I went to another Camino Meetup which was fun and connected with a friend from Box Hill who is now working at Deaken University and about to walk half the Camino from just past Burgos. It was a less formal meal and I met several new people. I always come home after and hunt out my diary to relive my experience. It does capture so much of the emotions and the sense of peace I gained. It also makes me hunger for another. I get a bit obsessed over it and now I am determined to walk the Camino Portuguese next year. I have purchased Brierley's guide and even done a quick foray into airfares. If I take the milk run I can probably get there for about $2,400. With the Aussie dollar hitting the bottom of the barrel it is going to cost more than last time. Who knows what might be the case next year? I just feel I can't put things off. Talking about it brings forth a real physical reaction that is so strong. All the talk about neuroplasticity and physical links seems to be evident in these feelings.
It is gratifying to be able to share my experience and walking wisdom with others. I don't feel so self indulgent.
Saturday night my friends came for dinner and to put up my shelves at long last. Nick gave them to me last year and I never had the time or skill to put them up. I am no handy woman when it comes to finer jobs and I don't like to bother people even though I know they are happy to help. My friend Tim is the ultimate tool man and is a perfectionist so the perfect person to assist. I cook a feast in reward. I also invited some new friends I have made through the gym and we all got on like a house on fire. I decided to go Thai and cooked up way too much but it was enjoyed by everyone. I hate not having enough and these guys are big eaters even though they are slim.
I was pretty wrecked on Sunday so really just mooches around when I could have worked on my lecture or the ALIA submissions. A girl needs a day of rest sometime.
I was supposed to have book club at my place on Monday but everyone who is here cancelled and the rest are all overseas. I had read the book and baked a cake and was looking forward to it. Anyway in the end it was a blessing to be having a quiet night at home. I had cancelled my art class too because it conflicts once a month. I was able to be part of the teleconference for ALIA that I had declined and felt I made a good contribution after losing momentum over the last few weeks. My conscience was eased of that guilt, my lecture was written and all was well with the world.
I have decided to embark on a photography course in October because I have two great cameras and I am near to useless with them. I have always wanted to get past point and shoot so this will be my chance. It will also improve my 'eye' for art too.
Even though I like my Monday art teacher I don't like acrylics so much and prefer pastels or watercolours and will concentrate on them in the future. This is what this year has been about too. Exploring new interests and trying to find the ones I love. I am also finally going to go back to learning French. I had a phone interview with a teacher from the Alliance Francaise which was to ascertain my skill level. I was a bit nervous because I haven't done any French since last year. I managed with many grammatical errors to speak and converse for over 10 minutes! I understood everything she said so she judged I was beyond basic level. I was quite chuffed in the end. Some people do crosswords, I will do languages to exercise my grey matter. Now to fit in line dancing too!
Walking two Caminos hasn't tamed my busy gene quite yet but the declutter urge is still strong and I am shedding clothes and things to simplify as an ongoing activity.
When I reread this diary of the year after my Camino and travels I hope it will reveal some reflective themes.
Today I took Ziggy with me to the podiatrist because I could not see me getting there any other day. It meant we had an explore at The Chase Forest Hill which I discovered was well set up for Mums and kids
It has free trolleycars for children to make getting around with junior less painful, a really nice mother and babies room with small play zone ( presumably for breastfeeding mums with older kids) and a toilet with junior size and adult size side by side. After the podiatrist we detoured to Hays Paddock Kew for a play. Lots of dogs to pat and deep muddy puddles to explore. He has realised jumping in the puddles make you wet and he doesn't like that. However walking through them is irresistible.
I always feel it does him the world of good to get away into the natural landscape to see ducks and dogs and birds and lots of trees. We bought home some Golden Wattle sprays as a homage to Spring.
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