Silent Day

2nd experience at a silent meditation retreat. Made me realise that doing it indoors and outdoors is really… different.

 

Mait’s Rest Rainforest Walk

A refreshing change from the coastline.

Memories From Melbourne – Royal Botanic Gardens

The difference humidity makes: You can walk through a sun-scorched garden and emerge without a drop of perspiration!

 

The Campus Pond

It’s funny how some things have more beauty from a distance.

Ever since I spotted this pond on campus, I’ve always thought about how nice it would be to go up to it.

The chance came one morning, after the coursemate and I finished an early consultation with A and had some time to spare before class started.

“Let’s go to the pond!”

I wasn’t exactly disappointed, but it certainly looked different from a distance.

It was more shrouded – shrouded with potential, hope, and mystery.

Maybe that was what made it alluring.

 

Up close, it was simply – different.

Maybe … that’s reflective of many things in life too.

 

Anyway, I still enjoyed myself taking in the surroundings, and having the coursemate weave natural accessories for me ^^

 

 

 

Brisbane Botanic Gardens // Mount Coot-Tha

I took the wrong bus, alighted at a not-too-friendly stop, had to ask for directions, but eventually… I made it.

It was only after coming back to Sydney when I realised the stark contrast between the flora and fauna. Greater appreciation of climate and vegetation now, something I haven’t felt since my geography-studying days.

Rose Garden

 

Leura Cascades

Greetings on a humid Christmas Day.

Echo Point Park

Not to be confused with the other Echo Point – this is really just a park. Thanks to the weekend hosts who thought I might like a morning out in the sun with nature!
After walking along the trail, we then settled somewhere for an indian-style picnic.

“This is my first picnic, you know.”

“You mean, since you came here?”

“No, it’s my first picnic ever.”

The look of utter surprise on her face was amusing, but at the same time sad. It highlights how different the lifestyles in 2 countries can be. After a week of rushing around, it is possible to be so tired that you don’t even have the energy to plan outings like these to relax. Why do we work so hard?

Another story to digress – This is Sally, she was found by her current owner abandoned outside the Salvation Army, with mites and scabs all over. I wanted to cry listening to her story. Am so happy she has found a good home, with 2 other pugs to enjoy the sun and grass with.

Taking time to soak in the spring sun, walk along nature’s trails, listen to the call of the birds, talking to friendly strangers to learn their stories – ingredients for a wonderful morning. Again I can’t help but wonder – why do we work so hard, rush so much, live so little?

Auburn Botanic Gardens Part 2

Had to pay admission fee to go in. So of course the cheapo in me had to take as many pictures as possible to make it worthwhile…

Thank goodness for good sun and cloud that day!

Auburn Botanic Gardens Part I