I caught the train from Adelaide to Melbourne, it would take ten hours, and as I didn't have anyone sitting next to me on the train journey, it gave me time to be quiet, enjoy the changing scenery, have a siesta and prepare myself for the next leg of my journey.
I had booked my hotel in Melbourne,cannot remember which one, except it was close to the River Yarra. I just love being in a place that has a river running through it, makes it so special.
The following day I started to explore and found myself drawn to a very unusual building which I found out was the Shrine of Remembrance.
"This noble Shrine has been erected as a symbol of gratitude
to those who fought for us...They fought the secure to the world the blessings
of peace. It is for us to seek to repay their devotion by striving to preserve
that peace, and by caring for those who have been bereaved or afflicted by the
war." - Duke of Gloucester, dedication of the Shrine, 1934
I decided to go inside and was overwhelmed with emotion as I looked at books filled with names of the fallen in both the 1st and 2nd World wars. All of these names were someones son, husband, brother, father, uncle, nephew, my eyes filled with tears at the sorrow that surrounded each name.
I was then drawn to a statue of two men, one in the uniform of the 1st World war and one of the 2nd, it was 'Father and Son', by sculptor Ray Ewers.
They stood back to back, I instinctively placed my hand on the boot of one of them, and when I removed my hand I noticed how shiny the toe of the boot was, it was the same with the other statue. So many others had been drawn to do just as I had done, place our hands in gratitude, it is a very moving tribute and one that I have never forgotten.
By now I could hardly see with unshed tears and felt I had to leave, as I did I blundered into one of the guards, who on seeing my distress led me to a seat away from the crowds.
This wonderful man asked if I had anyone in there? I said no, but in a way we all have, haven't we?
He sat down beside me and chatted away, trying to take my mind off all that I had seen.
Once again I was touched at the kindness of strangers, and realised how, when I was travelling, I was more open to talking to people I didn't know and seemed perfectly happy to open up and share moments with them.
We chatted for a while then I told him that I was planning on visiting the Botanical Gardens, he took me to the edge of the steps to show me the direction in which I had to go. I thanked him for his kindness and without any embarrassment we had a big hug, which was difficult because he was so tall, then with a swift kiss on his cheek I made my way to the Gardens.
I have always found peace in nature, and so it was fortunate that I went to the Shrine of Remembrance first and the Botanical Gardens second! Still feeling in a sombre mood, my eyes were drawn upwards and I couldn't believe my eyes! Flying high above me were, at first glance a flock of birds, but I soon realised that these were fruit bats, or as they are known the Greyheaded Flying Fox, they weigh around 1.1kg and with a wingspan of over 1m.
I wasn't frightened of them, well not much, but I would have been had they swooped any lower, but they soon settled back on the trees, hanging down, wings folded. I started to giggle, I think it was a release of my emotions from visiting the Shrine, and also at the absolute joy of unexpectedly seeing these amazing creatures.
My two days just flew by and before long I was riding in a taxi to catch the ferry. It was an early departure, and Melbourne was just beginning to wake up, I love that time of day, seeing all the lights coming on in the houses, people getting ready for another day.
The taxi dropped me off and I made my way to where I thought the terminal was, and once again my sense of direction totally let me down! So there I was, two heavy suitcases, my overnight case, handbag, exhausted and lost! Once again my angels were looking after me, a man came along and asked me where the reception desk was, I explained that I had been unsuccessfully looking for it for some time. To my utter relief he told me to stay where I was, he would go and look and come back for me, which he did, I was so relieved and grateful.
Before long we were advised we could board the ferry, the crossing would take six hours, which gave me just enough time to meet some more entertaining and friendly people which made the time just speed past and before long we were docking in Tasmania to be greeted with sun filled blue skies. Collecting my cases I made my way to the coach that would be taking me to Launceston, excitement gripped me, Tasmania! Another country, more adventures and new beginnings.
Thank you for visiting.
Bess
Am almost recovered from a dreadful chest infection, so my plans for the book signings of Scarletina's Quest for Fairy Wings, the Earth Circle, has been put on hold, but hopefully will be organising that in the next week or so.
If you want to find out more about this endearing fairy Scarletina go to http://bessdrewsherret.ca
Publishers: www.friesenpress.com/bookstore
Bookstores: Amazon, Chapters, Barnes and Noble.
Follow me on Twitter: Bess Drew Sherret@FaeryWisdom
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