Upon returning to the Blue Mountains, it having been ten years since my last visit, I had a flood of memories from my family vacation in December of 2000. Steve, Gail, and Elena warmly welcomed me back to their lovely home on Blackbutt Circle (teehee :-D) and, as I walked through the house, I instantly remembered Christmas morning with the kids bounding down the stairs to see what Santa had brought while the moms and dads groggily rubbed sleep out of their eyes. Things looked slightly different without the Christmas decor, but it was a comfort to be back in a familiar place visiting close family friends.
The sky gods just happened to choose the first few days of my visit to give the flora a proper soak, so I took advantage of the cozy couches indoors to make a rather large dent in my Scottish novel. Also, Elena opened up a whole new world for me with my first exposure to the musical wonders of SingStar! As the rain pitter-pattered outside, we belted out duets to a variety of tunes by Disney, ABBA, the songs of the 80s, and best of the 90s. I was in vocal heaven :-)
It would be a crime to visit the Blue Mountains and not stop to explore the village of Katoomba. Thus, as I am rather opposed to committing wrongs against the law, I took the train one morning up to this cute little town and met up with John, a friend and workmate of mine from the Milford Sound. We lucked out with picture perfect weather all day long. The two of us walked to Echo Point where we were rewarded with an absolutely sensational lookout. The cloud speckled sky cast puffy splotches of gently drifting shadow over the green expanse of the Jamison Valley. Outlining the greenery, like a child's poor attempt at coloring within the lines, were sheer, vertical cliffs of fiery orange that looked as though they could burst into flame at any moment. The famous “Three Sisters” rock formations stood out in the foreground with impressive superiority, gazing peacefully over their beloved earth.
John and I made our way down the Giant Stairway to a place where we could actually stand directly beneath the first of the Three Sisters and touch the weathered sandstone of these massive structures. Stepping carefully down the remainder of the slippery stairway brought us to a trail that wove through the Jamison Valley all the way to a lookup of the Katoomba Cascades and the touristic remnants of an old coal mine. At the end of the hike, we gratefully bypassed a sweaty looking climb out of the valley in favor of an supersized gondola which carried us quickly and effortlessly back up to where we began.
That weekend, I left the cool mountain air for the salty waves of Bondi Beach. This hip surfer town is where the Sydneyites find relief during those fry-an-egg-on-the-asphalt summer days. Unfortunately, summer was slowly easing into autumn which meant cool temps and spatters of rain throughout the weekend. But, the weather didn't stop us from having a proper Friday night out in Bondi, complete with a box of Goon and some rockin' Karaoke tunes. The following evening, on our way back from dinner, my friend Ruth and I discovered a group of Earth Hour enthusiasts lighting paper lanterns in honor of the annual event where the world shouts, “lights out!” We were invited to join in on their small celebration and did our best in an attempt to light a lantern of our own. But, with a steadily blowing wind, only a few lucky lanterns set sail, drifting up, up, and away - a simple flicker of a flame illuminated against the starless night sky.
Monday, March 28
Thursday, March 17
A Faaabulous Affair!
It's not uncommon to walk down the street and have two policemen in uniform walk past. That is unless, the tall, dashing policeman striding down the road is wearing black, shiny, stilettos and the short, pudgy policeman has nicked the other's uniform trousers. When that happens, well, it's time for Sydney's annual Mardi Gras Parade!
This yearly event attracts over 70,000 people and is the largest gay pride parade in the world! So, on this very special day (which funnily enough, isn't actually on Fat Tuesday), I was more than eager to attend this flamboyant affair to hoot, holler, and whistle my appreciation for Sydney's LGBT community.
The celebration began near dusk with the roar and rumble of Harley Davidson's as the Dikes on Bikes came whirring up Oxford Street. Rainbow flags blurred, lights shimmered, breasts flailed in the wind, and the ground vibrated. What an entrance!
For the next 2 hours, the titillated masses watched as colorful drag queens sang on elaborately decorated floats, men sporting 8-packs (and not much else!) pranced around to Katy Perry's smash hit “Firework,” and Bananas in Pajamas skipped along with frequently friendly humping. It's hard to imagine a more colorful, uplifting, and positively “gay” celebration!
As the next weekend rolled around, I found myself out in the Australian bush with my friend Chelsea. Unlike in New Zealand where I learned from the Kiwis to call hiking “tramping,” Australian's tell me they call it “bush walking.” I'm not so certain either phrase is very kosher, but, when in Rome... ;-)
So, here we are “bush walking” in the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park on a well routed track between the Borowra (try saying that one 5 times fast...) and Mount Kuring-gai train stations. For the next four hours, we climbed up boulders, kept an eye out for snakes and spiders, and just throughly enjoyed escaping the city and being immerse in nature. I particularly felt at peace during our mid-walk rest on the swinging bridge while my corner vision caught glimpses of jumping fish leaping gracefully out of the water and hearing a proper smack! as they reentered the water's surface. There's nothing like tuning into the modern melodies of Nature FM.
