Malin Westman: Looking Back

On the 4th of July Weldon Owen had a group outing.  We went to do the Spit Manly to walk, a 10 km long trail along the waterside. We all met up at 9:30 am at the Spit Bridge in Mosman. It was a sunny, warm and clear day. Everybody assured me that this is what Sydney winters "really are like", after weeks of pouring rain. The scenery varied from beaches and huge waterside homes to bushy, small trails with Aboriginal carvings in the rocks. A couple of hours later we reached Shelly Beach in Manly. A table was set up for us right on the beach filled with various salads, sandwiches, fruit, wine and, best of all, barbecued prawns.

The next weekend, I visited Bondi Beach, famous for good waves, plenty of surfers and attractive rescuers. It was a sunny day and it was warm enough to walk barefoot along the water. Although, not for a swim in the ocean. Only surfers in wetsuits stayed in. As I slowly wandered in the sand putting my hands in my pockets I accidently cut myself on my bus ticket. It wouldn't stop bleeding and wearing white started to be a problem. Luckily the life guard house was only a hundred meters away. I got a bandaid for my finger and was saved by the Bondi Rescue Team without having to be in the cold water. (Thanks to Sydney State Transit for your sharp edged bus tickets). 

As I was heading back to the bus stop along the main strip of shops, I suddenly realized that everyone was looking towards the water. I turned around and out there were two whales throwing their giant beautiful bodies above the surface. Everybody stood silent and dead still, even the surfers wouldn't move. Truly a magic moment.

Another magical moment I had was the chance to experience the Jenolan Caves up in the Blue Mountains. I had been expecting a small cave after a long bush hike. But the long hike was all inside the caves. Winding, narrow stairs going up and down in the caves which were covered with glittering crystals. It was amazing. The only thing missing was Edvard Grieg's The Hall of The Mountain King and a troll orchestra.

The real ambassadors in the GROW program are actually the people that take care of you as a visitor. They pick you up and take you places in their cars (thank you Todd, Karen, Tim).They take you out to delicious brunches and restaurants (thank you Trucie and Kathryn). They know how to make the most of a Thursday night (thank you Jasmine and Michelle). So, I thought it would be a nice idea to give something back. And my birthday was coming up so I had enough reasons for a party. Of course the theme had to be Swedish, doing my share of culture swapping. We ate Swedish meatballs, pancakes, toast skagen, chocolate balls and pepparkakor with gorgonzola. I think they liked it cause the plates were clean and empty at the end of the night. And they seemed to be quite content despite being forced to sing the swedish song Helan går. 25 Weldon Owen voices tuned in and pulled it off - twice! I was very impressed! Thank you Weldon Owen choir! And thank you all for making my trip such a great experience!

Slide show: Looking Back