Rest for the weary

What a wonderful change that first night in Broome was, compared, to the bed wrappings I had to endure the last 9 nites. My heart leaped for joy,when I arrived (classic case of adversity breeding appreciation) My room, at this big, hostel (think health club meets Motel 8), was a 6 person share, so there were 6 of us girls sharing a rather small space. It’s an interesting culture, this hostelling crowd. All ages, professions, nationalities coming together to co-exist under one roof, and the level of respect is still maintained. Most people even leave their valuables in the room, ..a very trusting nature for some, but of course, not for me. I come from the 'hood,' (ok, not 8-mile hood, but still was the hood) and my nature, isn't up for changing in this department. I had my camera, PDA, Ipod, and documents with me at all times - in the kitchen, tv room, toilet, shower,...
Broome, is the newest and most talked about travel destination in Australia. Its located at the tip of Western Oz, can get quiet hot in summer (40 cell) has a major pearl industry and one of the grandest stretch of beaches you will see anywhere. Unfortunately, the beach is wasted on me, as I neither swim in the ocean or tan - it was a wonderful place to have a cup of choc and read and write, however. I spent much of my time walking to/from the quaint town, they call China town, chatting with locals here/there, and just letting the days pass quietly. I met this delightful gal from Cannes, France and we spent a few hrs philosophizing about life (fav. pastime of mine) Isn’t it like life, to wait until the last moment. She, Deb, had been in my room since I arrived but with the comings/goings, we didn't finally converse until that last evening. That was a shame, as it would have been more enjoyable to have taken someone along to my cafe house trips.
I will say that all this travelling solo has done splendid things for my right and left brains. I now write often and have a greater interest in reading. TV is either inaccessible or with the 3 public and may I addlame channels they have here, it doesn't motivate me to watch, (unlike back home in the states). I'm also learning a foreign language called 'aussie outback'. A few words here for example are: (oz=americancano):fresh=cold, cozzie=bathing suite, dunnie=outhouse, icy-pole=popsicle, rellie=family relative, chewie=gum, 'yieaaa,nahhh,yieaaa' (fav.reply)
After 3 warm, refreshing days, I dusted the red earth off (and there was plenty of that, as the Western Oz outback is laden with iron ore rich red soil, their greatest export) and headed back to Perth, my 2nd fav. city (after Melbourne). This city has San Diego weather and an active enough city centre, not to induce boredom in this yank. I spent a few nights here, retracing old steps. I stayed at the Witch’s hat again, as I was aching to have my old quarters back, and settle in to a smaller, quainter hostel. For me, it seems far easier to meet others in these smaller spaces, than in the larger hostel. Then I was off to middle of Australia, the Red Center. the most isolating, driest place in Oz. I had 3 nites booked here and already I was wondering what on earth, I was going to do with all that time…