The Elephant Bean

Our refuge from the cold of the Blue Mountains.

 

 

 

Around Katoomba

Some views we will never tire of.

The Week Mum Came

This week, the mother has come to visit and I’ve had the pleasure of playing host and tour guide when we are out and about (Back on campus, she becomes the cooking and cleaning guru and I, the dutiful disciple). In anticipation of her visit, I cleared a large portion of essay-research and readings in the past week, leaving me free to become a tourist with her this week!

On Monday I brought her to Katoomba – my second time to Echo Point and The Three Sisters. Thinking it was going to be cold (remember my first experience!), we were decked out in thick clothing, only to meet the strongly shining sun and absence of winds…

Just one of the hilarious episodes we experienced here.

Overall, it’s been a good week. As much as I’ve enjoyed my solitude here, I’ve welcomed her company, and I am sad to see her return home.

But well, such is life!

Echo Point // Three Sisters

I suppose it is possible to form personal and intimate memories of a place, even if thousands, maybe even millions of people, may have been there before or after you. Even if everyone’s photographs end up looking more or less of the same – the same rocks from different angles. Even if everyone’s selfie is of the same scenery from different cameras.

Because what we bring to a place is as unique to begin with. The thoughts, life experiences and attitudes we each carry to a place are different from anyone else’s. This affects our outlook, the way we view things. This would explain why some people might say the scenes are “just rocks”, while others might stand and admire the beauty of nature’s formations over millions of years. Why some people might say a boat trip over an ancient river is “boring”, while others might stay silent and soak in the tranquility of the moment and surroundings.

So, I believe that the place can be unchanging, but each person’s experience can remain intimate and personal, to be stored within themselves, or to be shared with that special travel companion (which is why travel companions that share similar outlooks are also very important!).

I made this day trip alone, but I’ll be more than happy to revisit the Sisters again with my special travel companions 🙂

Another lesson learnt: Apply sunblock…

Katoomba Station

3336 Feet above sea level!

Lesson learnt: When embarking uphill, prepare more clothes than just a simple cardigan. The sun was shining strongly and brightly, but it did nothing to curb the chilly wind!

Nevertheless, I survived, and even made it to the famous Echo Point and Three Sisters.

For the next post!