Tag: LIfe

My First Australian Home, Newcastle

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My first Australian home, Newcastle. When I pulled up on my motorbike, just before Christmas 2000, I would never have believed what an impact this place would have on my life. Damo & Nick, Mel & Shell, Courtney & Tina, Cam & Mat & Kate. Names that bring back some of the best memories of my life. Please don’t be offended if your name is not on that list, there were too many amazing people to list them all.

It is incredible how random choices can affect our lives. Staying at the Newcastle YHA (Youth Hostels Association) was the first random choice I made, which seemed to then lead to a chain of happy events in my life. My planned three month trip took on a new dimension here and turned into a major part of my life. That part of my life, in turn, led to where I am now, happily living in the Czech Republic with my Czech wife and children.

Newcastle is known as an industrial city with a large port which exports coal and has very busy shipping lanes. Maybe that doesn’t sound so attractive but, believe me, that is only one small part of the city. And it makes for a very memorable sight; watching surfers lined up waiting for the next wave as tankers bob in the ocean.

But there is far more than that to the place. It has great, clean beaches which seem to be unaffected by industry. Only a short trip to Port Stephens(pictured) to do some whale watching. Like most big cities, there are different areas to suit different tastes. Some are historical, with beautiful houses from another era. Some are gastronomic, with a wide variety of cuisines on offer. And some are artistic, with a rich and varied music scene.

The hostel itself will forever hold a place in my heart. Most of the people have, of course, moved on. But not all, Damo(Damian) Parkhouse is still the manager and, I am sure, still the beating heart of the hostel.

When I think back I remember the backpacker nights at the local pubs. Free sausage sangas(sandwiches) and a beer, given in the vague hope that you would by more. But did any of us impoverished backpackers ever buy another? I really can’t recall. Pizza nights, $5 “All You Can Eat”. Thank goodness the girls had small appetites! Weekly trips with the gang to the video shop, yes it was that long ago, to select the next week’s entertainment. Evenings watching the Simpsons with friends.

It is, of course, always the people that make for a truly magical experience and this was no exception. When I think back about those people, the first thoughts that come to my mind are. Borrowing books from, and playing lawn bowls over a beer with Damo. The ever patient Nick, trying his best to teach me to surf. Mel’s smile and Shell’s voice. The crazy Canadian girls Courtney and Tina. The very cool and funny American surfer dudes Cam and Mat. And Mat’s eventual wife the happy, smiling Aussie Kate.

But weren’t we all happy and smiling then. Young(ish), on the holiday of a life time. What wasn’t there to smile about?

Text © Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish

Image courtesy of http://freeaussiestock.com

Australia

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I am a Welshman, but I was lucky enough to live in Australia for over four years. I met some of the best people I have ever known during that time. Some were Australian, but others were fellow travellers from all over the world. Like-minded people from as far afield as North America and Asia, as well as from all over Europe. There was even one very important Czech lady, who would become my wife.

In the future, I am planning on writing about my experiences in the Land Down Under in more detail. But to start with, here are the first things that come to mind, when I think of Australia.

Welcoming, active, smiling people; who say “G’day” to everyone, both friends and strangers alike. Sun-kissed landscapes that stimulate the senses. Skies stretching so far, they almost swallow the world. Skies, at night, so full of stars you truly feel your insignificance in the scheme of things.

Mates, pokies in the pub, Surf ‘n’ Turf and Beer and Oysters. Standing in the rain at the end of a long hot day.

A variety of wildlife that appears to be the invention of an overimaginative child. Everything seems so far, but you can often move from the city to the beaches in minutes. From beaches to rainforests or highlands within an hour. Then everything feels like it is around the corner.

I also think of one of the safest places on Earth. Where people will look after a stranger like they are their best mate. 

Text © Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish

Image courtesy of http://freeaussiestock.com

Fishing

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Fishing, someone once said that it is the contemplative man’s pastime. This is most certainly the case, as without a reflective mind it would surely be a mind numbing exercise. These days of course there is another kind of fisherman, one who can entertain himself with everything from his mobile phone to Netflix. There is nothing wrong with this if you are camped out next to a lake for a week. But if only fishing for a few hours I prefer peace, quiet and a cup of tea.

There is always so much to look at, how could one become bored? But the ideal that is in my mind, when I imagine a fishing trip, barely exists in reality. There are just too many people in this world who want a piece of the peace that I crave. So I must, somehow, adjust my mind to this reality so that I am not constantly disappointed with my lack of an ideal day. Or, perhaps, just go where there is less chance of catching. Is it better to look at a beautiful, peaceful scene with less chance of fish? Or a hectic pond bursting at the seams, with both fish and fishermen?

I know which I would choose, give me tranquility with just the least chance of a bite and I am more than content. I feel I am one with the world and able to feel the echoes of simpler times past.

Fishing

© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish

Gangsta Granny by David Walliams

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I love reading to my children at bedtime. From quite an early age I have been reading full length children’s books to them. Sometimes it might take a couple of months to finish a book, as my wife and I normally alternate reading between us, but the children are exposed to both Czech and English literature. I also think it helps to improve their memory and attention span, as they have to remember quite long, and sometimes complicated stories.

We started with some classics, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was the first. Then we read some Roald Dahl and recently we have been reading David Walliams. And I have to say I am a big fan. As with Dahl, sometimes his stories can be rude, with a typically British type of humour. For example, don’t be too surprised by the occasional fart joke.

But there is much more to his books than that, they can have a serious side too and often convey important messages. This book, Gangsta Grannie, is about a boy and his relationship with his Grandmother. It is a lovely story about how the boy, who originally thinks his Granny is boring, grows to love here. And it is especially important that he did get to know her, as nobody lives forever.

As you can imagine, there is an uncomfortable moment when you are reading a book to your children which involves death. But, I have to say, it is handled in a very delicate manner and is not dwelt upon. It just happens, people are sad but life goes on. My son, who is older, felt sad that Granny had died but enjoyed the book a great deal. And, maybe, he now understands that it is important to spend time with the people that love him, as they won’t be there forever. Thanks to David Walliams both my children have learnt a little more about life, both the good and the bad. 

© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish