Is Age Just a Number on a Piece of Paper?

Is Age Just a Number of a Piece of Paper?

The other morning as I reclined back in bed with a steaming cup of tea, I let my thoughts wander freely.

I was thinking about age and about how, like many boomers, I really don't feel my age.

Earlier in the year when I was in Asia, I mixed with people a few decades my junior and the communication was seamless so unless I am confronted with age, I don't think about it much. In fact, I'm of the view that it's more about attitude than a number. Only the mirror tells me otherwise....and occasionally the attitude or comments of others.

The day was inclement and still in my philosophical space I wandered down the road to see the hyped movie of the moment "The Duchess". When I finally reached the front of the queue I was amazed to be charged $12.50 for the ticket. It seemed cheap but since this was the first movie I've seen since arriving in Sydney, I had no benchmark and accepted the price. I took my seat and for some reason I looked at the ticket and was shocked.....it was for a senior citizen! Oh my did that slash through my philosophical "I don't feel my age" moment of earlier. As an aside, does Kiera Knightley have only one expressions for pain or humiliation (of which there were many opportunities) - that of someone about to throw up! It was quite off-putting.

This past weekend I had another first for this trip - the walk from Bronte to Bondi Beach. Before going to Bronte I stopped by the old Victorian Cemetery at Waverley. It was there I spotted the magnificent marble monument of Alexander MacKenzie who was tragically killed by a stagecoach in 1884. He was just 54 years of age. He has a marvellous resting place.

Just below the cemetery is Bronte Beach; a cafe lover's haven where I had my choice of ten or so cafes. I didn't notice the name of the one I'd selected until after ordering - The Bogey-Hole Cafe. Is this a reference to golf or something altogether too disgusting to think about when waiting for food?

Back on the track, the very pretty walk hugs the coastline and dips in and out of alluring beaches. Interesting rock features abound. On a previous visit I walked from Coogee to Bondi Beach with my friend Ross. We thoroughly enjoyed it. It was hot that day and unfortunately we were under time pressure so couldn't stop for long anywhere. This time though I was able to take as long as I liked.

So, after sustenance at Bronte, the Tamarama Beach Cafe beckoned me. Tamarama Beach has been nicknamed Glamourama because of the beautiful people who frequent it but this day they were obviously enjoying a champagne breakfast elsewhere. This pocket sized beach has a couple of volleyball courts marked out and some fit enthusiastic foursomes played competitively.

As I sat there on the edge of the beach, relishing my excellent long black and enjoying the spectacle before me, I contemplated the world yet again. I felt no desire to swap places with the energetic foursomes. Would my feelings about swapping, I mused, be any different a few decades or so earlier....during the time I sauntered around in short short skirts? ....I doubt it. I like this stage of my life.

I'm enjoying.......exploring new places. I've been getting off the bus a few stops before the Uni and wandering around Randwick.

Taste sensation.........gorgeous rock melon.

I'm reading what book?.......A Parrot in the Pepper Tree by Chris Stewart. He's the author of Driving over Lemons which is a best seller about setting up an organic farmlet in Spain. It's great.

I'm surprised........over a news report stating Australian's have about 50-60% of their wealth in superannuation. Oh my...wouldn't kiwis love to be in that position?

Very special.......one of the lovely ladies at work gave me a CD the other day. It's Gunyah by John Williamson. She gave it to me because of the song about Emu's and Kiwi's. The lyrics go something like "the Emu's and the Kiwis stick together like glue - when tempers fray on a summers night if you pick on one you pick on two....the Kiwi's and the Emu". It's lovely and all the more special because Maria gave it to me.

The Plan Continues - Sydney

The Plan Continues – Sydney

I’ve been here in Sydney for about six weeks now and loving it. Of course living in Bondi is such a cliché for a kiwi but it’s fantastic for me as I am a few minutes away from the massive Westfield shopping centre, quick access to beaches (Bronte and Bondi) and a short bus ride to work. The city is just ten minutes away by train.

I hear a little talk of a recession and tough times but on the weekend the Mall is jam packed with people. Just before opening time at 10am people are standing around waiting to get in. The people buying at Harvey Norman’s or Dick Smith’s don’t seem to think there is a problem – and the stores are always full.

I’m enjoying my job at the University too. I’m writing and getting paid for it! It’s extremely interesting work too. Of course me being me, I completely altered the content, look and feel of their policies so it was a nail biting time while I waited to see their reaction to the first few. Thankfully they really like my approach. Even so, I must say that after nine months of such delicious freedom it has been rather challenging for me to work an eight hour day.

