The Frog in the Washing Machine

I’m not sure if the frog that jumped out of the washing machine after it had finished its cycle was originally green, or had turned to grey because it had been very well-washed!!

Or whether the funny little noise during the night came from the little gecko who ran across my bedroom wall earlier in the evening.

When you live in a remote area of Australia, you are naturally confronted by various forms of animal life happily going about their business in their (mostly) natural environment (more about that in another post).

Fortunately for me, having spent time living in Alice Springs and in Nhulunbuy in the Gulf of Carpentaria  I am not too surprised by these little ‘quirks’ of nature.  However, I would certainly want to make sure I kept my distance from a large Goanna or even a small snake, both of which haven’t yet presented themselves, thank goodness.

But how is it here in Broome?  Are the sunsets as magical as the tourist brochures would have you believe?  And is the sand impossibly white and the sea the most amazing clear blue you have ever seen?

The answer of course is a resounding ‘yes’.

And for those shivering in their winter woolies in the south right now, Broome is the perfect balm for the senses, the absolute remedy to lift spirits from the doldrums.

This is obvious from the number of tourists walking the streets, sunning themselves on Cable Beach, shopping, eating and visiting the many tourist attractions here in Broome.

Chinatown Broome

Memorabilia inside the famous Sun Theatre Broome

However, I am not a tourist this time around.  So what is it really like, having recently re-located to Broome?  For some, it would be the stuff of nightmares; to drive from Melbourne to Broome would seem horrendous enough.

Even the gutzy granny admits to a few ‘moments’ when she questions her sanity (ha ha).

Having been introduced to a fairly itinerant lifestyle by my parents, I grew somewhat accustomed to the idea of not staying in one place too long.  I believe I used to talk about travelling to England to see my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins from a very early age.

And at age 20, despite a few misgivings, like being told by certain friends that I would likely be sold off to the white slave trade, or be destined for a place “on the shelf” when I eventually returned to NZ, I set off for the UK on a long sea voyage.

It was the best thing I ever did.

Whilst I haven’t exactly been chatting up strangers on every street corner in Broome, I have certainly introduced myself to several shop keepers and cafe bar owners.  Locals have also referred me to organisations such as the Broome Circle, a very friendly and welcoming community organisation that hosts newcomers’ get togethers and events and many interesting workshops and programs.

They also have a wide volunteer network which I plan to get involved with.

So while I sometimes might miss the companionship of work mates and friends in Melbourne, there really is no excuse to ever be lonely or complain of not having anything to do.  Past experience has taught me that.

For now, I’m on ‘Broome-time’, sailing along in my little boat, going with the flow …

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