First Australians

As explained previously, I've decided to hitch-hike back to Sydney, seeing where it takes me, what experiences I have.

Thursday 25th March,  2010: This morning I began my hitch-hiking, heading South out of Cairns to Innisfail (from where I'm presently writing this).

The first to pick me up were three Aborigines travelling together: Patrick, Colin and Bertha -- good people who were helpful and friendly. And generous -- when we stopped at a fuel station, Patrick bought and offered me a large bottle of bottled water -- to help with my hitching. A note to Bertha: I hope you find a more supportive environment for your children.

The second to give me a lift into Innisfail was David from Brisbane who is currently caring for his aged parents. We had a great conversation about scientists, poetry and the deeper frameworks of life. David's father, a leading CSIRO scientist in his day, also had poetry published in the U.K.

The conversation covered Zeno's Paradoxes and how modern scientists (particularly mathematicians) are basing their sciences (and equations) on assumptions that are proving untenable.  An end to an era, while a new one is beckoning to be born ...

All in all, an interesting day so far, but ... my lack of organization and forward planning in regards to being of help in local communities will likely see me back in Sydney quite soon, to re-engage more formal, structured business approaches. That is to say, I'll business-nanny businesses, but with more substantial preparations and resources.

Spontaneity balanced with structure has always been my main message, but exploring the more 'far out' dimensions to spontaneity doesn't always ensure productive or desired results.

Friday 26th March, lunch-time in Townsville

Last night I stayed with a Christian family, Nick the father having picked me up late, and offered me a place to stay. Good, generous, kind people. Despite our differences (in belief), I valued and appreciated their generosity and hospitality. An experience that has stayed in my mind, for many reasons. More on this soon (another post).

Saturday 27th March, 5.30pm in Airlie Beach: Just got into Airlie Beach after a very unusual chat with Bob, who gave me a lift from just South of Townsville into Airlie Beach.

Bob has some highly unusual views on life (regarding how we're all 'agents of commerce', and that each Australian has a government credit account that can be accessed to pay bills. As I said, highly interesting conversation. More details soon.

Sunday 28th March, 11.45 am, in Mackay.

Just had a lift from Kim, with whom I had a wonderful, and valuable conversation (from Airlie Beach to Mackay). He knew of someone similar who was doing similar work to my intentions and experiences regarding being a "small-business nanny" (for wont of a better phrase).

All in all, a very interesting and valued experience. Thank you, Kim.

Thursday 1st April, in Brisbane (7.00pm)

I had spent a few days exploring the idea of doing some business-nannying in Mackay, but due to lack of resources (no car with which to visit potential clients, or good office facilities), I decided it was best to move on.

Today hitched out of Mackay, getting a lift from Josh at 7.00 am who took me all the way to Caboolture, just North of Brisbane.

I had a good discussion with Josh, learning about working in the mines around Mackay. Despite a rough, or turbulent childhood, Josh was a generous, caring young man, who has a partner and two children. In appreciation for his help, I've offered my help as a mentor, or coach in regards to his goals. "One good turn deserves another" I explained to him.

Friday 2nd April, in Murwillumbah

I suppose it is ironic that on Good Friday, of all the cars to pass me by while I attempted to hitch from just South of Tweed Heads, I would be offered a lift not by a Christian person, but a non-Christian (Hare Krishna devotee, Jita).

As a result of Jita's generosity, I'm presently in the Seva Ashram in Murwillumbah -- and I've had a very rich, enjoyable experience. I've attended their sessions, enjoyed their fabulous vegetarian food, and come to understand in more detail the Hare Krisha faith.

As the Belief Doctor, I'll obviously stay alert to the beliefs by which they practice, but all in all, kind, generous, considerate folk. more soon.

Funny thing -- I could have flown home from Brisbane today, but while in the gardens of the Ashram in the afternoon, I watched a VirginBlue jet flow high overhead, thinking to myself that if I'd been on that I would have missed so much. So many interesting experiences missed by fast transport.

Saturday 3rd April, in Byron Bay (8.00 pm)

An amazing day, hitching, chatting with various people,  Many conversations, mostly about the deeper nature of life with people interested in such.

Currently waiting in Byron Bay town for Prakesh and Arthi for return ride to ISKCON in Murwillumbah.

Today, thanks to Arjuna (Andrew) -> Andrew (Film Gripper) -> David & Fay (on way back into Murwillumbah) -> Jhana (artist) -> Prakesh/Arthi + long chat with Zoov. more details soon.

Monday 5th April, Coffs Harbour (12.00pm)

Interesting chats this morning while hitching from ISKCON Ashram to Coffs.  Sincere thanks to Paul and Christine (Computers and Milliner) who gave me a lift from near the Ashram, then Mark the radiographer (I'll check on the detail of how much flight time equals a chest x-ray); Steven (okay, some similar beliefs, but mostly not in agreement), and Allan (security) who took me most of the way from just South of Bungalow to Coffs Harbour. All in all, an interesting morning.

Monday evening 5th (Sydney)

Sincere thanks to Anthony (Butcher) for the lift from Coffs to Nambucca Heads, and Dave (Mechanic, Parramatta), who gave me a long lift from Nambucca to Sydney.  Chatted at length with Dave about ideas, small-business processes and structures (S.M.A.R.T, Michael Gerber's E-Myth and similar). He'll do well, I sense.