A Pause for Reflection

Brisbane Botanical Gardens is located right off the CBD on the Brisbane River. Lots of people just hang out and enjoy the fine winter day.

In the center of the park is a large fountain that was constructed in 1867 to provide the “first pure water for the visitors to the botanical garden.” The steps are worn, straight lines into arcs, by years of large and small feet, white and brown, seeking refreshment from the towering fountain. Does it whisper of segregation? It is silent for now no waters flow.

Sea Calm How still How strangely still The water is today It is not good For water To be still that way. -Langston Hughes 1902-1967

Where were you when the king of pop died?

I never imagined it would be such a big deal. I mean people die all the time, right? And as one of my facebook friends from America wrote, “He died a long time ago.” That’s her point of view.

But here, in Australia, there is a different take on his passing. It happened during the news shows in the morning and they all ran MJ reels and remembrances. Before they got newsfeeds from America I saw a newscaster pull a photo of Michael and him taken years ago right out of his briefcase. It was folded and faded, as the camera zoomed in he struggled talking about the day he met Michael.

By noon, the Gold Coast Bulletin put out a special collectors issue. At the Oasis Center on Broadbeach Michael's songs were being piped in over the intercom and in most of the stores. People I talked to all wanted to talk about it. “It was my mom’s first concert, she is home crying.” “I think it is sad that he had to die for us to realize how great he was.” And on … and on…and on…

Even when I think back to some of the very first conversations that I had in Australia they were about Michael Jackson. One person challenged me, “What do you think of him? Was he a …?” I remarked at the time it was a pretty strange conversation. It ended up pretty emotional and it was only about MJ. So what gives?

Well, I would say that a lot gives.

I was on the Gold Coast Australia the day that Michael Jackson died. And here it is a very big deal.

Let 'er rip

This afternoon was the first break from our winter storms. The light on the coast shifts low in the wintertime here at Surfers Paradise. The shadows of the high-rise buildings snake to the ocean as the crashing waves catch glimpses of the fading light. The tide was fast and hard.

There is talk of a king tide tonight, one of the highest tides of the winter. I can hear the waves ripping the beach right now.

Priceless: Gold Coast, AU

The weather may be a touch cool, but the Gold Coast, AU still offers the hottest deals. And some of the best are free. You just have to be at the right place at the right time. Full moon sunset on the Gold Coast was breath-taking as sight–seers from France, local fisherman, and surfers were treated to a heavy golden moon that slowly rose into the darkened sky, casting its moon glow reflection in the ocean. People have observed the moon since time began and despite reports of swine flu, uncertain financial conditions, and threat of global warming it still is a big draw. The face of the moon, defined by ancient craters and lava flows, continues to remind us of that which is greater than any of us. It is priceless. It is timeless. It is free.

If you are on the Gold Coast, head for the beaches for a truly exceptional experience. No matter where you are located check when the next full moon is in your area at http://www.timeanddate.com/ then search for moon phases.

Whales Cruising up Gold Coast

Head to the coast and watch the whales. The humpback whales migrate from Antarctica up the coast of Australia each winter. More than 10,000 humpback whales pass the Gold Coast, Australia, between June and the end of October. There are reports these numbers are on the rise. Last week-end a pair of beautiful humpback whales gracefully displayed a romantic dance that any So You Think You Can Dance contestant would envy. The whale watching boat pulled along the whales and matched their leisurely pace of 4 knots. The pair sensed our presence and paused for a bit to play a bit of under-the-boat-hide-and-seek with us. In unison, each blew a huge fount of water, flicked their tails, and disappeared for several minutes while all on board held their breaths and rushed from side-to-side of the boat, hoping to be the first one to see when the whales reappeared. And reappear they always did! With dramatic fashion they would surface, coming closer to the boat for a look-see at their new playmate. These sleek and well-fed whales soon tired of this game. Their attraction for each other was too strong. Playful and persistence once again they resumed their graceful dance, water spout to water spout, tail flap to tail flap they swam north to warm waters. And as in any great dance, the female occasionally showed her resistance by rolling her graceful body to the side, her snow white belly just beneath the water. But only for a moment, before she turned and they danced together again. Nearly an hour later, the boat pulled away and we said our silent farewells. All of us, seasoned and newbie whale watchers, were somehow changed by witnessing the migration of the great humpback whales.

Click here the whale-watching tour

Click Here to find out more about the Humpback Whale