That said, I really don’t think I could have written a better script for myself! Oh…perhaps if I was able to report that I was sailing regularly in these beautiful waters around here that would be an even better outcome. That remains elusive so it’s obviously not my time to be out on the water.

What is definitely panning out for me though is leaving a regular job to replace it with something much more elastic and tenuous. I like the “possibility” that comes with this type of life. Even though I was extremely scared at the time, I am so glad I took this punt and that it is working out for me right now.

I’ve had many visitors too and it’s been great to spend some time with them in this vibrant city.

Last weekend Suzanne was over and so we took a ferry trip. She owns a leather handbag manufacturing company and is starting a blog about a wandering bag so I helped out by holding it up in odd places to capture some photos for her to use. The people around us thought we were crazy but we had fun.

I loved the bag so much that I bought it off her and now it will have different adventures! It’s one of those perfect bags with special spaces for everything I need. Once, after deciding I was carrying around too much "stuff", I bought a small handbag. The theory being I would just ration what I carried around with me. It didn't work for me! I frequently had to leave the zip open or carry important things in my hand. I was so relieved once I realised my "small handbag experience" wasn't working and I could be true to myself with a larger version. My new bag is large and it kinda reminds me of my old schoolbag - except this is a beautiful and very pleasing colour - one that will complement most of my clothes. Here’s Suzanne's website featuring some other bags - www.konev.co.nz.

My plan is to work here until March or April next year then pick up where I left off and travel to Eastern Europe for a few months and then repeat the work/travel cycle. I am keen to continue doing this for as long as I can as I have many more places I want to explore. It’s a beaut existence.

I’m loving…..Living the dream. It’s wonderful that I have been able to arrive in a country and have my skills highly valued, and so very quickly.

I’m reading…...Lonely Planet Eastern Europe book to research the next travel segment.

Taste sensation……Yummmmm….where do I start? Raisin toast, cherry tarts, eating divine cherries and strawberries (in September!); anything from the roast nut stands. Add to this list Greek style fetta and yoghurt and Portuguese tarts (custard nestled in a light crispy filo style pastry). Of course all of the “bad” things are taken in moderation!

Good restaurant…..The Bondi Social Club – very well presented tapas style food. If you get a terrace table the view over the beach is excellent. The toilets are not recommended though!

Best Coffee……A little erratic but coffee from one of the Uni’s cafes is pretty good. The coffees quite good just down the road from me at the Curious Cat – yes complete with a cat that pays rent for the best and sunniest spot.

I’m missing……the Friday afternoon drinks and nibbles after work. Hey…here we even get to buy our own supplies of tea and coffee so as you can imagine I will NEVER be offered a glass of wine to finish up a week. Besides…I think it’s probably not allowed……I must check (or write) a policy!
Speaking of wine I am also missing not being able to buy it at the supermarket. Buying it at a bottle shop almost feels like a criminal activity.

In the newspapers…..heaps on politics. When Sarah Palin was announced as McCain’s running mate there was page after page after page on them. There’s been lots of upheaval here in state and federal politics and so that dominates at the moment.

I’m disappointed…….(extremely) to see that even when the Australian netball team won against NZ that they rated a few centimeters in the papers. When there was some big jock sports awards the wife’s/partners of the jocks got huge coverage – for their dresses, legs and cleavage!

I’m extremely excited….to be going to Melbourne in a couple of weeks time to see a NZ/Australia netball match. Bring it on!!!

First Impressions of Vientiane

First Impressions of Vientiane
Laos

Well….maybe not quite my first impressions since I have already enjoyed several nights here but I’ve flicked back through my diary and I note that I loved this city from the minute I got here.

Those of you who have been closely following my journey will note that when I left New Zealand, I had no intention of visiting Laos. But, several favourable comments from people en route, and I decided to visit here. And....I am glad I have.

It is considerably more laid back than any of the other places I’ve visited on this trip. Even going through the usual entry requirements; obtaining a visa (easy) and going through customs (waved through even though I’d mislaid my customs declaration), jostling for position to pick up the bags off the conveyer belt (it was waiting for me) was the quickest I’ve ever experienced. I was in a taxi cruising towards the capital of Laos inside 50 minutes from touch down.

