Back to Melbourne
Only a couple of days before I was heading to Reefton, a good friend from Austria had send me a message “Here is the phone number of a good friend from Austria who lives in Melbourne – in case you need help, you can contact her“. I gratefully added the contact number… not knowing that I would soon actually need it!
I left the next morning, leaving behind an annoyed host who didn’t seem to accept that I have basic needs too. Once I texted Gabi & Jo to ask if I could spend a couple of nights at their place to recover from the whole experience, I soon recieved a reply saying I was most welcome! How wonderful it is to have friends all around the world!
St. Kilda
Gabi and Jo welcomed me with a warmth that instantly make me feel at home, inviting me to share dinner and stories around their table. How wonderful it is to meet friends of frieds! The next day, I began exploring the neighbourhood – wandering through the streets of St. Kilda – a wonderful part of Melbourne right by at the sea. Strolling along the beach, I took in the atmosphere of the esplanade and walked out to St. Kilda’s Pier for ice cream.
With my feet in the sand and the cool, salty water washing over them, I began to feel grounded again.
Embracing the elements – the sea, the wind, the sun, and the sand – I found exactly what I needed: a quiet return to myself and a gentle restoration of my trust in humanity.
I also took care of some practical matters, such as organising my study visa for China. The immigration centre was located near to their house and suddenly everything began falling into place more smoothly than I could have imagined.
Melbourne, Australia’s sporting Capital
Albert Park left a lasting impression on me. There was still quiet a buzz in the air, traces of the Grand Prix lingering in the surroundings. I had just missed it! It was fun being able to walk in the middle of the street meanwhile a team of workers were collecting fences and other remnants. I continued my walk past Albert Lake and made my way back via Middle Park Beach until I reached West Beach Pavillion.
Drawn back into the city, I returned to Melbourne’s CBD. I felt at home in the State Library Victoria, where I translated and updated my CV. Back in St. Kilda, I found myself slowing down again, admiring the character of the quaint houses – elegant facades ardorned with intricate metal details, each house telling its own story. It could easily have been England or Ireland.
Workaway in Brunswick
My second chance for a “first Workaway experience” brought me this time to a family home in Brunswick. I arrived with curiosity and an open mind. Craving for some family-time. Quickly it revealed itself as another challenging place to land. Not all families are the same. I realised how blessed I am with mine!
The mum was going through a difficult period and struggled. The house carried that weight. It was chaotic and at times heavy with unspoken tension. She hardly slept and was triggered by all sorts of noises which affected my working schedules. This was no surprise as she had made it clear on the phone that she needed me to be flexible.
There wasn’t much of a sense of family life I had hoped for, yet beneath it all, they were good people – kind, human and simply trying to find their way through their own battles. My days settled into a solid rhythm of helping where I could.
I got used to the piles of laundry, stacks of dishes, clothes to sort through, or walking their cute little dog for a short escape into the fresh air. But more than anything, there were long, honest, intense talks with my host. I was glad for my NLP-Coaching knowledge – and grateful to be of help.
Melbourne, Australia’s cultural Capital
The good side of this “messy” place was that it gave me plenty of free time. I continued to explore yet unknown parts of Melbourne. Of course I had to visit the peaceful Royal Botanic Gardens, strolled among the quiet stories of the graves at the immense cementery, and spent some time in a nearby community garden.
I got to see the Potter Art Museum, paused at the Shrine of Remembrance and found myself among the buzz of a “Baker’s Dozen Event” at Fed Square. I also attended a Mass in Chinese and English at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
After almost two weeks, it was time to move on to my next Workaway. Even though it had been a challenging time, and very different from the family life I had hoped for, it felt hard to leave. I learned that every family has its own issues, problems, and sorrows. But in the end, we all want to be loved, heard and seen!
THANK YOU Mum & Dad – and also my brother and sister – for creating such a LOVING FAMILY!
I was reminded that it is, unfortunately, not something to be taken for granted.