That same weekend, I had the opportunity to join five other rhythmic women in performing an eight minute Taiko drumming piece for an event celebrating International Women's Day. After only 3 weeks of playing the Taiko drum at the Rhythm Hut, I was now drumming on stage in front of a theater of 200-something people! I was flattered to be asked to perform and so pumped for the event! Little did I know that come drum time, my heart would be pounding louder than my Taiko drum...
As an entire evening event to commemorate women all over the world, the Rhythm Hut Women, plus our instructor Rendra on flute, opened with a dramatic and powerful performance, highlighting the strength and wonders of our femininity. And, despite being a jumble of nerves, I had heaps of fun sharing a mutual passion for rhythm, movement, and music. The applause at the end left our entire band bright and beaming.
For my fourth and final week at the Rhythm Hut, I helped Rendra with the sweat worthy job of re-skinning a conga drum. After first soaking the cow skin to make it pliable, Ren fitted it to a metal ring which he placed onto the base of the drum. Following that, I helped with the tightening and fastening of the rim to the drum and, after much grunting and lots of elbow grease, we fitted that beautifully black and shiny skin to the hollowed out redwood base. This handsomely chic conga is totally going to make all the lady drums swoon.
Tomorrow, I leave the hum and thrum of the Rhythm Hut for further Australian adventures. But, with the smell of freshly skinned drums in my nostrils and seasoned blisters on my hands, this special place has drummed its way right into my big, beating heart. Don, Do Ko Do Ko!
This yearly event attracts over 70,000 people and is the largest gay pride parade in the world! So, on this very special day (which funnily enough, isn't actually on Fat Tuesday), I was more than eager to attend this flamboyant affair to hoot, holler, and whistle my appreciation for Sydney's LGBT community.
The celebration began near dusk with the roar and rumble of Harley Davidson's as the Dikes on Bikes came whirring up Oxford Street. Rainbow flags blurred, lights shimmered, breasts flailed in the wind, and the ground vibrated. What an entrance!
For the next 2 hours, the titillated masses watched as colorful drag queens sang on elaborately decorated floats, men sporting 8-packs (and not much else!) pranced around to Katy Perry's smash hit “Firework,” and Bananas in Pajamas skipped along with frequently friendly humping. It's hard to imagine a more colorful, uplifting, and positively “gay” celebration!
As the next weekend rolled around, I found myself out in the Australian bush with my friend Chelsea. Unlike in New Zealand where I learned from the Kiwis to call hiking “tramping,” Australian's tell me they call it “bush walking.” I'm not so certain either phrase is very kosher, but, when in Rome... ;-)
So, here we are “bush walking” in the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park on a well routed track between the Borowra (try saying that one 5 times fast...) and Mount Kuring-gai train stations. For the next four hours, we climbed up boulders, kept an eye out for snakes and spiders, and just throughly enjoyed escaping the city and being immerse in nature. I particularly felt at peace during our mid-walk rest on the swinging bridge while my corner vision caught glimpses of jumping fish leaping gracefully out of the water and hearing a proper smack! as they reentered the water's surface. There's nothing like tuning into the modern melodies of Nature FM.
That same weekend, I had the opportunity to join five other rhythmic women in performing an eight minute Taiko drumming piece for an event celebrating International Women's Day. After only 3 weeks of playing the Taiko drum at the Rhythm Hut, I was now drumming on stage in front of a theater of 200-something people! I was flattered to be asked to perform and so pumped for the event! Little did I know that come drum time, my heart would be pounding louder than my Taiko drum...
As an entire evening event to commemorate women all over the world, the Rhythm Hut Women, plus our instructor Rendra on flute, opened with a dramatic and powerful performance, highlighting the strength and wonders of our femininity. And, despite being a jumble of nerves, I had heaps of fun sharing a mutual passion for rhythm, movement, and music. The applause at the end left our entire band bright and beaming.
For my fourth and final week at the Rhythm Hut, I helped Rendra with the sweat worthy job of re-skinning a conga drum. After first soaking the cow skin to make it pliable, Ren fitted it to a metal ring which he placed onto the base of the drum. Following that, I helped with the tightening and fastening of the rim to the drum and, after much grunting and lots of elbow grease, we fitted that beautifully black and shiny skin to the hollowed out redwood base. This handsomely chic conga is totally going to make all the lady drums swoon.