Even the tuk tuk drivers are relaxed. One driver politely calls out to ask if I want a ride, and when I say “no thanks” I get the feeling they’re relieved because it saves them the effort of rousing themselves from their stupor. They can then go back and snooze (some even have hammocks strung up in the back) or carry on chatting to their mates. If I say “no” to one, you can be sure his colleague next door hears my reply and he’s certainly not going to bother asking. It’s very refreshing.

The official currency is the kip and this is most frequently quoted but the price could also be in US dollars or Baht so I need to keep my wits about me. However, in my dealings, I have found them to be scrupulously honest. It’s a weird thing entering a withdrawal at the ATM for 700,000 kip (the maximum) but it converts to just under USD100 so it doesn’t last very long, especially considering the great shopping opportunities.

Good buys are clothes – tailor made or off the shelf, jade, silver and interesting jewelry, some of it superb. Silk here is beautiful and plentiful although it appears more expensive than Cambodia. Locally grown coffee is plentiful too. So far all of the coffee I’ve seen is organic, fair trade and very very tasty. It would do well in NZ.

I bought some things at the market the other day and after receiving my cash, the proprietor tapped the kip around several piles of goods she had for sale. She said that my sale was the first of the day and her actions would bring her good luck for the day. These same actions were repeated with my second and third transactions. Bargaining is quick and a satisfactory price is reached very quickly.

Beer is cheap at about $1 or sometimes less. I had one sitting on the bank of the Mekong, looking across at Thailand while I watched the dipping sun turn a glorious red. Actually, sitting on the bank isn't quite what I thought it would be as there is a huge mud flat and the water can be seen in the distance. I guess once the monsoon season comes it will be more spectacular from this side. My guide book says at one part, in southern Laos, the river is around 14kms wide in the wet season! Now to see that would be amazing.

Much of the food is cheap too. This morning’s breakfast was under $3 for an excellent cappuccino served in a mug, a warmed croissant and a fresh fruit salad.

The French influence is strong here and very noticeable in the food. A couple of nights ago I had Lamb Shanks in an orange flavoured sauce accompanied by tasty vegetables and that was very pricey. But they were NZ Lamb Shanks so how could I resist? For my food and two very nice glasses of Italian red wine the bill was $19. That’s the most I’ve paid for a meal this trip and it was worth every cent (not that they have coins here!)

I heard the other day the temperature here reached 41 degrees and most days it is hot but it feels a little cooler than Cambodia. Last night there was a massive storm with shafts of lightning streaking across and brightening the dark night sky. The rain pounded the roof tops but even that hasn’t cooled the temperatures.

My hotel is very central and I can walk to the river, nearby markets (which are excellent), cafes shops and several attractions. It feels very safe and this central area is well lit at night too. The police presence is very noticeable. During the last few days of March there was a meeting of the heads of the Mekong Nations and so flash cars raced around the streets lead and tailed by legions of police. They refer to the six Mekong nations of China, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand – but not the source - Tibet.

I walked to the Patuxai monument the other morning and climbed to the top. It’s said to resemble the Arc de Triomphe. I can just see this, the most prominent monument in the city, from my hotel window. It has four archways rather than the two of its Paris namesake and saying it resembles the Parisian landmark is a stretch. However, what I found funny is the story surrounding its construction in the 1960’s. The US gave the Lao’s the cement to build a new airport but, instead they built this monument! Oh…I’ve just read that taking photographs is banned from the top. What a silly idea - I’m glad I didn’t know about that little “rule”….besides….there was no-one else up there to see me take the attached photo.




I’m missing………….good company.

Taste sensation……….aside from the Lamb Shanks, today I had a warm mulberry pie from JoMa. I’ve never eaten mulberries before and in this pie they were delicious. The tasty generous filling looked rather like boysenberry and had a similar flavour.

I’m reading…………Consuming Passions by Freda Bright. It’s an easy read with the usual “can’t put down” themes of sex, betrayal, ambition and money. I love curling up with my book in the middle of the day to escape the heat in some air conditioned room.

Traveler’s Love…….Royal D – a beaut re-hydration mix with good things for the body.

Best Coffee….YES…I can report on excellent coffee – two of my favourites are the Scandinavian Bakery (they have their first payment of kip framed on the wall) and JoMa Bakery Café. Throughout my trip, I haven’t been able to get a long black though. Americano just doesn’t do it for me as I find the taste too insipid. So I take either cappuccino or espresso and so far in Laos they have been superb. Being organic and fair trade is a wonderful “feel good” bonus.

