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Boris and I have run away for a break after all the family celebrations, visitors and festivities. We headed to Sydney and made the mistake of driving . . . what a nightmare the place is. Drivers are rude and aggressive, the signage is confusing, we bought our electronic tag to cross the bridge for which we are charged on a weekly basis - and how odd it seems not having a human being at the toll gates. Our three-old GPS device was totally bushed, kept telling us to turn right only to find a new block of flats instead of a road in our path. Everywhere are foreign faces, service people who don't speak English and an abrasiveness that made us feel we'd landed in a difficult foreign city. Well, compared to where we live I guess it is. Boris said he felt more at home finding his way around Hanoi. However he is having fun with his grandkids while I do a few meetings. So we've decided to have a week in the Blue Mountains.
The dose of the city maybe jolted me more than usual as I've been reading, writing and reflecting on the outback. I was especially touched by the article last weekend by terrific writer Nicolas Rothwell on Aboriginal singer Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu whose first solo album is capturing hearts around the world. He has the voice of an angel and perhaps by being blind since birth he "sees" and feels his country more deeply. While he sings in language - Yolngu of East Arnhem Land - the spirit of his songs resonates with everyone although has special meaning for his people who understand the story and culture within the songs. On my book tour when I was interviewed on radio and asked to choose a song I always asked them to play Gurrumul.
So here in the city I'm reminded of Banjo Paterson's "Clancy of the Overflow"
......And the hurrying people daunt me, and their pallid faces haunt me
Had a brief chat with the urbane general manager of The Observatory Hotel as we compared notes on the economic crisis. Patrick grew up in a grand English home yet younger brothers were expected to grow into their big brother's clothes and shoes, household items were repaired for years and food and money were never wasted. Lessons many could learn today.
So we are heading over the range seeking less rush, more hush and hopefully a vision splendid.
Cheers
Di’s latest book The Islands, published by Pan Macmillan, is now on sale.
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