about 6" 'tall' with tails that are longer than they are, and the red pandas are just beautiful. Even the kids get a mention and the sign below graces the children's playground. |
| Animals from most continents have large free range areas, and while it is difficult to see some of them because of the large enclosures, it is definately worth a visit. |