I’m loving……..the way each day slips by without too much effort and ever so pleasantly.

Some of my Favourite Travel Books

I love armchair travel books. I find how and why other people change their lifestyle and how serendipity, if recognized and accepted, can alter and enrich the travel experience. Here are some of the books I’ve found inspiring, and/or have enjoyed reading.

Tales of a Female Nomad
Rita Golden Gelman

As the American author says of her life – it was a continuous round of “elegant restaurants, interesting people, and events like the Academy Awards and the Grammies. My husband of twenty-four years and I dine with celebrities we see the latest movies before the rest of the world, and we’re invited to all the book parties in Los Angeles”.

But she felt hollow. Life for Rita was, on the outside, exhilarating, perhaps even one others might want to emulate, but she felt like she was living someone else’s life.

After a short break from the marriage, her husband suggested they spend longer apart. During this interval Rita traveled to Mexico relishing the freedom and change of conditions she experienced when living with the locals. When it became clear that the marriage was over, rather than wallowing in self pity, she did a quick stock-take of her finances and her desires and began life as a nomad.

During her travels, she lived (and has written about) life in Mexico the Galapagos Islands, Bali, New Guinea, Israel and Nicaragua, Thailand and my home country of New Zealand. In Bali she lived in a palace but more commonly she lived like the locals.

Throughout her delightful book she demonstrates a “can do attitude”.

Her website http://www.ritagoldengelman.com/ notes that Tales of a Female Nomad has sold over 100,000 copies. Her site also has other useful travel tips.

I love this quote from her book “I’m not running away. I’m running toward….toward adventure, toward discovery, toward diversity.” What a great philosophy.

A must read for anyone contemplating solo travel.

Ted Simon
Jupiters Travels

Jupiter’s Travels is an astonishing and inspiring book and was one of the very first travel narratives I read soon after it was first published in 1979.

Ted chronicles his motorcycle travels around the world – a journey which took around four years. A meticulous recorder of detail he notes that the journey was 60,647 road miles and he undertook a further 17,655 miles by seal, rail and ferry.

A solid read, the book is packed with marvelous anecdotes. The wonderful understated sense of humor of the English shines throughout as he discusses places and people with keen perception. Although he has an impressive grasp of detail and observation, Simon does not allow it to slow the story down. Instead, it carries the reader along on the trip.

Ted began his first journey at age 46 and amazingly at age 70 he repeated the trip and itinerary. His website www.jupitalia.com has details of the second trip, his new book, photographs, details of the equipment he took, including panniers in which he packed all of his needs for the trip and more.

A great read even for those not contemplating travel on two wheels.


Without Reservations
By Alice Steinbach

When Alice took six months leave of absence from her job as a journalist, she wanted to use the time for “comfort “travel. She had fallen into the habit of many of us - that of being defined by other people – behaving in the way others expected of her. Instead, she wanted to live in the moment and satisfy her longing for new experiences.

In January 1993 she left the United States for Paris, a city she knew, having spent some time there as a wife and mother of young children. In Without Reservations she has chapters on her time in London and Florence. Alice has an amazing ability to turn casual encounters into friendships and these serendipitous events make for enlightening vignettes.

By the time Alice wrote her next travel book (Educating Alice) she had resigned her job with plans to travel the world as a casual student taking courses of interest to her – and these courses are eclectic.

In Educating Alice the author, explores more of her interests and it opens with anecdotes from her attendance at a cooking class at the Ritz in Paris. In Prague she appreciates the importance of sensible shoes to walk along the cobbles to the ancient castle, puts on dancing shoes for a session in Kyoto with a geisha and finds secret gardens in the city she adores – Paris. Cuba features too with an extraordinary tale of a dinner and fashion show where the clothes are all in white. A chance encounter with a teacher who extends an invitation to visit her home gives Alice the opportunity to glimpse a life far removed from the usual tourist experiences.

Another chance encounter with a Japanese man, Naohiro, (he was introduced in her first book Without Reservations) ignites a beautiful friendship and Alice’s vignettes of their snatched time together are sprinkled throughout the two books. These glimpses into a smoldering relationship conducted long distance are pure gold.

Her keen eye for detail does not hinder her writing. Like a fine jeweler, Alice crafts her words with care; less is more and anything not advancing the narrative is removed.

