Surreal

Thursday 16^th August

Maybe it’s because I have not travelled widely. But at times I have these surreal moments and it all seems a bit of a dream. I am brushing my teeth with Italian toothpaste, (remains of our recent trip) which reminds me that this time one month ago we were in stunning Tuscany, having just attended my son's wedding.  That’s all fine except we had just had an aboriginal  friend join us for dinner.  He came to give us knowledge of the aboriginal culture. He spoke of ancient customs, powers and secret women’s meetings. He  also spoke of hardships, conflicts and family feuds. He made us laugh with his wit and almost cry with the stories of ruined families, abusive, neglectful parents and abandoned children. He talked about politics and education, about the future of his culture and how difficult it is at times being aboriginal. His experiences with witch doctors and spirit encounters were alarming and left me shaken, but his gentle manner and warmth shone through and I felt privileged to have this new friend share my dinner table. He has not travelled far and yet he enlightened and enthralled me with his information.  It was just so far removed from Italy, that the extreme contrasts made me feel that I must have time travelled… However, I am certainly enjoying the differences.