Tomorrow, I leave the hum and thrum of the Rhythm Hut for further Australian adventures. But, with the smell of freshly skinned drums in my nostrils and seasoned blisters on my hands, this special place has drummed its way right into my big, beating heart. Don, Do Ko Do Ko!
Saturday, March 5
My Kindergarten Clown
At five years old, I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up – a clown. It was perfectly logical! As a clown, I was able to combine the three main things that I loved in life – drawing (and by drawing, that meant painting my face before each performance), acting, and making people laugh. What better career to aspire to than that of a circus performer? I was brilliant!
Nineteen years later, my dream job has gone through many changes. But, I've discovered that as a five year old little person, I had realized something pretty important. Surround yourself with things you love, people you love. Aspire to combine all that brings you joy, and you will undoubtedly live a wonderful life filled to the brim with happiness and love. Yeah, I suppose I was pretty smart in kindergarten!
Tonight, I had an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in one such joyous event. The Rhythm Hut hosted “The Future Sound of Yoga” led by a dynamic duo that included a rockin' DJ and a soothing Yogi. I really enjoy practicing yoga, so when I found out that this evening event included not just yoga, but a DJed accompaniment as well, I was more than keen to be a part of it.
From above, the Rhythm Hut floor looked like the multicolored “Candyland” board game, checkered with an assortment of deliciously sweet yoga mats. I found an open space, laid out my own teal green mat, and readied myself for 2 hours of yoga goodness. However, my mind and body didn't even come close to anticipating the amount of profound joy I would be experiencing that evening.
The evening started out with slower beats and about 20 minutes of gentle warm ups with cleansing spine twists and sun salutations. Then came the more challenging yoga positions and faster upbeats. Throughout this time, we were given instructions and then allowed the freedom to move, shift, and stretch comfortably at our own pace.
Then came the dance portion. First yoga, then DJ music, and now dance? The kindergartener inside me was jumping up and down with excitement. I had just discovered my new clown!
The music was pulsating. The air was thick with an intense and powerful energy that only heighten as the seconds beat on. Feet and hearts pounded. Arms swayed and sweat poured. I was one with the music - the rhythm of the night coursing through my veins and the joy in my heart bursting out to mix with the floods of energy and movement that immersed the primal dancers in a river of pure, raw, love.
As the music started to slow, the dancers breathed in deep and swayed, drunk with that 100% pure, raw, love, till minds and bodies were back in the here and now. I was more aware than ever of my heart beating - steady and strong and full of life.
The entire evening was such a profound and deeply moving experience for me. I feel now that I truly understand the amazing power of movement and music. I wish for everyone, the guidance to find your very own kindergarten clown. Find that which brings you love and joy – and then share your abundant happiness with the world.
Nineteen years later, my dream job has gone through many changes. But, I've discovered that as a five year old little person, I had realized something pretty important. Surround yourself with things you love, people you love. Aspire to combine all that brings you joy, and you will undoubtedly live a wonderful life filled to the brim with happiness and love. Yeah, I suppose I was pretty smart in kindergarten!
Tonight, I had an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in one such joyous event. The Rhythm Hut hosted “The Future Sound of Yoga” led by a dynamic duo that included a rockin' DJ and a soothing Yogi. I really enjoy practicing yoga, so when I found out that this evening event included not just yoga, but a DJed accompaniment as well, I was more than keen to be a part of it.
From above, the Rhythm Hut floor looked like the multicolored “Candyland” board game, checkered with an assortment of deliciously sweet yoga mats. I found an open space, laid out my own teal green mat, and readied myself for 2 hours of yoga goodness. However, my mind and body didn't even come close to anticipating the amount of profound joy I would be experiencing that evening.
The evening started out with slower beats and about 20 minutes of gentle warm ups with cleansing spine twists and sun salutations. Then came the more challenging yoga positions and faster upbeats. Throughout this time, we were given instructions and then allowed the freedom to move, shift, and stretch comfortably at our own pace.
Then came the dance portion. First yoga, then DJ music, and now dance? The kindergartener inside me was jumping up and down with excitement. I had just discovered my new clown!
The music was pulsating. The air was thick with an intense and powerful energy that only heighten as the seconds beat on. Feet and hearts pounded. Arms swayed and sweat poured. I was one with the music - the rhythm of the night coursing through my veins and the joy in my heart bursting out to mix with the floods of energy and movement that immersed the primal dancers in a river of pure, raw, love.
As the music started to slow, the dancers breathed in deep and swayed, drunk with that 100% pure, raw, love, till minds and bodies were back in the here and now. I was more aware than ever of my heart beating - steady and strong and full of life.