Alice’s books are treats to be savored and I want more.




Buying a property in France or Italy is the subject of a number of books. Each author has their own twist on a common theme - visit the country, fall in love with a local man, the location, a property, or any combination....




1. Mary Moody
Author of a Trilogy: Last Tango in Toulouse: Au Revoir (Running Away from Home at Fifty); and Long Hot Summer

Australian broadcaster, author, keen gardener, cook and raconteur, Mary Moody escaped her life (husband, family, job and home) for six months in France, alone. Mary has a knack of making anywhere she rests her head like home complete with friends (locals or numerous visitors from home), lots of laughter and good conversation. Tables groan with interesting food and the way Mary writes about numerous long lunches and dinners she hosted or visited in rural France had me salivating. I often felt as though there was a place set at the table waiting for me - all I had to do was arrive, relax and imbibe.

Mary falls in love with the food, the people and the place and her first six months in the country becomes a tempter. You get the sense she will repeat the experience which she does. On a subsequent trip, after an extensive search, (and false starts) she eventually locates a suitable property to buy in the Lot region (2 hours drive inland from Bordeaux), so begins another tale – that of its restoration.

Mary’s books are a gentle and amusing romp. They are easily digestible. Her honesty in the way she handles this tumultuous change in life and relationships is refreshing.

Her website http://www.marymoody.com.au/ details her many books, tours and more. After reading about the trials and tribulations synonymous with renovations in a country far from home, and with different and unexpected issues, it is a treat to see photographs of her completed home. Her web site also gives details of how to reserve her retreat in France.


2. Marlena de Blasi
A Thousand Days in Venice

Marlena’s Italian story is a gentle tale of unfolding love. Love of the country, the food and lifestyle and love of the man – a Venetian banker named Fernando. A Thousand Days in Venice is one of the classic “across a crowded room, I know he is THE ONE” stories. The story of how the two met would be a great plot for a romance novel, but no, this is real life!

Marlena’s records how she left her life in America, packed up her treasures and transplanted herself into Fernando’s life to share his apartment and country. His home is long overdue for renovation and a woman’s touch. Whereas he loves to live very simply and doesn’t “see” the issues with his existing home, she is used to sumptuous surroundings. This conflict forms the basis for some interesting negotiations between them as Marlena persuades him, successfully, to transform his home.

Before she left America, Marlena was a chef and food writer so her Italian adventure provides a wonderful canvas for her loves which she shares (including several recipes) with us.

A deliciously warm, true story of how romance has the power to surprise and transform.



The Reluctant Mariner
Joanna Hackett

Just how reluctant Joanna is to participate in her husbands dream is made crystal clear in the opening paragraph of the book. Joanna cannot sail and is a confirmed landlubber. This is a classic “feel the fear and do it anyway” story.

Her husband wants to undertake a round the world journey and on a yacht! So after some sailing lessons, all too soon, the big adventure begins - to circumnavigate the globe on a 12 metre yacht. During this journey as Joanna ventured further and further from shore, she adapted to shipboard life, overcoming many physical and psychological challenges, and it appeared that she had become a true “yachtie”. They visited 37 countries, sometimes leaving their boat on an anchorage to venture inland for several days.

Joanne writes with passion, and with the sense of humour so typical of those from the antipodean (Australia) part of the world. A wonderful book to curl up on a comfortable chair with, then admire how someone can overcome so much to participate in the dream of another.


Letters from the Med
Summer Cruising Under the Endless Sun
Andrea and Ian Treleaven

Andrea and Ian trip sounds leisurely and comfortable as they cruised the Mediterranean ports, marinas and bays of the rich and famous on board Cadiz, their 47 foot Beneteau. They are experienced yachties, (especially Ian who has done a lot of blue water sailing).

Letters from the Med was a welcome addition to my coffee table display. It is beautifully written and presented in “bite sized” pieces making it easy to read for anyone with a few minutes to spare.

An interesting addition, particularly for yachties, is a number of side bars of “Ian’s Cruising Notes” with gems for anyone thinking about taking a trip to these waters.

Although the book is effortless to read, it’s the stunning photography that tempts me to pick this lovely book up again and again. The couple’s trip was detailed in Andrea’s weekly newsletter to friends, later expanded to “Treleavens’ Travels” and published on the website http://www.sail-world.com/.

It will be enjoyed; I am sure, by landlubbers and anyone with a love of the water.