Nature – Page 3 – neilhayeswrites

Awareness

February 11, 2017 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

Look, listen, touch, taste and think. Be aware and present. It’s easier said than done, but if we don’t try we will never get there. Presence is a problem for me, there are often too many thoughts competing for space.

The one time I truly feel present and aware is when I am out walking and photographing. Looking for details, of buildings, of nature, of life. And occasionally you see something intriguing which sparks your imagination.

What is that across the river? Is it art, or something else? Is it just an inlet, or a passage to another world? And, before you know it, maybe you can enter that world, in your imagination. And a story begins.

Read my short story here

Daily Prompt: Aware

Coffs Harbour, Australia

February 5, 2017 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

Located between Brisbane and Sydney, Coffs Harbour was my home for a few years. Having travelled through once, stayed for a few days and then moved on, I never would have thought that I would return and make it my home. My original impressions were that it was a pleasant, small town with beautiful nature. But I didn’t get to know it that well, it was too early in my trip and I was too keen to move on and discover more.

But return I did. I was staying in Newcastle when a job opportunity arose in Coffs Harbour. I remembered the town and jumped at the chance, I also needed the money. I worked and stayed at a backpackers hostel and got to know the town and its locals.

The town itself has, I believe, a perfect location. It is situated on the coast but backed by mountains which form part of the Great Dividing Range of Australia. So you live next to the beach but within thirty minutes you can be in the mountains looking at rainforest. And if you continue driving you will reach New England. With its rolling green hills and trout streams, you can see where it gets its name.

Coffs Harbour offers a lot for the traveller to do and experience. From visiting the rainforest to skydiving, swimming with dolphins or diving with sharks. For nine months of the year you can see whales breaching and jumping in the ocean. Or you can do many other activities with one of the companies offering fun and adventure. Liquid Assets is just one such company, and one I got to know well. Bob and Mal are top Aussies and always did their best for their customers. You could go whitewater rafting, surf rafting, sea kayaking or even do surfing lessons. So much to choose from.

My boss was another top bloke. Graeme made me welcome and dealt with everyone with fairness, an open heart and a smile. I have never been very good at expressing myself with spoken words, or the telephone, but I appreciate everything he did for me. If you read this Graeme, cheers for everything.

But the greatest memory of my time here has to be meeting my wife. I still remember standing outside the hostel, watching a gorgeous blonde walking across from the train station. I checked her in and starting planning how I could get to know her. We went for a bike ride and for a meal. After a long term and long distance relationship I moved to the Czech Republic. And the rest is history. Two kids and a happy life back in Europe, but it all started in sunny Coffs.

Text © Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish

Respect

January 25, 2017 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

Is it strange that one of my favourite places to go is a cemetery? But not just any cemetery. In Hradec Králové there is a cemetery, located in the forest, which is tranquil and beautiful. It is looked after so well it compares to any small park you could wish to visit. But, of course, it is not a park and you must remember this when you visit there.

Czech people take care of their family plots and graves to a very high standard. Most cemeteries are clean, well maintained, and have fresh flowers and candles lit. It is traditional, in most families, to visit and clean at least once per year. But, sometimes, it is even weekly.

Now, I am not a religious person. I believe once you are gone, you are gone. The Czechs too are a very atheistic people. So this tradition seems to be carried out for a different reason. Respect for family; for the past, the present, or for the future.

If you visit the forest cemetery you will see gravestones scattered amongst the trees, in a very natural setting. They are immaculate, even in winter. And, if you are very lucky and quiet, you may even see a deer peering around a trunk at you. Here is one place that, when you pass away, you really do return to mother nature.

Winter

January 24, 2017 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

Winter is back. In the Czech Republic, over the last few years, winter has not been what it was. The Czechs have been constantly complaining about it. They love to ski and skate, and so winters with no snow do not a happy Czech make. But this year has been different. We have had snow and constant temperatures below zero. So the snow is hanging around, and so is the ice.

I have to say that winter here always feels cold to me. Although it is much more pleasant to look out at a winter wonderland than at damp, grey streets. And if you get a chance to venture into the forest it is a magical time of year.

Now, being British, I am not a natural at winter sports. I did give cross-country skiing a try recently, but it was more like walking on skis, than actual skiing. It was an enjoyable experience but I am much happier on my own two feet.

Especially when I have my camera in hand, the walk home from work is just beautiful. I wish there was more wildlife visible, everything is hiding at the moment, but nature is still a wonder. Frozen paths and rivers. Footprints leading across those rivers, both human and animal. Frosted trees with icicles dangling from their branches, reflecting the sunshine like jewels.

While I am scraping the ice off my car in the morning winter seems like the worst. But once the world wakes up, including myself, it can become a wonder.

Australia

December 20, 2016 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

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.

Image courtesy of http://freeaussiestock.com