The entire evening was such a profound and deeply moving experience for me. I feel now that I truly understand the amazing power of movement and music. I wish for everyone, the guidance to find your very own kindergarten clown. Find that which brings you love and joy – and then share your abundant happiness with the world.
Friday, March 4
Just Beat It
Through a stroke of good fortune, I discovered one of the best kept secrets of Australia's Central Coast - The Rhythm Hut. This one-of-a-kind gem is run by a small staff of dedicated people and instructors who believe in the power of music, rhythm, and art. Rendra, a man immersed in the scenes of the Rhythm Hut, had a passion and a vision to create a drumming school and has since established and nurtured a unique and talented community of drumming enthusiasts.
My first experience at the Rhythm Hut included an intense rehearsal by the Rhythm Hunters , a group of Taiko drummers who perform all over Australia. Their most recent public event was held at the Sydney Opera House! Sitting comfortably on one of the numerous couches at the Hut, I watched wide-eyed as a tri-troop of Rhythm Hunters practiced less than a meter in front of me. Talk about front row seating! My entire body was reverberating with each resounding beat of the drum. The Rhythm Hunters played with such strength and fluidity that showed off years of practice and devotion to drumming. I could hardly wait to grip my own set of bachi drum sticks and try my own hand at Taiko.
The art of Taiko drumming originated in Japan and is recognized widely because of the massive drums and the pronounced rising and falling arc of the arms as players strike their instrument with 16” long bachi sticks. I recalled watching a performance of Japanese Taiko drummers at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and remembered being instantly captivated by the power and raw intensity of the percussionists on stage. Years later, I find that the rhythmic force of the Taiko drums is still not only compelling and mesmeric to watch and listen to but has an even more pronounced absorbing effect by becoming the rhythmist myself.
In the two weeks that followed, I have joined both the Taiko and the Djembe drumming classes being held at the Rhythm Hut. While I enjoy Djembe as a way to improve and challenge my mind and immerse myself in a larger group of drummers, there is just something about Taiko drumming that I can’t seem to get enough of. With each dynamic beat, my entire body vibrates with an energizing vigour. The dance, the flow, and the energy of drumming is intensely primal - you feel one with the natural current of life. I’ve learned to be purposeful and resolute when playing accents and rhythms to create a seamless flow of pulsing beats. The rhythmists strive to fuse the sounds of their drum with that of their neighbours to produce a powerful unity and oneness within the group. With each class, I am welcomed into a community filled with all ages, abilities, and races, and the harmony that I feel amongst them is authentic and emotive. And, whether you’ve come to release the tension of the day, drum out any negative emotions, or become one with a group of like-minded friends, I’ve realized one thing: “Whether you are happy, mad, sad, or glad - it always feels good to beat something!”
My first experience at the Rhythm Hut included an intense rehearsal by the Rhythm Hunters , a group of Taiko drummers who perform all over Australia. Their most recent public event was held at the Sydney Opera House! Sitting comfortably on one of the numerous couches at the Hut, I watched wide-eyed as a tri-troop of Rhythm Hunters practiced less than a meter in front of me. Talk about front row seating! My entire body was reverberating with each resounding beat of the drum. The Rhythm Hunters played with such strength and fluidity that showed off years of practice and devotion to drumming. I could hardly wait to grip my own set of bachi drum sticks and try my own hand at Taiko.
The art of Taiko drumming originated in Japan and is recognized widely because of the massive drums and the pronounced rising and falling arc of the arms as players strike their instrument with 16” long bachi sticks. I recalled watching a performance of Japanese Taiko drummers at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and remembered being instantly captivated by the power and raw intensity of the percussionists on stage. Years later, I find that the rhythmic force of the Taiko drums is still not only compelling and mesmeric to watch and listen to but has an even more pronounced absorbing effect by becoming the rhythmist myself.
In the two weeks that followed, I have joined both the Taiko and the Djembe drumming classes being held at the Rhythm Hut. While I enjoy Djembe as a way to improve and challenge my mind and immerse myself in a larger group of drummers, there is just something about Taiko drumming that I can’t seem to get enough of. With each dynamic beat, my entire body vibrates with an energizing vigour. The dance, the flow, and the energy of drumming is intensely primal - you feel one with the natural current of life. I’ve learned to be purposeful and resolute when playing accents and rhythms to create a seamless flow of pulsing beats. The rhythmists strive to fuse the sounds of their drum with that of their neighbours to produce a powerful unity and oneness within the group. With each class, I am welcomed into a community filled with all ages, abilities, and races, and the harmony that I feel amongst them is authentic and emotive. And, whether you’ve come to release the tension of the day, drum out any negative emotions, or become one with a group of like-minded friends, I’ve realized one thing: “Whether you are happy, mad, sad, or glad - it always feels good to beat something!”
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