Fili’s world

.

It is now clear to me that my long sit downs at the internet for 0.2$ an hour at the far east will not be continued through out my Australian journey as internet costs here reach 4-5$ per hour. So, it will usually be brief, if any.

Everything is so different here that I sometimes feel like I’m about to lose it. I’ve just read an email from one of my fellow world traveler who warned me of a culture shock by her own experience and I totally agree. It’s everything and everywhere, starting with the breathable air and the weather through appearances and money issues to the cultural differences.
I also remember another fellow traveler warning me 2 months ago about the “Asian beauty syndrome” which has now taken over me completely as I now realize that I prefer “checking out” Asian girls over the wide variety of Australian girls out here. Is the transformation that deep within? Will that change back in a few days? And this is only one small issue that amongst many others bringing up the biggest question of all - WHO AM I NOW?

Saying goodbye to Jessy was one of the hardest things I’ve done in a long time. She’s become such an important figure in my life that it feels strange not having her around now. It hurts thinking that I’m probably never going to meet te wonderful people I’ve met on this trip again.

Time with dad has been, how should we put it, ‘interesting’. It has something to do with that fact that it’s my dad, but it’s got more to do with actually traveling with someone, since I experience same difficulties when I hang out with Israeli Noa. Things are different, no doubt. I brace my self and prepare for an extensive use of my inner powers. “You can do it”, “You can pull this through” I keep telling my self in third person, maybe thinking that if it I’d pretend I’m somebody else then it’d be easier. Oh, let’s cut the crap - it’s better than I expected, it just takes time getting used to.

So, latest spoils are : VegiBar and the Melbourne Zoo with dad, Botanical Gardens and Crown center (watching gamblers) with Noa. The Felmans have continued to provide an amazing hospitality, regardless of my objections - riding me all over town (”No way you’re taking a taxi”) - inviting me out (”Forget it, they won’t take your shekels here” they joke) and inviting me and dad for the New Year’s (Rosh Ha-shana). And the weird thing is that they don’t even know me! Isn’t the Jewish world connection incredible? I haven’t seen anything like it in my life…

So much for being brief… Ah?

(Also, I’m so glad that a friend of mine - David - has made it out in the big tough world with his upcoming new CD and his amazing website that I’m going to post his link here, hoping he doesn’t mine. www.davidgreilsammer.com . Good luck, mate )

.